Page:Gods Glory in the Heavens.djvu/315

Rh is ultimately wrought out. It is easy to see how the stability would be destroyed in any one of the above ways. If the form were subject to an unlimited change in its dimensions, the circle might contract or expand, so that the planet might ultimately fall into the sun or fly off into space. The gradual change would be shewn in the length of the year, which varies with the length of the orbit, or major axis. Again, if there was no limit to the eccentricity, or if the limit was wide, the ellipse would become so narrow, and the earth would approach so near the sun, that every living thing would be destroyed. If the inclination of the orbit of the earth was not limited, as it is, it might ultimately coincide with the equator, and the distinctions of seasons would be obliterated. The conditions of life are so nicely adjusted to the present state of things, that any departure from stability, in reference to the above three points, would necessarily entail destruction upon the animal and vegetable world.

The admirable harmony and stability of the solar system, irresistibly force upon us the conviction of a superintending Intelligence. No random arrangement could secure the needful stability. We may conceive the bodies of the system arranged in innumerable ways, but only one very special arrangement would suit. We might conceive the planets moving in orbits of great eccentricity, but instead of this, they are all nearly circular. Were there no presiding