Page:Gods Glory in the Heavens.djvu/159

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THE CHEMISTRY OE THE SUN.
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dif- colours—each atom having its own chemical characteristics. How simple the means by which results so momentous are achieved! Strange that an angular bit of glass, turning aside a ray of light, should be the means of revealing to us the secrets of the two extremes of the material universe—worlds and atoms! The unity of the Creator is shewn, not merely in the unity of plan pervading the universe, but in the existence of instruments by which the discovery of that unity might be made known. We might conceive intellectual beings so circumstanced, that they would have no means of discovering the unity of plan. They might dwell in a world of marvellous order, unity, and beauty, while they might be shut out for ever, on account of the want of proper instruments, from the discovery of these elements of God's glory. When, then, we have the means of discovery so marvellously provided, the existence of one Creator and Governor is more forcibly impressed on our minds.

The new light thrown upon the constitution of the sun will greatly unhinge former speculations on this subject. The body of the sun, if it is to be taken as the source of light, can no longer be regarded as an abode cool enough for inhabitants. It is now to be held as hotter and brighter far than the gaseous envelope. But how, on this supposition, are we to explain the dark body of the sun seen down through