“Ah, but who can do that?”
“You can, and so can I, and so can anyone who has studied the development of the world from the very beginning.”
“But I have never studied the development of the world.”
“Well, then it is high time you began; and to assist you in your studies, I will give you a vague sketch of the facts, and when I have sketched those facts, I will expound to you in a few words the deduction which I draw from them and the reason why I have implicit faith that earth has a meaning and life an aim—both equally glorious.
“Now, mind, I have nothing to do with fancies, only facts. Hard, dry facts that no one can refuse.”
“First, then, before the beginning of time there was neither sun, moon, nor planets; the whole of the solar system was a zone of incandescent gas.”
“How do you know that?”
“I know it because all philosophy points to it, and because in the depths of space the telescope shews to me hundreds of solar systems in the process of making. Perhaps you will take my word for the fact.”
“Yes. Go on.”