IV
THE EXTENT OF THE UNIVERSE
We cannot expect that the wisest men of our remotest posterity,
who can base their conclusions upon thousands of years of accurate
observation, will reach a decision on this subject without some
measure of reserve. Such being the case, it might appear the
dictate of wisdom to leave its consideration to some future age,
when it may be taken up with better means of information than we
now possess. But the question is one which will refuse to be
postponed so long as the propensity to think of the possibilities
of creation is characteristic of our race. The issue is not
whether we shall ignore the question altogether, like Eve in the
presence of Raphael; but whether in studying it we shall confine
our speculations within the limits set by sound scientific
reasoning. Essaying to do this, I invite the reader's attention to
what science may suggest, admitting in advance that the sphere of
exact knowledge is small compared with the possibilities of
creation, and that outside this sphere we can state only more or
less probable conclusions.
The reader who desires to approach this subject in the most
receptive spirit should begin his study by betaking himself on a
clear, moonless evening, when he has no earthly concern to disturb
the serenity of his thoughts, to some point where he can lie on
his back on bench or roof, and scan the whole vault of heaven at
one view.
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