Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/109

 nation and elevation of the Sun in the Zodiack, by which it produceth diversity of Seasons, and inequality of dayes and nights, are finished in the Moon in a moneth; and whereas the Sun to us riseth and declineth so much, that from the greatest to the least altitude, there is a difference of almost 47 degrees, for so much is the distance from one to the other Tropick; this is in the Moon but ten degrees only, or little more; namely, as much as the greatest Latitudes of the Dragon on each side the Ecliptick. Now consider what effect the Sun would have in the torrid Zone, should it continually for fifteen dayes together beam forth its Rayes upon it; which without all question would destroy plants, herbs, and living creatures: and if it should chance that there were any production, it would be of herbs, plants, and creatures very different from those which are now there. Secondly, I verily believe that in the Moon there are no rains, for if Clouds should gather in any part thereof, as they do about the Earth, they would thereupon hide from our sight some of those things, which we with the Telescope behold in the Moon, and in a word, would some way or other change its Phænomenon, an effect which I could never by long and diligent observations discover; but alwayes beheld it in a even and pure serenity.

To this may be answered, either that there might be great mists, or that it might rain in the time of their night, that is, when the Sun doth not illuminate it.

If other passages did but assure us, that there were generations in it like to ours, and that there was onely wanting the concourse of rains, we might find out this, or some other temperament to serve instead thereof, as it happens in Egypt by the inundation of Nile: but not meeting with any accident, which corresponds with ours, of many that have been sought out for the production of the like effects, we need not trouble our selves to introduce one alone; and that also, not because we have certain observation of it, but for a bare non-repugnance that we find therein. Moreover, if I was demanded what my first apprehension, and pure natural reason dictated to me concerning the production of things like or unlike there above, I would alwayes reply, that they are most different, and to us altogether unimaginable, for so me thinks the riches of Nature, and the omnipotence of our Creator and Governour, do require.

I ever accounted extraordinary madnesse that of those, who would make humane comprehension the measure of what nature hath a power or knowledge to effect; whereas on the contrary there is not any the least effect in Nature, which can be fully understood by the most speculative wits in the world. This their so vain presumption of knowing all, can take beginning from no-