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26 « EUROPEAN OBSERVATIONS.

fiery bosom, but in a few short hours he will ascend the
eastern skies, and glory will spread over the sea, and the
rolling billows will shout his welcome. What a journey
will the earth have accomplished in a few short hours!

But what is this compared with the speed of the
mind ! Give lightning the start by a million of furlongs,
and the mind will be the first to reach its destination. It
is itself a universe of stars, and of these there is a polar
star by which in this world it guides its frail bark over
the ocean of life. As the speed of a body may be so great
that the distance over which it passes is imperceptible,
go it is with the mind. In the twihkling of an eye it
travels to whatever part of creation it pleases—and the
eye of the mind possesses magnifying powers that no dis-
tance can elude. _ '

I have no doubt but that at this very moment Dr. Dick
and Dr. Nichol are travelling from star to star with their
telescopes. I have learned from these star-gazers much
useful reflection. These rolling wheels, which are a fee-
ble representation of the revolving spheres, say I shall
' yet see them in the old world. Like a child I would sit
at their feet and learn wisdom. A few hours ago I felt
nothing but the monotony of the scene—now, new beau-