Course 1, Chapter 8: Knowledge of God — God considered in his works. End of the fourth day of the Creation

1. What else did God do on the fourth day?

On the fourth day God also made the moon to preside over the night. This beautiful planet renders us the greatest services. It lessens the great darkness of the night, it regulates the labors of the field, it affords light to the traveler by night, and at each instant reveals to us the wisdom of the Creator; for the moon, like the sun, changes each day its hour of rising and setting.

2. What more did God do?

God also made the stars, whose number, size, and continual, regular motion show forth the glory of our heavenly Father and challenge our gratitude.

3. How so?

The stars render us great service; the polar star, for instance, directs our course both by hind and sea; the other stars diminish the darkness in the absence of the moon. If these stars were nearer to us, they would dazzle the sight or burn the earth; if they were farther off, they would be useless.

4. Why has God created the sun and moon?

God has created the sun and moon, in order to separate the day from the night, and regulate the order of the seasons. The light, the heat and the opportunity to labor without fear at our daily avocations, are some of the many blessings conferred upon us by the day, and deserve all our gratitude.

5. What are the blessings of the night?

The night also brings us a ^reat many blessings: 1st. It instructs us by withdrawing from our use and our sight the creatures which surround us. It recalls to our mind the nothingness from which we have sprung, arid the darkness of idolatry from which Ave have been freed by the gospel. 2d. The night brings us rest and sleep, but it does it gently and with deference, to teach us that all things are made for us, and ourselves for God. 3d. The night refreshes the air, and preserves the herbs and plants, which would perish if the sun were to remain always above the horizon. 4th. It secures our lives against wild beasts. These beasts go forth during night to seek their prey, but if there were no night, hunger would force them to go forth during the day, and thus man would be incessantly exposed to their fury.

6. What Other service do we derive from the sun and moon?

We derive another service from the sun and moon; they regulate the order of the seasons. The four seasons are necessary; the spring prepares, the summer ripens, the fall lavishes the productions of which we have need, and winter gives rest to the tired earth.

7. What are the blessings and instructions of each season?

The spring renews all nature and teaches us the shortness of growth and life. Summer gives us a portion of those things which are necessary for us, and teaches us that when arrived at the age of reason, we must above all things labor for heaven. The fall fills our houses with its blessings, but at the same time warns us not to attach our hearts to them. Finally, winter enables us to enjoy the blessings given us by the other seasons, and it bids us be charitable to those who suffer from cold and hunger. 5*

54 CATECHISM Of PERSEVERANCE.