^H 



MYTHOLOGY. 



made acquainted with the surprising laws of magnetic bodies, 

 with the polarity of the needle, and the amazing changes 

 which a knowledge of this most remarkable property has ef- 

 fected in the widely-extended intercourse of different na- 

 tions by means of improved navigation, are certainly objects 

 of the greatest utility, and interesting and instructive in the 

 highest degree. While you contemplate the admirable laws 

 of the planetary system, you will, doubtless, be struck with 

 reverence and awe at the great First Cause, which originally 

 established, and which continually maintains them in order 

 and in being. 



Curious to search what binds old Ocean's tides, 

 What through the various year the seasons guides, 

 What shadows darken the pale queen of night. 

 Whence she renews her orb and spreads her light. 



You will take a pleasing survey of those grand movements 

 in the heavenly bodies, to which the sweet interchange of 

 day and night, the grateful succession of the seasons, the 

 occurrence of eclipses, and the regular flowing and ebbing 

 of the tides, may be justly ascribed. With the mind's eye 

 you will even cast a glance into that universe of worlds, 

 which, orbit within orbit, system combined with system, the 

 daring genius of philosophy has ventured to descry in the 

 regions of infinite space ; and while absorbed in these sub- 

 lime speculations, you will be ready to exclaim with the in- 

 spired poet of Israel, " The heavens declare the glory of 

 God, and the firmament proclaimeth his handy work :" or fo 

 break forth in the beautiful strains of Thomson — 



" These, as they change, Almighty Father, these 



Are but the varied God ; the rolling year is full of Thee !" 



LESSON 126. 



Mythology. 



Mythology comprehends all those fabulous details con- 

 cerning the objects of worship, which were invented and 

 propagated by men who lived in the early ages of the 

 world, and transmitted to succeeding generations, either 



