Page:Gods Glory in the Heavens.djvu/17

Rh of immortal spirits, emphasising the great redemptive act, and proclaiming that, in the estimate of heaven, there is nothing greater than the soul of man? The deeper we penetrate into the abyss of space, the more will we comprehend the significance of the inquiry, "What shall it profit a man, though he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Though the facts and deductions of astronomy sufficiently bring out the immensity of the universe, as contrasted with our world, still it is difficult to realise the truth; our thoughts will obstinately cling to our globe, and the images of grandeur will still be, our terrestrial seas and mountains. Let us, however, attempt to escape from the narrow confines of our globe, and see it, as others see it, from a different point of view. Let us take a nearer survey of other orbs and systems, and see what impressions they produce, as compared with that received from the platform of the earth.

But what vehicle can we avail ourselves of for our excursion? Must we be altogether dependent on the fairy wings of imagination, or can we derive aid from some less ethereal agencies? It was long the fond wish of man to soar above this terrestrial scene, and visit other planets. In the infancy of physical science, it was hoped that some discovery might be made that would enable us to emancipate ourselves from the bondage of gravity, and, at least, pay a