Section 4.—The Extent of Science.
The extent of science may be considered both in regard to the things of this world and of another, for man has knowledge respecting both worlds, which knowledge may be extended to an unlimited degree. The science of the things of this world is derived from an acquaintance with what is commonly called human learning, and also from observation, and is extended accordingly. The science of the things of another world is derived from revelation, and is more or less extended, in proportion as man studies the Word of God, and suffers its holy truths to influence his understanding. That science respecting the things of both worlds has no boundaries, but is unlimited in its extent, must be obvious to every one who reflects on the immensity of the works of God, and on the numberless truths contained in the Word of God. For there is not a single object of creation which is not a subject of human science; neither is there a single truth contained in the Word of God, which was not intended for the formation of man’s intellectual mind, and to enlarge the sphere of its knowledge respecting the vast realities of another world.
Thus man is gifted, by his great and good Creator, with the vast capacity of attaining endless knowledge, and he is moreover placed in a state adapted to such attainment, having the glorious works of God continually before his eyes, and the Holy Word of God continually
