are found in the perfect predictions of eclipses, transits of planets
over the sun, occultation of stars by the moon, and those statements
of the Nautical Almanac that enable the sailor to know exactly
where he is on the pathless ocean by the telling of the stars:
"On the trackless ocean this book is the mariner's trusted friend
and counsellor; daily and nightly its revelations bring safety
to ships in all parts of the [Page 74] world. It is something more
than a mere book; it is an ever-present manifestation of the order
and harmony of the universe."

Another example of this wonderful accuracy is found in tracing
the asteroids. Within 200,000,000 or 300,000,000 miles from the
sun, the one hundred and ninety-two minute bodies that have been
already discovered move in paths very nearly the same--indeed two of
them traverse the same orbit, being one hundred and eighty degrees
apart;--they look alike, yet the eye of man in a few observations
so determines the curve of each orbit, that one is never mistaken
for another. But astronomy has higher uses than fixing time,
establishing landmarks, and guiding the sailor. It greatly quickens
and enlarges thought, excites a desire to know, leads to the utmost
exactness, and ministers to adoration and love of the Maker of
the innumerable suns.




[Page 75]
V.

THE SUN.