96 THE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE SEA. 



and impart to it those properties and powers which it was neces- 

 sary for it to have, in order that it might perform all those offices 

 and duties for which he designed it ? 



Harmonious in their action, the air and sea are obedient to law 

 and subject to order in all their movements ; when we consult 

 them in the performance of their offices, they teach us lessons 

 concerning the wonders of the deep, the mysteries of the sky, the 

 greatness, and the wisdom, and goodness of the Creator. The 

 investigations into the broad-spreading circle of phenomena con- 

 nected with the winds of heaven and the waves of the sea are sec- 

 ond to none for the good which they do and the lessons which they 

 teach. The astronomer is said to see the hand of God in the sky ; 

 but does not the right-minded mariner, who looks aloft as he pon- 

 ders over these things, hear his voice in every wave of the sea 

 that " claps its hands," and feel his presence in every breeze that 

 blows ? 



