The apparent elevation of celestial bodies above their true altitude, is greatest when the body is on the horizon, which is ascertained to be a little more than half a degree; hence, in our climate, the sun appears three minutes sooner, and sets three minutes later than is really the case, which increases the length of our day six minutes, by refraction. This gradually increases in proceeding from the equator to the frigid zones; and at the poles, were the earth entire, the day should become thirty-six hours longer, by refraction alone, than it would otherwise be.[38] It was doubtless owing to some peculiar refractive power in the northern regions, that caused the Dutch, who wintered on Nova-Zembla, (which is in latitude between seventy and seventy-eight degrees,) on the approach of summer, to see the sun about two weeks sooner than he should have appeared in that latitude, according to astronomical calculation.[39] This tends to show that there is more refraction in the northern regions than is observable in the south.[40]
From an attentive examination of these considerations, I am induced to conclude, that the interior of the sphere may be as well lighted as the exterior; or at all events, if not favoured with so great a degree of light at all times, it has a more regular and constant supply. But, admitting every thing on this subject that the opponents of the theory can suggest, I still discover no substantial reason why the earth may not be a hollow sphere. I can see no substantial reason why the inhabitants of that portion of the earth, (if any exist there) should be furnished with as great a degree of light, and as intense a heat, as we have upon the convex part of the sphere. Must it of necessity follow, that it cannot be inhabited, or if inhabited, that the beings who people its surface, are less happy than we? Certainly not. Is it not well known to us, that every grade and species of animals, under every variety of circumstance, whether inhabiting the air, the earth, or the water, are fitted by an all-wise Providence to their several conditions, and mediums, in which they reside? As well might we conclude, that the immense planet Jupiter, situated so far from the sun as he is, can be nothing but a dark, cold, and barren waste, unfitted for the residence of intelligent beings. It is ascertained by calculation, that the light and heat which Jupiter receives from the sun, is only the one twenty-seventh part of what the earth receives.[41] The light and heat which Saturn receives from the sun is estimated at only the one hundredth part of that of the earth;[42] and the planet Georgium Sidus, revolving such an immense distance further from the sun, than either of them, must enjoy still less light and heat; according to which, we would conclude, (if we adopt the belief, that the degree of light and heat, to which we are accustomed, is necessary for the support of life,) that those vast planets are not fitted by the God of nature for the residence of intelligent beings; however, I am inclined to believe that both light and heat are communicated to them, in some way not well known to us, sufficient for the purpose. The true principles of light and heat, and the manner in which they are generated and transmitted, are not perhaps yet well understood and defined.[43]
5th. Others, when the new theory is mentioned, cry Atheist, Deist, blasphemy! as if its advocates proposed to make a new world, and support it without the intervention of Divine Providence: such opponents scarcely deserve an answer. It is believed by all, that the earth, the sun, the moon and stars, are the work of an Almighty power. Whether solid globes or hollow spheres, they equally owe their existence to the great first cause, that spoke matter into existence, that arranged it in whatever form and order infinite wisdom dictated; and that still supports and governs the whole by universal and unvarying laws. But it is as well known, that the Almighty Disposer, interposes no miracles for the accomplishment of his designs, but makes use of means that are uniform in their application, to effect the intended purpose; hence Geologists, Philosophers, and Astronomers, attempt to account for the existence of all matter, and for the formation of planets, according to what is believed to be the established laws of matter. In so doing, we do not disparage the wisdom of the Creator, nor controvert the truth of that divine record, which Providence, in his goodness, has given us for our rule of life. True it is, the sacred scriptures give us very little information relative to the structure and formation of the earth and the other planets. They were not intended to teach mankind Geology, Geography, or Astronomy; yet where assertions are clearly and distinctly made respecting these things, we have reason to believe them literally correct: as for instance, when the Psalmist informs us, that God hung the earth upon nothing; that He balanced it in empty space, we are to look for corresponding facts; though it was at variance with the opinion of the world at that time, modern astronomy now teaches that such is the fact. In like manner, when we meet with assertions, such as that "the fountains of the great deep were broken up," (והארץ היתה תהו ובהו, chapter 1, verse 2,[44]) we must acknowledge their correctness; and I think it will be admitted, that they are at least as much in favour of this new theory as the old.
The skilful and attentive observer of nature, whether examining the most minute or the most sublime, will discover that infinite wisdom, judgment, and ingenuity, equally prevail throughout. The principal aims of the great author of all things, appear to have been animation, diversity, and usefulness; the air we breathe, the water we drink, the vegetables on which we feed; indeed every leaf and plant of the forest and field—all teem with animal life. Why then should we believe, or even presume to think, that the Almighty Fiat, which spoke matter into existence, for the support and maintenance of living creatures, innumerable, and endless in the variety of their organization, their colours, their passions, and their pursuits—why, I say, should we then presume, that the omnifick word would create even the smallest particle of any of the immense, the innumerable orbs in the universe, of inert or useless matter, devoid of activity and design? This earth, when compared with the magnitude and number of other planets we know, is but as a point; yet we can hardly conceive, small as she appears by comparison, that she was only designed to have animate life on her surface, and all the rest to remain useless! Such an idea seems unworthy of the Divine Being, whose essence is all perfection. Can we for a moment suppose, that the interior parts of the earth, have received less attention from the Creator, than the objects which are under our immediate inspection? On the contrary, may it not be more rationally inferred, that, for the object of more widely disseminating animation, spheres are formed within spheres, concentric with each other, each revolving on its own axis, and thus multiplying the habitable superfices?
Great and sublime as our conceptions of the Deity must be, when we contemplate the earth and its inhabitants—if we turn our attention to the solar system, our world dwindles into a little insignificant ball. Yet if we cast our eyes still beyond, and contemplate the eighty millions of fixed stars, which a good telescope brings to our view, each the centre of a mighty system of revolving worlds; and then reflect that all this is only one little dark corner of creation, we are lost in the magnitude of the contemplation. But when we come to consider each of these fixed stars, with their planets, and they with their satellites, all consisting of concentric spheres, revolving within each other, in due order, and adapted to the support and comforts of life, for countless millions of beings; we are struck with ten-fold astonishment and admiration, and bow with reverential awe, before Him who sits at the head of the universe, and governs the whole by unvarying laws. It would seem to me, that in contemplating this new order of creation, the imagination must break through and soar beyond its old boundaries. It would seem that on embracing this doctrine, the spirit must expand with increased devotion, and be entirely absorbed in the infinite wisdom and power of Him, who was competent to devise, and able to execute, such a beautiful arrangement of matter.