[From Manx Recollections, 1894]

CHAPTER XIV.

....

by the human race, but it was passing through a process of preparation for man. And arguing from the known to the unknown, it is almost certain that our next neighbour the moon is a ghastly ruin untenanted by one living creature. But yet possibly in course of preparation for future inhabitants. And reasoning from analogy, if the nearest world outside is empty and bare, so may the others be for the present.

"And if the usual assertion that the other planets of our system are like the earth, and therefore contain rational inhabitants, is shown to be a groundless assumption, as the planets outside of Mars are quite unlike the earth in weight and structure and other conditions - then the argument from analogy fails at once; it breaks down at the first step. And, moreover, why imagine such unproved inhabitants when they are only in the way - a stumbling-block to some sceptical minds? It is true that Dr. Chalmers has beautifully answered that difficulty in his 'Astronomical Discourses,' applying the parable of the lost sheep to this sinful world, and the Divine tenderness of the Good Shepherd in bestowing such self- denying love and pity on the one wandering erring world. But the stronger ground seems to be the exclusion of such imaginary beings altogether from the discussion - to allow them no standing-room, seeing that infidelity is unable to prove their present existence. Hereafter it may be other wise when other worlds may be colonised from this earth which would be quite another affair. Meanwhile, what harm is there in Whewell's supposition that if there is any life in Saturn it is of a low, pulpy, gelatinous nature?"

Of her love for astronomy, and especially in its relation to Biblical revelation and prophecy, further instances will be forthcoming in due course. The extract just quoted furnishes meantime an insight into that rare intelligence, enlightened and kindled by the live coal from off the altar of Divine Love and Truth, as well as enriched by diligent study and exceptional erudition.