have we not, an analogical right to the
inference that this perceptible Universe--that this cluster of
clusters--is but one of _a series_ of clusters of clusters, the rest of
which are invisible through distance--through the diffusion of their
light being so excessive, ere it reaches us, as not to produce upon our
retinas a light-impression--or from there being no such emanation as
light at all, in these unspeakably distant worlds--or, lastly, from the
mere interval being so vast, that the electric tidings of their presence
in Space, have not yet--through the lapsing myriads of years--been enabled
to traverse that interval?

Have we any right to inferences--have we any ground whatever for visions
such as these? If we have a right to them in _any_ degree, we have a
right to their infinite extension.

The human brain has obviously a leaning to the "_Infinite_," and fondles
the phantom of the idea. It seems to long with a passionate fervor for
this impossible conception, with the hope of intellectually believing it
when conceived. What is general among the whole race of Man, of course
no individual of that race can be warranted in considering abnormal;
nevertheless, there _may_ be a class of superior intelligences, to whom
the human bias alluded to may wear all the character of monomania.

My question, however, remains unanswered:--Have we any right to infer--let
us say, rather, to imagine--an interminable succession of the "clusters
of clusters," or of "Universes" more or less similar?

I reply that the "right," in a case such as this, depends absolutely
upon the hardihood of that imagination which ventures to claim the
right. Let me declare, only, that, as an individual, I myself feel
impelled to the _fancy_--without daring to call it more--that there _does_
exist a _limitless_ succession of Universes, more or less similar to
that of which we have cognizance--to that of which _alone_ we shall ever
have cognizance--at the very least until the return of our own particular
Universe into Unity. _If_ such clusters of clusters exist, however--_and
they do_--it is abundantly clear that, having had no part in our origin,
they have no portion in our laws. They neither attract us, nor we them.
Their material--their spirit is not ours--is not that which obtains in any
part of our Universe. They could not impress our senses or our souls.
Among them and us--considering all, for the moment, collectively--there
are no influences in