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first of these periods extended nearly to the time of the deluge; when all traditional knowledge would have as it were a fresh point from which it would spring.

3. Since the Hindu system of chronology engaged the attention of philosophers, there have been discovered, among the remains of antiquity in Egypt, astronomical representations, which have been appealed to as furnishing proofs of an antiquity incompatible with the Mosaic history. Four sculptures exist, upon which are found, together with other figures, those of all the zodiacal constellations. And attempts have been made to ascertain the period at which they were constructed, by discovering the position which is assigned to the equinoctial points. The uncertainty, however, which hitherto prevails upon the subject, is sufficiently manifest from the fact, that while some have ascribed an antiquity of fifteen thousand years to to two of the sculptures, others have concluded that the same sculptures were not intended to represent the zodiac at all; but are a calendar in hieroglyphical characters, for the seven hundred and eighth year of Rome, only about fifty years before the commencement of the Christian æra.

Bentley on Hindu Astronomy, §. 5. p. 76.

b

See Bentley, Appendix to Hindu Astronomy, No. III.

Any results, however, which have been obtained afford too slender a foundation for any certain conclusion: and it is sufficient for our present purpose to observe, that they who have hitherto examined these representations with the greatest care, deduce from them a degree of antiquity, which, however extraordinary as an historical fact, is by no means inconsistent with the chronology of the sacred writings.c

IV. It is pleasing to turn from these instances, in which man's misplaced ingenuity has been employed, either in questioning the evidence of design afforded in the material world, or in proposing difficulties against revealed religion, to those eminent men who, from the same premises, have drawn conclusions widely different. Happily the union of an ardent love for the promotion of science with feelings of piety and reverence to God is far from uncommon. The modesty of true science has been shewn in the readiness with which minds of the greatest sagacity have at once acknowledged their ignorance, and recognized the plain indications of a designing intelligence. No conclusion can be more rational, and few were ever expressed more majestically, than that which Newton draws at the conclusion of his See Appendix, Note (E).

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great work. "This most elegant frame of the sun and planets and comets could not originate except by the wisdom and authority of an intelligent and powerful Being. And if the fixed stars be centers of similar systems, the construction, which indicates unity of design, will imply also unity of dominion."

e

" d

One of the most simple, but striking, and even touching instances of the union of science with piety is incidentally found in the life of Horrox, a youth of our own country, and also a member of our own body; whose short life gave promise of the greatest advancement in science. The visible transit of the planet Venus over the sun's disk is a phenomenon which very rarely occurs. Between two successive instances more than a century generally elapses: and an opportunity of observing it from a given point of the earth's surface is still more rare. The observation is also of such great importance in determining the elements of the planet's orbit, and the dimensions of the solar system, that on the last two occasions expeditions were expressly sent from various parts of Europe

d "Elegantisaima hæcce solis, planetarum, et cometarum compages non nisi consilio et dominio entis intelligentis et potentis oriri potuit. Et si stellæ fixæ sint centra similium systematum, hæc omnia simili consilio constructs suberunt Unius dominio." Scholium Generale.

See Appendix, Note (F).

to the most distant regions of the globe, in order to observe the transit.'

h

A phenomenon so rare, requiring at least an approximate calculation of the time of its occurrence, and the assistance of sufficient instruments, was observed by no human eye from the creation of the world to the middle of the seventeenth century of the Christian æra. “ Horrox, a young man but twenty-one years of age, residing in a remote district of this country, and almost deprived of the assistance of books and instruments, discovered that the imperfect tables of the planetary motions then in use gave reason to anticipate a visible transit of the planet. His superior knowledge enabled him to compute more correctly the time at which it would take place: and he made his preparations with all the anxiety which so new and important an observation was calculated to excite in an ardent mind. On the day before the transit was expected, he began to observe; and he resumed his labours on the morrow. But the very hour, when his calculations led him to expect the visible appearance of the planet upon the sun's disk, was also the hour appointed for the public worship of God on the sabbath day. The delay of a few minutes might deprive him

See Appendix, Note (G).
See Appendix, Note (H).

$ 1639.

of the means of observing the transit. If its very commencement were not noticed, clouds might intervene: the sun was about to set: and nearly a century and half would elapse before another opportunity would occur. Notwithstanding all this, Horrox twice suspended his observations, and twice repaired to the house of God. When his duty was thus paid, and he returned to his chamber, the second time, his love of science was gratified with full success. His eyes were the first which ever witnessed the phenomenon, which his sagacity had predicted.

Other minds might have been endued with sufficient ingenuity and patience to discover and observe so rare an occurrence. Others might have deduced the scientific information, and might have recorded the results, as he did, almost to the last hour of his life, for the benefit of others. But where shall we seek for a mind so animated at once with philosophical enquiry and religious feeling?

How the young Horrox closed his days is not recorded, and must remain unknown. It is related only that he was cut off in early youth, immediately after he had prepared for publication the narrative of his observation: that he died probably by some sudden cause: and it is to be believed not unprepared. It was but a few days before his death that he ex

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