quiriesinstituted. While there were only probabilities regarding the fate of Franklin, human sympathy and speculation were concentrated on the mysteries of the Arctic regions, and enterprise was called forth which resulted in a most important geographical discovery. When his fate was certain, the sympathy and speculation ceased; and we shall hear nothing more of Arctic enterprise. In like manner, while the existence of life and intelligence in the planets is only probable, the heavenly orbs have a fascination which they might not have, were we assured of its certainty. And the speculative spirit thus called forth may lead to more earnest study of God's glory as declared in the heavens. The spirit of man also is best trained for the highest service of God by ascending, step by step, the ladder of probability, in order that he may stand on the summit-level of absolute certainty and conviction.
The subject has derived new interest from the discussion of it in an anonymous essay ascribed to Dr Whewell, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. The reason given by the author for assuming the anonymous garb is somewhat singular. He was to question the doctrine of a plurality of worlds, and he wished to escape the odium of such a position. He was to run counter to the prejudices of Christians, and he thought it would be more agreeable for himself and them that he withheld his name. This indicates a strange revolution of sentiment on the subject. At
