eclipse of the sun throws over the face of nature, enables us rightly to understand and feel how needful and precious is his light. Moreover, eclipses, as we know, are of great service in sensibly demonstrating some of the great truths of astronomical science. In an eclipse of the moon, for instance, the shadow of the earth thrown upon that body shows manifestly the circular form of our planet. Being ourselves upon the earth, we cannot see its whole globular shape, as we can that of the other planets which we view at a distance; but by means of an eclipse, we are enabled to behold ourselves, as it were, in the mirror of the moon, and thus see our true form and likeness. It was from the eclipses of the moons of Jupiter, that the speed of light was ascertained, and the interesting and wonderful fact made known to man, that this first of natural existences, this earliest messenger, as it were, from the Divine Creator, goes on its useful errands at the enormous rate of 192,000 miles in one second of time. By means of the same eclipses, are astronomers enabled to construct those tables of longitude, by which the mariner ascertains his position on the wide ocean, and thus makes his way in safety over the pathless waters. Thus is it, that out of seeming disorder more perfect order is elicited: out of temporary darkness there comes forth brighter light.
But the great law, the law of gravitation, which regulates so beautifully the order of our planetary system, is not confined to that system: it extends through the whole universe. It may be seen carrying on its operations, and working its magical effects among the most distant orbs that are subject to our observation whether by the naked eye or by means of the highest powers of
