Transcriber's note:
Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
Archaic spelling and variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical error.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD AS FIRE;
THE
GLOBE WITHIN THE SUN
OUR HEAVEN.
REASONS FOR SUCH HYPOTHESIS FOUNDED UPON GOD'S
OWN REVELATIONS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
THROUGH THE LIGHTS OF ASTRONOMY.
BY
D. MORTIMORE, M. D.
PUBLISHED BY
F. C. COOK & CO., NEW YORK.
NEW YORK:
SHELDON & COMPANY, 498 & 500 BROADWAY.
1870.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by
D. MORTIMORE, M. D.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Western District of Tennessee.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PREFACE 7
THE THEME 13
THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL AND A FUTURE
STATE OF EXISTENCE 18
THE POSSIBILITY OF A MORE INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD; OUR RELATIONS TO HIM, AND OF A
FUTURE STATE OR PLACE OF HABITATION 28
THE CREATION 30
THE SUN, THE SOURCE OF LIGHT AND HEAT 33
WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD 35
THE DISCOVERIES OF THE MOTION OF THE EARTH
AND HEAVENLY BODIES 43
THE ROMISH CHURCH 51
GHASTLY REVELATIONS 61
ATTRACTION, GRAVITATION, &C. 73
SUNS, STARS, PLANETS, &C. 75
FIXED STARS ARE SUNS 89
A CONTEMPLATION 96
THE SUN,--AND GLOBE WITHIN 100
THE PLANETS OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM 108
GOD'S THRONE SHALL ENDURE FOREVER; SO ALSO
SHALL THE SUN. SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE FOR
ALL THAT WE CLAIM 118
SUN AND HEAVEN 141
A PLURALITY OF HEAVENS 145
A PLACE FOR THE WICKED 150
THE NATURE OF THE LIGHT OF THE HEAVENLY
WORLD 166
THAT HEAVENLY WORLD 169
THE DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITY OF THE CITY--THERE
IS ROOM FOR ALL, AND TO SPARE 175
THE NATIVE POPULATION OF THE HEAVENLY
WORLD 179
THE VAST NUMBERS OF THE ANGELS 183
AMAZING STRENGTH OF ANGELS 184
RAPIDITY OF MOVEMENT OF THE ANGELS 185
CERTAINTY OF A RESURRECTION 190
THE RESURRECTION 195
A SERIOUS CONTEMPLATION 201
THE FINAL JUDGMENT 205
A HOME IN HEAVEN 206
CONCLUSIVE AND CONCLUDING ARGUMENT 211
WILL ALL TAKE HEED? 215
APPEAL TO CHRISTIAN MINISTERS 218
APPEAL TO ALL 237
PREFACE.
In presenting this volume to the "intelligence of the world," the
author is fully aware of the incredulity with which it may meet in
many literary minds. Nevertheless, the truths which it contains will
remain unmarred by the salient attacks of "critics," when they have
passed away and have ceased to be remembered. Thus it has ever been
with the discovery of all great and important truths, from the
creation of man down to the present day. For more than eighteen
hundred years now past, the succession of a once prominent race have
disbelieved in the Messiahship of Christ. And even the Christian world
are still divided in their belief as to a Trinity in Unity.
Some three hundred years ago, the great and learned philosopher and
astronomer, Galileo, made an ascent in the empire of mind and science,
and promulgated immutable truths founded upon the laws of creation,
emanating from God himself; yet these were, for a time, disbelieved,
and, through the bigotry of a controlling Priesthood, he was even
forced to renounce them before a court of "Cardinals" of the Romish
Church, sitting as "_inquisitors against heretical depravity_" at the
city of Rome; and at the venerable age of seventy years, to accept the
sentence to a dungeon for life, in the "Inquisition;" and yet these
same truths have universally prevailed. So, also, are there
unbelievers to-day, in the existence of a God, and the immortality of
the soul--the truth of which all Christians, and even heathens,
believe.
We, therefore, feel that in advancing a new theory, especially one of
such magnitude and import, that we shall meet more or less opposition;
but we are willing to abide time's inevitable changes, in advancing
the mind to grasp and comprehend truths which God himself has revealed
for our contemplation. Still, we believe that there are many millions
who are now ready to comprehend and believe, and are only waiting for
a little additional light, or the grouping together of facts founded
on the revelations of God, and examined in the light of a true
science.
Philosophers and astronomers have advanced the idea of "a plurality of
suns, and a plurality of worlds," and have sustained this theory by
the most convincing evidence. This lays the foundation for a further
advance in the contemplation of the wonderful works of the Creator,
and justifies the hypothesis of a _plurality of heavens_; and we think
the revelations of God, and revelations through the science of
astronomy, will sustain the additional hypothesis that within what are
denominated "suns" there are vast globes or worlds, separate and apart
from the surrounding _photosphere of ethereal fire_, and that within
what we denominate our sun, _is our heaven_.
We have, therefore, penned the following pages with this impression
fixed in our mind, and send this volume forth to encounter the
enlightenment of the age, to be sifted and weighed in the _sieve_ and
_scale_ of intellect; and, relying on the Word of God and His
revelations to man, we feel satisfied that when the ordeal is past, we
shall still have remaining "full measure and weight."
In order to afford a more perfect comprehension of the "wonderful
works of God," and of His revelations to man, we have, necessarily,
availed ourselves largely of the results of the science of astronomy,
quoting the writings and conclusions of various eminent authors,
giving due credit therefor; and to them the author acknowledges his
indebtedness for statistical data and facts which could not otherwise
be obtained by any single individual. Grouping these together as
assistant lamps, we have relied, mainly, upon the Word of God, and His
revelations, as found recorded in the Bible, and evidences manifest in
perceptible and visible nature around us, while we trust that all we
have written will the more forcibly impress the mind with deep
humility, and with awe and reverence for the Great Jehovah, who
created all by the "Word of His power."
We have endeavored to avoid sectarian issues, as to Protestant
communities, throughout the world--save our own convictions of
immutable truth in regard to the true principles of Christianity, and
that salvation is offered alike freely to _all_, and that by due
repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, all may
come to the knowledge of His Truth, and "know the Lord, whom to know
aright is eternal life." And, believing as we do, that every soul is
held alike accountable to God alone--and in nowise to Pope, Bishops,
or Priests--there were historical facts connected with our subject,
which, we thought, justified our strictures on the Romish Church, and
these it may be well for Protestants to consider.
We, therefore, dedicate this volume to the
PROTESTANT WORLD,
and, while we acknowledge our inability to do the subject ample
justice; yet--hoping we have been made the humble instrument, under
the direction of Divine Providence, of opening up to the mind a new
field for profitable contemplation--we ask for it a candid perusal, in
the spirit of prayer and Christian leniency, commending all to a
careful consideration of the words of the _Psalmist_:
"By the word of the Lord were the Heavens made, and all the
hosts of them by the breath of his mouth.
"The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
sheweth His handy work.
"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they
shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord."
THE AUTHOR.
THE THEME.
The theme we are now about to contemplate is one of deepest interest
to the human mind. If we can fathom and unfold the mystery--as we
believe we shall--by analogy, founded in the light of _reason_, Divine
revelations, and the lights afforded us by the science of Astronomy,
and give tangibility to the--hitherto--chaos of the mind upon the
subject, we may lay the foundation for a more comprehensive and
intimate knowledge of God, the great Creator of all things, and this
knowledge should lead to more speedily Christianizing the world.
God has made himself manifest in everything, and to every individual.
Nature yields to this manifestation, yet does not comprehend it. Even
man, the human family--the only creatures of a high order of
intelligence placed by Him upon this earth--seem not to have risen to
that comprehension of knowledge to which they should attain from his
lessons of the Past, as well as those of the Present, and which
lessons are renewed unto us day by day.
Our principal theme is that of _the place of our future
existence--especially_ HEAVEN.
We approach the subject with fear and trembling, asking wisdom and
Divine aid of Him who hath said, "Seek and ye shall find," and of whom
it is written, "If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall
be given him."
We know that we cannot throw that flood-tide of light upon the subject
that the theme demands, yet we may be the humble instrument, under
direction of Divine Providence, to mark out a path through the
wilderness of doubt, along which may shine, or through which the "eye
of faith" may catch, a ray of light from the bright "celestial
throne," which may induce others--more able minds and giant
intellects--to step forth, wielding mightily "the sword of the
spirit," and open out to the mind a plainer path, as the "king's
highway," leading up to that celestial world, to glory and to God.
We believe that if a reasonable, tangible idea of the constant
presence of God with us prevailed, as also of the heavenly world, and
the glories that shall be revealed; the nature of the soul of man;
from whence derived; the certainty that it must endure forever; the
requirements of the law of God; the certainty of the judgment; who is
to be the judge; the certainty that no error can be committed in His
judgment; no influences can be brought to bear to defeat the ends of
justice; that the righteous shall be adjudged to the enjoyment of
happiness and eternal life; the wicked be "banished from the presence
of God, and from the glory of His power," "to dwell in everlasting
flame, and languish in eternal fire," and that this righteous judgment
will never be revoked, but stand immutable as God Himself--on and on
through all eternity--we say we believe if this could be fully
comprehended by finite minds, the time would not be distant "when all
_would_ come to a knowledge of the truth, and know the Lord, whom to
know aright is eternal life." This knowledge should not be sought
through fear alone, but mainly through love to God, and faith in His
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and from the delights we feel in our
consciousness of the constant presence of God--by His Spirit--with us;
stimulated by love to our fellow-men; love of all Nature around us;
love of the wonderful works of the creative power of the
Omnipotent--even the vast wonders of His creations throughout His own
native Empire.
May we not? Can we not know more of all this? We are not forbidden to
investigate, to found reason on His revelations. Nay, He hath said,
"search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and
these are they which testify of Me."
We do not propose the building of a "Tower" like unto that of _Babel_,
for He hath said, "not by _might_, but by my _Spirit_." Therefore, by
the manifestations of His Spirit, which becomes sufficiently
enlightening, when properly comprehended, we will endeavor to throw a
faint--if not a flood-light from that eternal world into the eye of
_faith_. And, if we cannot, like the martyr Stephen, "see Heaven
opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God," or
ascend to it with "Elijah in a chariot of flaming fire," we may, by
the mind's eye of faith, "see through the vail darkly," yet with
sufficient light to direct us, and guide our wandering footsteps in
the path that leads to that "bright clime," where the "glory of God"
is the light of that heavenly world.
Our theme necessarily leads us forth through trackless realms of
boundless space, where, with the mind's eye, we shall behold with
wonder and amazement some of the vast creations of the Omnipotent
power of God; such as will inspire the mind, and fill it with awe and
reverence for the Great Jehovah. We shall have a panoramic view of
millions of Suns--_Heavens_--planets, and worlds, standing out, or
careering through ethereal regions; peopling the realms of illimitable
space. We shall comprehend more fully the diminutiveness of this
earth; on which we dwell, as compared to the vast creations brought
forth by the "Word of His power," and of our own nothingness before
Him, while all must inspire us, not only with awe, but with gratitude
and love for His merciful provision for our redemption, and for
regaining "an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that
fadeth not away."
_THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL, AND A FUTURE STATE OF EXISTENCE._
The Bible--now "The Book of the World"--is God's own revelation to
man. That it was penned by holy men of God, who wrote as they were
inspired, has been fully manifested by the fulfilment of prophecies;
many of which were miracles, and others--in their accomplishment--awful
and fearful judgments. Hence, none can doubt its authenticity as God's
own revelation to man. It is our only history of the wonderful
creations emanating from the Great First Cause; especially the
creation of _man_; his mortal, as well as his immortal nature. From
this history we learn that
"God created man in his own image; in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them. And God
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man
became a living soul."
Now, man is here spoken of in the plural: hence, the whole race--the
entire human family, are included, and this living principle,
emanating from God himself, partakes of his own immortal nature, and
can never cease or be extinguished. Therefore, the soul, or spirit of
man, must continue to endure through all eternity.
The belief in a future state of existence has obtained in all ages;
even in the dark regions of heathen lands, where the light of
Christianity has never yet shed its radiance, and where missionaries
have never penetrated. The mind of man--the thinking principle of
human intelligence--seems to have comprehended this great truth; even
where Christianity, founded upon Bible truths, is unknown. Indeed, the
idea of the immortality of the soul of man seems _inherent_. For, go
where we may, among the aborigines of every heathen clime, even from
the Islands of the Bahamas to Hindostan, India, Japan, and China; the
savage tribes of South America, the red tribes of our own continent,
or even the black races of Africa--all hold the idea of a future state
of existence. True, they may not have formed correct opinions as to
the nature of the place to which they expect to be transported, nor of
the felicities to be enjoyed there; yet all have the idea of a future
state, and it has ever prevailed.
If we trace history back to the ancient Egyptians, the Persians, the
Scythians, the Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans; indeed, with all nations
of which history gives us any knowledge, we find that it has ever
prevailed. Plato, Socrates, and Demosthenes held the doctrine of the
immortality of the soul, and of a future state of existence; while
such belief almost universally prevails in every land and clime where
civilization and Christianity are known. Thus we see it an inherent
law of human nature, and, in the minds of all, there is "a longing
after _immortality_."
May we not ask, from whence comes this intuition, that all feel that
death to the body is not the end of existence? Is it not that immortal
spirit-life which God breathed into our first parents? that
_spirit-fire_ which is eternal in its nature? that which can never be
quenched nor extinguished?
The Patriarchs, the Prophets, and Seers of old realized that here they
had no abiding place, and that they were but pilgrims and strangers on
the earth. We are told that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob desired a better
country, and looked forward to a heavenly one. Paul tells us "these
all died in the faith, not having received the promises, but having
seen them afar off." See how Moses submitted to sufferings, and
endured privations; yet in all these he "had respect unto the
recompense of reward."
How many of those worthy ancients suffered persecutions in various
ways for their acts of piety? even cruel mockings, scourgings, bonds,
and imprisonments. Some were cruelly tortured, others were stoned,
and still others sawed asunder; and yet under all these trials, and
even scourgings unto death, they held firm in the faith of a living
God, a future existence, and "a sure recompense of reward."
See Job, that faithful servant of the living God, how his faith was
sorely tried by all manner of afflictions. His flocks and herds
destroyed; his wealth dissipated; while disease, painful and
loathsome, preyed upon him. His sufferings and agonies were so intense
that all his friends believed him cursed of God, and forsook him; and
even his wife--who had enjoyed the fruits of his efforts in life,
reviled his integrity of faith, and scornfully told him to "curse God
and die."
But let us hear this patient, suffering child of God:
"_True_, my flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust;
my skin is broken and become loathsome, and I feel as though
I would not live alway. Yet all the days of my appointed
time will I wait, until my change comes, _and even_ though
He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. I know that I shall be
justified. For He shall be my salvation. If a man die he
shall live again. And now, behold my witness is in heaven,
and my record is on high. For I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the
earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God, whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes
shall behold."
Where! oh, where, hath such faith been shown! And his faith being
sorely tried and found true and unwavering, his God came to his
relief, restored him to health, and blessed him--even more abundantly
than before; after which he lived an hundred and forty years and died
in peace.
Here we see, that, long anterior to the coming of Christ, Job declared
that he knew his Redeemer was then living, and that in the "latter
days" he should "stand on the earth." See this truthful evidence of
the Son of God coming down from heaven to ransom and redeem fallen
man!
The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, who should "ransom
his people from the power of the grave," and "redeem them from the
second death."
The sweet singer of Israel, looking forward to coming ages, through
the vista of revelations, breaks forth in rapturous confidence--
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive
me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is
none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Though my heart
and my flesh fail me, yet Thou art the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
The prophet Isaiah declares,
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall
they arise."
And, calling in spirit unto the silent dead, he saith:
"Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust, * * the earth
shall cast out her dead."
In fulfilment of prophesy, the Son of God came as the "plague of
death" and "destruction of the grave." His advent into the world was
signalized by a "star in the East," guiding the wise men--who were
looking for his coming--to the "town of Bethlehem, where lay the babe
in the manger." While an angel, commissioned by the Father, announced
his arrival, and "good tidings of great joy" to the shepherds who were
watching their flocks by night upon the plains of Judea, saying, "Unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord." "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God," and, as a heavenly choir, sounding the
loud anthem, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men." This was "Him of whom Moses in the law, and the
prophets did write," even the "Sun of righteousness," whose coming was
foretold by the prophet Malachi.
By his teachings, and miracles wrought in after life, he proved his
origin and mission. But this mission could not be fully accomplished
until he should conquer death, hell, and the grave, and "bring life
and immortality to light through his own Gospel." Finally, the day
and the hour came for its complete fulfilment. Borne down with the
weight of the sins of a guilty world, he prayed his Father to
strengthen him, while "in agony he sweat great drops of blood."
See him ascending the rugged steeps of Calvary, bearing his own cross,
upon which his human nature must expire between Heaven and Earth.
Nailed to that cross, he hung upon it in painful agony, and for three
dreadful hours the sun, the source of light, was veiled, "and there
was darkness over all the land," and about the ninth hour, his
humanity "cried with a loud voice, my God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me!" and gave up the ghost. "And behold the vail of the
temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did
quake, and the rocks were rent, and the graves were opened, and many
bodies of the saints which slept, arose."
Now, while his lifeless body was still suspended upon the cross, the
work was not yet complete until the Roman soldier approached and
plunged his spear into his side, and thus Baptized the world in a
fountain of Blood. And, through faith in him, that is the only
fountain that can wash our guilty stains away, and present us purified
before his Throne.
Mark you the circumstances as they then transpired. The sun was
veiled, and "darkness prevailed over all the earth, from the sixth
until the ninth hour," and it was at the ninth hour he cried, "It is
finished and gave up the ghost." It was his mission "to bring life and
immortality to light." God, the Father, had veiled the sun, that the
earth should be in utter darkness. May it not have been the first act
of His son's immortality--after this tragic scene--to unveil the sun,
and throw its light--under a new dispensation--upon the world? But he
had come to conquer "death, hell, and the grave," "and lead captivity
captive." His body was placed in a sepulchre; from whence he had said
he would rise on the third day. The Priests and Pharisees remembering
this, besought Pilate, who commanded that the sepulchre be made
secure, which was done by a great stone under seal, and a guard
stationed over it, that no one might approach by day or by night. But,
behold, on the morning of the third day, an "angel of the Lord
appeared from heaven," whose descent caused a great earthquake, who
"rolled back the stone and sat upon it; and his countenance was like
lightning, and his raiment white as snow; and for fear of him the
keepers did shake and became as dead men." The angel said unto the two
Marys, "I know ye seek Jesus, which was crucified; He is not here, for
he is risen."
Thus, behold his triumph! He burst the bands of death asunder, and
rushing forth from the tyrant's grasp, shouted in triumph over this
last enemy, "Oh, death where is thy sting? Oh, grave where is thy
victory?" "I am the resurrection and the life." "I am he that liveth
and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of
hell and of death." Thus the fulfilment of prophesy and the promise,
that he should become the first fruits of them that slept.
We have subsequent evidence of his resurrection, where he appeared in
the midst of his disciples, when they had met in their private chamber
and had closed the door. But there have been doubters, and
unbelievers, in all ages--even though confirmative evidences have been
strong and plain. So, also, was there one in that little assembly.
Poor Thomas could not believe, even though his Lord and Master stood
before him; but the Saviour, full of tender compassion, said to him:
"Come, place thy fingers in the nail prints, and thrust thy hand into
the opening made by the soldier's spear in my side, and be not
faithless, but believing."
Now while God through his prophet hath said, "There is a spirit in
man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding,"
revelation is replete with evidence that "though a man die, yet shall
he live again." Christ, the Son of God, illustrated his power in
uttering the command, "Lazarus, come forth," and he that had been dead
four days, whose mortality was fast decomposing and yielding to
corruption, arose again into life. Thus in the days of his
incarnation, he manifested his power by the miracles he wrought in
numerous instances of restoring sight to the blind, causing the deaf
to hear; the dumb to speak; the lame to walk; healing the sick;
cleansing the leprous, and bringing the dead to life again: while, in
the power of his own resurrection, he made triumphantly manifest the
immortality of the soul; and the entire New Testament scriptures
abound with evidences that through Him "life and immortality have been
brought to light." Thus we see that the immortality of the soul, and a
future state of existence are plainly manifest.
_POSSIBILITY OF A MORE INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD; OUR RELATIONS TO
HIM,--AND OF A FUTURE STATE OR PLACE OF HABITATION._
We believe that God himself has furnished us evidences through which
we should gain a more intimate knowledge of him; of our relations to
him, and of our future state and place of habitation.
In sustaining this belief, and the hypothesis we have already
advanced, as to the location of heaven,--to which we shall also add
our views as to the location of _hell_,--we shall rely mainly upon the
revelations of God, as found recorded in the Bible. Should we not
furnish positive, we believe we _shall_ furnish strong _circumstancial_,
evidence which will as forcibly impress the minds of our readers with
the correctness of our theory, as it has our own, upon the
investigation of it. With this we shall grasp, and intermingle, the
evidences afforded by the science of astronomy; the mighty
revelations of the wondrous works of God as now revealed to us by the
aid of the _telescope_.
We know that some of the most learned theologians and ablest divines,
of the past, as also many of the present age, have written, and have
labored hard--theoretically--to point out to the mind's eye the
locality of heaven, fixed somewhere in illimitable space. But, as yet,
their most profound efforts, aided though they might have been by the
lights afforded through the science of astronomy; the Bible, and all
nature around them as assistants to their own brilliant imaginations,
have failed to satisfy, even themselves, and all has resolved itself
back again into doubt and uncertainty, leaving the minds of all
bewildered with ideas as numerous, yet as vague and uncertain as
mystery itself. And yet we believe we have within, and all around us,
evidences which, if properly considered and comprehended, may shed
true light upon the subject, and give to us ideas and faith more
reasonable and tangible than any heretofore contemplated.
_THE CREATION._
Let us now make some investigations of the evidences given us in the
Bible in regard to creation. No one ever has, no finite mind ever can
fully comprehend the creative power of the Almighty; nor can we form
an idea of the time, in the remote past, when creation, "by the word
of His power" commenced.
We learn from Bible history, that "In the beginning God created the
Heavens and the Earth." Now as to the time when that "beginning" was,
we can form no positive idea. It is as reasonable to suppose it to
have been untold millions of years ago, as at any later period. So far
as this earth on which we dwell is concerned, it is but as an _atom_
when compared to the productions of His creative power; and of the
time when this atom was created, no one knoweth. Geologists, tracing
effects back to causes, agree on the fair probability that the
earth--this globe and its solid elements--have been in process of
change and formation, many thousands, and possibly millions, of years.
These students understand, in a great measure, the laws which govern
and control such formation in nature, and have data for their
conclusions. As for the time when God created man to dwell on this
earth, we need not now stop to investigate.
But, continuing this history, we read:
"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was
upon the face of the great deep. And the Spirit of God moved
upon the face of the waters; and God said, Let there be
light; and there was light."
Thus we see that the _Spirit_ of God was then, as it ever has been,
and still is, the _source_ of light. Now, to our finite comprehension,
the Sun is the source of light and heat; or, rather that which we
denominate the Sun is a vast body or volume of intense heat, and
heat--or that which we denominates _fire_--is, to us, the source of
light. That God's spirit is fire, and light, we shall be able to show
in our further contemplation of the subject
The Psalmist tells us that:
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the
hosts of them by the breath of his mouth."
Job tells us that:
"A flame goeth out of his mouth and God by his spirit
garnished the heavens."
Now let us bear these facts in mind: that the Psalmist speaks of a
plurality of heavens made by the word and breath of God, while Job
also tells us of a plurality of heavens, and that "a flame goeth out
of his mouth," and "God by his Spirit garnished the heavens."
We know that God is the Great First Cause, and the Creator of all
things that exist. He created the Heavens and the Earth, Suns, Moons,
Planets, and Stars, and all pertaining thereunto; as, also, the
firmament of the heavens, in which all are placed; and while all come
forth at His command, or by His word, yet we are plainly told, that
His breath, or Spirit, was the active agency in this mighty creation.
When we come to investigate the nature of this active
agency--Spirit--we find that it is _fire_, a principle, or element
which pervades all nature; one which is indestructible--can never be
destroyed--and yet an element of destruction; indeed, one of seeming
annihilation. Now, seeing that the element of fire pervades all
things, so also are we told, that God's Spirit is everywhere.
THE SUN--THE SOURCE OF LIGHT AND HEAT.
First, acknowledging God--the Supreme, Infinite, and Eternal One--as
the Great First Cause, and Author of all things created, we all know
that the Sun is the mainspring of animated Nature. Without its genial
rays, the present system of Earth's government could not endure, and
life itself would soon disappear from our globe. It is the source of
light and heat--the two great stimulants of vital force.
Now, so far as we can comprehend, the _Sun_ is the immediate or direct
source of light and heat--or fire--hence, the source of animated
existence of all pertaining to this Earth; and so, also, as we
believe, to all the other planets, or worlds belonging to our solar
system, or within the Sun's vast domain. That source is fixed and
permanent, and is ever the same; neither increasing nor diminishing,
although constantly dispensing its influence to all around it.
Its source is eternal, and it is, evidently, an attribute of Jehovah,
and the time of its past existence we cannot comprehend, nor can we
believe otherwise than that it will continue to exist through all
eternity. We believe it one of God's eternal lamps, placed by His own
Omnipotent power to light up the sphere which He has appointed unto
it, and to give its warmth and animation to this, and all other worlds
belonging to its domain. Cast your eye upward at noon-day, when no
clouds intervene, and behold that brilliant orb, whose light pales
that of all else, and seems to make all dark in illimitable space
beyond its own empire. Look at it but for one second of time only, for
a steady gaze at that bright flame for one minute alone, is fatal to
the sight of the eyes.
There _is_ "a dimning veil" to mortal vision, which hides the glories
of that _inner world_ from our sight; even those resplendent glories
which, while yet in the body, we can contemplate only by the eye of
faith.
_WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD._
We now propose to devote a short time to the contemplation of some of
the wonderful works of the Creator, as we see them displayed in the
firmament, and standing out in illimitable space, and, with the aids
afforded us by that most exact of all sciences--astronomy--we hope to
unveil mysteries, long since revealed by the revelations of God; yet,
hitherto, not fully comprehended. These seeming mysteries, we shall
endeavor to assist you to analyze by the light of God's own
revelations. In order to our purpose, we shall avail ourselves of the
writings of some of the most scientific, and eminent astronomers the
world has ever known, even from the early days of Anaximander and
Pythagoras, down to the times of Copernicus and Galileo, when feeble
rays of light seemed to break in upon the intellect and mind of man,
and from thence, the flood-lights which have been thrown in upon us by
the Herschels,--the leading stars of the empire of this science,--and
calling to our aid La Lande, Maury, Guillemin, Lardner, Darwin, Owen
and Olmsted, and many others equally known to fame. Yet in our
present effort, we shall rely mainly upon that master mind in
compilation, Dr. Child, of England, who has grouped together the
leading facts of discoveries, in order to incite the mind to the
contemplation of the wonderful works of the Creator, that all
intelligences of the world may be induced to join in with the three
Hebrew Children, in "praising and magnifying the name of the Lord." We
find, upon examination of the works of various leading authors, that
his statements are as nearly correct as any compilation well could be,
while, with a mind seemingly inspired for the work, his delineations
are so graphic, sublime and beautiful, we shall take data, and quote
freely from his writings, especially wherein he dwells upon the
"Heavens," "Sun," "Moon" and "Stars," adding as we pass along, such
reflections crowding upon our mind as we deem appropriate; and we
think that in the contemplation of the subject now before us, that ere
we have finished this feature of it, all will be ready to exclaim with
the Psalmist, truly,
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
sheweth his handy work."
Dr. Child says, "Among all the sights the eye can look upon, nothing
is comparable to the Heavens for the sentiment with which they charm
the mind. The language they speak comes to us from remote mysterious
worlds; but, though it may be imperfectly understood, it is at least
universally felt. The great and the small--the civilized man and the
savage, the philosopher, the divine, and the illiterate or humble
citizen--all feel their influence, and are from time to time
irresistibly drawn toward them by mingled emotions of admiration,
gratitude and awe, such as none of the other features of nature can
excite in an equal degree.
"So strongly, however, is the idea of the 'incomprehensible'
associated by many with the mysteries of the firmament, that they are
habitually prone to regard the teachings of astronomers as little else
than scientific guess-work. Nevertheless, the best intellects in all
countries assure us, and demonstrate before our eyes, that, within
certain limits, Astronomy is the most exact and perfect of sciences,
and that, even when it deals with distances and magnitudes, which are
practically inconceivable, its conclusions, though often claiming to
be approximative only, have yet no affinity whatever with guess-work.
Let such sceptics think of the certainty with which sidereal events
are predicted beforehand. Let them reflect on the evidence of the most
exact knowledge of the heavenly bodies involved in the calculation of
eclipses, in fixing the very moment when the moon's dark outline shall
begin to creep over the sun's bright disk; marking its progress to the
highest maximum, and its waning--giving the moment when the last
visible shadow will disappear--predicting the instant when a planet's
light shall be extinguished behind our satellite. And yet even more
wonderful, the tracking of a comet's wanderings, millions of miles
beyond the far-off regions of Uranus, the foretelling the time of its
return after long years of absence! Do not these, and a thousand other
equally wonderful feats, attest both the soundness of the principles
on which the astronomer works, and the reasonableness of receiving his
assurances with confidence and trust, even though it may be impossible
for more than a few gifted minds to follow the calculations on which
they are based?"
Examine the Nautical Almanac, published by the British Government, a
chart found on every sea-going vessel. On the trackless ocean it is
the mariner's guide, his trusted friend and counsellor. He may embark
upon a long voyage over the trackless ocean, to be absent for years,
yet through all this time, and in any part of the world he has his
truthful friend to consult, who will warn him of dangers, and direct
his ship in safety in every changeful clime. He left his native land
years ago, yet now far out amid ocean's waves, in a different
hemisphere, he consults this little chart of astronomers. He knows in
any and every latitude the time of eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and
of Jupiter's satellites, their sidereal positions, distances, etc. It
seems charged with messages from the skies for his guidance and
safety.
"When we consider the acquisition of such rare and precious
knowledge--this mapping out beforehand, almost to a hair's-breadth,
the exact order and track in which the heavenly bodies will run their
course through space, and the precise relative position they will
occupy at any given moment, when they can be seen in any part of the
world--is not this convincing evidence of the correctness and
truthfulness of the science of astronomy?"
But we have on record a more startling demonstration of its
correctness--we say "startling" because of its magnitude and
importance, and because when we come to examine suns, planets, and
worlds, through the lights of this science, when we contemplate their
distances, magnitudes, and numbers, we shall be startled by their
immensity, and exclaim:
"How wonderful are Thy works, O Lord of Hosts!"
"The year 1846 will ever be memorable for having witnessed one of the
most striking illustrations of the truth of Astronomy. Few can have
forgotten the astonishment with which the discovery of the planet
Neptune was then received, or the fact that it was due _not_ to a
lucky or accidental pointing of the telescope toward a particular
quarter of the heavens, but to positive calculations worked out in
the closet; thus proving that before the planet was seen by the eye,
it had already been grasped by the mind. The theory of its finding was
a triumph of human intellect. The distant Uranus--a planet hitherto
orderly and correct--begins to show unusual movements in its orbit. It
is, somehow, not exactly in the spot where, according to the best
calculations, it ought to have been, and the whole astronomical world
is thrown into perplexity. Two mathematicians, as yet but little known
to fame, living far apart in different countries, and acting
independently of each other, concentrate the force of their
penetrating intellects to find out the cause. The most obvious way of
accounting for the event, was to have inferred that some error in
previous computations had occurred; and in a matter so difficult, so
abstruse, and so far off, what could have been more probable or more
pardonable? But these astronomers knew that the laws of gravity were
fixed and sure, and that figures truly based on them could not
deceive. By profound calculations, each arrives at the conclusion that
nothing can account for the "perturbation" except the disturbing
influence of some hitherto unknown mass of matter, exerting its
attraction in a certain quarter of the Heavens. So implicit, so
undoubting is the faith of the French astronomer Leverrier, in the
truth of his deductions, that he requests a brother astronomer in
Berlin, Prussia, to look out for this mass at a special point in
space, on a particular night; and there, sure enough, the disturber
immediately discloses himself, and soon shows his title to be admitted
into the steady and orderly rank of his fellow-planets. The
coincidence of the two astronomers--Leverrier, of France, and Adams,
of England, arriving at this discovery through scientific
calculations, based upon knowledge derived from physical observation,
precludes every idea of guess-work, while such was the agreement
between their final deductions, that the point of the Heavens fixed
upon by both as the spot where the disturber lay, was almost
identical." "Such a discovery" says Arago, "is one of the most
brilliant manifestations of the exactitude of the system of modern
astronomy."
Child continues: "Astronomy is without question, the grandest of
sciences. It deals with masses, distances, and velocities, which in
their immensity belong specially to itself alone, and of which the
mere conception transcends the utmost stretch of our finite faculties.
In no other branch of science is the limited grasp of our intellect
more forcibly brought home to us, yet, though baffled in the effort to
rise to the level of its requirements, our strivings are by no means
profitless. Is it not truly a precious privilege to be able to trace,
imperfect though it may be, the hand of the Almighty Architect in
these, His grandest works, and to obtain by this means a broader
consciousness of His Omnipotence?
"Could each one be privileged to look through Herschel's telescope on a
clear night, and visibly behold the wonders of the Heavens, our faith
in the realities of astronomy would pass with a sudden bound from
theory into practice; planets and stars would become henceforth
distinct and solid existences in our minds, our doubts vanish, and our
belief settle into conviction. We should behold the mysterious moon of
our childhood, mapped into brilliant mountain-peaks, and dark
precipices, and softly lighted plains; we should see Jupiter shining
like another fair Luna, with attendant satellites moving round him in
their well-known paths; or turn with admiration to Saturn encircled by
his famous ring, with outlines as distinct as if that glorious
creation lay but a few miles distant. Perhaps we may behold the
beauteous Venus shining with resplendent circular disk, or curiously
passing through her many phases in mimic rivalry of the Moon. Or,
leaving these near neighbors far behind, we may penetrate more deeply
into space, and mark how the bright flashing stars are reduced to a
small, round, unmagnifiable point. Such a privilege would give us a
more realizing sense of the power of the great Creator."
_THE DISCOVERY OF THE MOTION OF THE EARTH AND HEAVENLY BODIES_.
The science of Astronomy is one of the oldest that has occupied the
human mind. That the belief in Astrology was its forerunner, we cannot
doubt. Professor Olmsted tells us, that, "At a period of very remote
antiquity, Astronomy was cultivated in China, India, Chaldea, and
Egypt." Three several schools were established, ranging from three to
six hundred years before the Christian era. Anaximander, in the school
of Miletus, taught the sublime doctrine that the planets are
inhabited, and that the stars are suns of other systems. Pythagoras
was the founder of the celebrated school of Crotona, upon the
south-eastern coast of Italy, some five hundred years before the
Christian era. He held that the Sun was the centre of the solar
system, around which all the planets revolve, and that the stars are
so many suns, each the centre of a system like our own. He also held
that the Earth revolves daily on its axis, and yearly around the sun.
Although many of his opinions were founded in mere conjecture, and
were erroneous, yet we see that some important ones were founded on
truth.
He also held that the planets were inhabited, that the earth and
planets were ever revolving in regular order, "keeping up a loud and
grand celestial concert, inaudible to man, but, as the 'music of the
spheres,' audible to the Gods."
But the mind of man was not then prepared to grasp the feeble rays of
light, and add thereto, by the power of expanding intellect. Although
many succeeded Pythagoras, whose scientific attainments proved a
blessing to the world, and whose names will go down to all succeeding
generations, as the learned, the good, and the great of their time;
yet prejudice and superstition again prevailed, and the true lights of
this science were lost sight of, and, for near two thousand years,
ages of darkness prevailed, until Copernicus appeared about the
fifteenth century of the Christian era. He again revived the idea
advanced by Pythagoras, that the earth and planets moved regularly in
their orbits, and that the sun was the centre of the solar system. Yet
with him, as with the former, it was little more than mere conjecture.
We quote again Prof. Olmsted, in regard to these earlier astronomers,
who were struggling after light, and truth, in this grandest of
sciences: "Although, therefore, Pythagoras fathomed the profound
doctrine, that the Sun is the centre around which the earth and all
the planets revolve; yet we have no evidence that he ever solved the
irregular motions of the planets, in conformity with his hypothesis,
although the explanation of the diurnal revolution of the heavens, by
that hypothesis, involved no difficulty."
Again he says, "Ignorant as Copernicus was of the principle of
gravitation, and of most of the laws of motion, he could go but little
way in following out the consequences of his own hypothesis; and all
that can be claimed for him is, that he solved, by means of it, most
of the common phenomena of the celestial motions. He was indeed upon
the road to truth, and advanced some way in its sure path; but he was
able to adduce but few independent proofs, to show that it was truth.
It was only near the close of his life that he published his system to
the world, and that only at the urgent request of friends;
anticipating, perhaps, the opposition of a bigoted priesthood, whose
fury was afterwards poured upon the head of Galileo, for maintaining
the same doctrines."
The bigotry and superstition of the priesthood of the Church of Rome
again crushed out the lights of this science, and forbade further
investigations, and all was resolved back again into the doctrine
first taught by Eudoxus, who lived more than three hundred years
before Christ. This doctrine was the system of _crystalline spheres_;
"the earth the centre of the world, and all heavenly bodies set like
gems in hollow, solid orbs, composed of crystal so transparent, that
no anterior orb could obstruct in the least, the view of any of the
orbs lying behind it," that the heavens revolved or rolled round from
East to West, performing the circuit every twenty-four hours, carrying
along the sun, planets, orbs, &c., and that "above the whole were
spread the _grand empyrean_, or 'third heavens,' the abode of
perpetual serenity."
"To account for the planetary motions, it was supposed that the
planetary bodies, as also the stars, and sun, each had a motion of its
own from East to West, while all partook of the common diurnal motion
of the starry sphere."
"Aristotle taught that these motions were effected by a tutelary
genius of each planet, residing in it, and directing its motions, even
as the mind of man directs his own movements."
Thus, from the time of Copernicus, until Galileo appeared in the
sixteenth century, the lights of this science were again extinguished
by the superstition, bigotry, and intolerance of the priesthood, who
would make no proper advance with intellect beyond the established
dogmas of the church; even to ascertain truths which God himself had
made plainly perceptible in His wondrous works.