six months it approaches one of the poles, and at the end of those
six months goes back with equal speed to visit the other pole. This
excellent order makes one sun sufficient for the whole earth. If it
were of a larger size at the same distance, it would set the whole
globe on fire and the earth would be burnt to ashes; and if, at the
same distance, it were lesser, the earth would be all over frozen
and uninhabitable. Again, if in the same magnitude it were nearer
us, it would set us in flames; and if more remote, we should not be
able to live on the terrestrial globe for want of heat. What pair
of compasses, whose circumference encircles both heaven and earth,
has fixed such just dimensions? That star does no less befriend
that part of the earth from which it removes, in order to temper it,
than that it approaches to favour it with its beams. Its kind,
beneficent aspect fertilises all it shines upon. This change
produces that of the seasons, whose variety is so agreeable. The
spring silences bleak frosty winds, brings forth blossoms and
flowers, and promises fruits. The summer yields rich harvests. The
autumn bestows the fruits promised by the spring. The winter, which
is a kind of night wherein man refreshes and rests himself, lays up
all the treasures of the earth in its centre with no other design
but that the next spring may display them with all the graces of
novelty. Thus nature, variously attired, yields so many fine
prospects that she never gives man leisure to be disgusted with what
he possesses.

But how is it possible for the course of the sun to be so regular?
It appears that star is only a globe of most subtle flame. Now,
what is it that keeps that flame, so restless and so impetuous,
within the exact bounds of a perfect globe? What hand leads that
flame in so strait a way and never suffers it to slip one side or