In order to see the wisdom of this contrivance, let us consider the
two extreme places at which this eruption of ignited matter may be
performed. These are, on the one hand, within a continent of land, and,
on the other, at the bottom of the ocean. In the one case, the free
eruption of the expanding power should be permitted; because the purpose
for which it had been calculated to exist has been accomplished. In
the other, again, the free eruption of that powerful matter should be
repressed; because there is reserved for that power much of another
operation in that place. But, according to the wise constitution of
things, this must necessarily happen. The eruption of the fiery
vapour from volcanos on the continent or land, is interrupted only
occasionally, by the melted bodies flowing in the subterraneous
chimney; whereas, at the bottom of the ocean, the contact of the water
necessarily tends to close the orifice, by accumulating condensed matter
upon the weakest place.
If this be a just theory of the natural operations of the globe, we
shall have reason to expect, that great quantities of this melted
matter, or fusible substance, may be found in form of lava, among the
strata of the earth, where there are no visible marks of any volcano, or
burning mountain, having existed.
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