As the idea of the burning-out of the sun is based upon the theory that the sun formerly was larger than now and has been reduced to its present size by contraction—although we can in no manner detect that change—the theory may still be questionable. It seems more agreeable to believe there will be no limit to the sun’s bright radiance. Its unbounded flow of light throughout all the years of past time should give us assurance (until there is certain evidence to the contrary) that it is as capable of existence, and as able to resist the inroads of time, as the water in our oceans, the earth upon which we live, the air surrounding earth, and the ether above; all of which we feel exist and are preserved by the Powerful Hand and All-Seeing Eye of an Almighty Creator. It really matters little to us whether or not the sun is burning-out, for we could live, did that Creator so order, as well without as with it. There are creatures better adapted to the arctic seas than to the waters of the torrid zone; there are others that provide not for themselves but lie dormant through the cold winter months; there are birds and animals that see by night as well as by day; and our sight could as easily be adjusted for vision in one vibration per second as to make it dependent on 400 trillions of vibrations. Still our natures are such that what would be harmful in our present state we prefer should not happen even in the years to come; and so continue to believe in the sun’s endurance, although there may be some things that give credence to the idea that destruction will come to it in the future. We can understand that one ignorant of vaporization might sit at the foot of Niagara Falls and say, “Surely there cannot be water above to supply much longer this enormous, swiftly-flowing volume.” In a like manner we are unable with the sun 90,000,000 miles distant, to detect any diminution of its light or heat; and judging only of the condition it was in 2,000 years ago by its power of gravitation, and its hold upon the planet-worlds—as evidenced by the transits of Venus and the eclipses—we are led to believe that, wise as men are, they do not yet fully comprehend all the laws relating to this wonderful Solar Energy. FOOTNOTES: [17] Warren, “Recreations in Astronomy,” p. 94. [18] Ball, “In Starry Realms,” p. 21. [19] Ball, “In Starry Realms,” p. 230. [20] Warren, “Recreations in Astronomy,” p. 82. CHAPTER VIII. NEBULAE.