and of what the latter had to present in the way of proof.
The Copernicans contended generally for the greater simplicity of their system, and the incredibility of the enormous velocity which the sphere of the fixed stars must have if the ancient system be true. To this it was answered that God doeth wonders without number.
But the earth would corrupt and putrefy without motion, whereas the heavens are incorruptible. To which the answer was ready that wind would give sufficient motion.
But the most movable part of man is underneath, since he walks with his feet; whence the most unworthy part of the universe, the earth, should be movable.
Objected that, if the earth moves, the head of a man moves faster than his feet.
But again, "Rest is nobler than motion, and therefore ought to belong to the sun, the noble body."
Replied to, "For the same reason, the moon and all the planets ought to rest."
Again, "The lamp of the world ought to be in the centre." Answered by, "A lamp is frequently hung up from a roof to enlighten the floor."
"Can we fancy," asked the Copernicans, "that God has not acted on a scheme so impressive and so beautiful as ours?"
"Can we fancy," replied their opponents, "that this earth is constantly in motion, which we feel to be the stablest of all things? that our senses are given to deceive us? that during the greater part of our lives we cling to the earth with our head downward?"