flection
of the Earth's axis; yet in regard to that deflection, the Earth has a
constancy of motion [Illustration] derived from her own forces. The Earth,
that she may turn herself about in a diurnal revolution, leans on her
poles. For since at A and B there is constant verticity, and the axis is
straight; at C and D (the aequinoctial line) the parts are free, the whole
forces on either side being spread out from the plane of the aequator
toward the poles, in aether which is free from renitency, or else in a
void; and A and B remaining constant, C revolves toward D both from innate
conformity and aptitude, and for necessary good, and the avoidance of evil;
but being chiefly moved forward by the diffusion of the solar orbes of
virtues, and by their lights. And 'tis borne around, not upon a new and
strange course, but (with the {222} tendency common to the rest of the
planets) it tends from West to East. For all planets have a like motion
Eastward according to the succession of the signs, whether Mercury and
Venus revolve beneath the Sun, or around the Sun. That the Earth is capable
of and fitted for moving circularly its parts show, which when separated
from the whole are not only borne along with the [Illustration] straight
movement taught by the Peripateticks, but rotate also. A loadstone fixed in
a wooden vessel is placed on water so as to swim freely, turn itself, and
float about. If the pole B of the loadstone be set contrary to nature
toward the South, F, the Terrella is turned about its own centre with a
circular motion in the plane of the Horizon, toward the North, E, where it
rests, not at C or D. So does a small stone if only of four ounces; it has
the same motion also and just as quick, if it were a strong magnet of one
hundred pounds. The largest magnetical mountain will possess the same
turning-power also, if launched in a wide river or deep sea: and yet a
magnetick body is much more hindered by water than the whole Earth is by
the aether. The whole Earth would do the same, if the Boreal pole were to
be diverted from its true direction; for the Boreal pole would run back
with the circular motion of the whole around the centre toward the
Cynosure. But this motion by which the parts naturally settle themselves in
their own {223} resting-places is no other than circular. The whole Earth
regards the Cynosure with her pole according to a steadfast law of her
nature: and thus each true part of it seeks a like resting