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JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 79 
THE EXTENT OF THE UNIVERSE. 
Delivered before the Astronomical Section of the Hamilton Scientific 
Association, January 19th, 1904. 
BY REV. D. B. MARSH, SC. D. 
That stately ceiling fretted with gold and bedecked with living 
points of light, supported by no pillars, having no abutments or 
foundations ; that azure canopy embroidered with stars, and suff- 
ciently spacious to form a covering for unnumbered suns and their 
planetary companions, has from all time been the study of him who 
is made like unto his God 
From time unknown man has sought to learn the great book 
open before his gaze. To know something of these mighty orbs 
that roll along the space of the sky and trace the Creator’s steps in 
yonder starry plains has been the desire of thoughtful man from 
time immemorable. We have seen the touches of God’s pencil 
glowing in the colors of spring. We have seen a sample of His 
beneficence as exhibited in the stores of nature. We have seen a 
ray of His brightness beaming in the blaze of a meridian sun ; but 
what an infinite field for the display of His perfections and power is 
to be seen in the unmeasurable wilds of ether. 
Man stands to-day with the knowledge of centuries at his feet, 
proud in his armour of the most recent scientific equipment, coupled 
with faith ; yet as he looks at that majestic dome he is able only to 
catch but a glimpse of the Almighty’s glory, and spell but a syllable 
of His eternal name. 
On a clear, moonless night, if you look upwards to the stars a 
countless number of shining points will meet your gaze in every 
direction your eye is turned, and if you are a thoughtful observer 
you will pause and try to take in the wonderful sight. As you gaze 
up to that gilded roof with those celestial luminaries glittering through 
the gloom, methinks I hear you say: ‘Stars, as you twinkle you 
beckon me; stars, your wonderful splendor inspires me. Yes, ye 
majestic monitors, I understand your meaning, and will strive also 
to obey Him who said: ‘Let your light so shine among men.’” 
