All vegetation would die, all sounds would cease. The earth would revolve in silence until other circumstances had evolved other germs: yet the cause of this disaster would have remained lost in the vast fields of air, and would never have approached us nearer than some millions of leagues.
This event, which in the main, has ever seemed to me a fit subject for reverie, and I never ceased for a moment to dwell on it.
This ascending heat is curious to be looked after, and it is not uninteresting to follow its effects, expansion, action, and to ask:
How great it was during the first, second, and subsequent days.
What effect it had on the earth, and water, and on the formation and mingling, and detonation of gasses.
What influence it had on men, as far as age, sex, strength and weakness are concerned.
What influence it has on obedience to the laws, submission to authority, and respect to persons and property.
What one should do to escape from danger.
What influence it has on love, friendship, parental affection, self-love and devotion.
What is its influence on the religious sentiments, faith, resignation and hope.