Page:The Philosophy of Creation.djvu/125



a knowledge of degrees, a clear, definite, or interior understanding of the universe, in general or in particular, is impossible. Degrees, being the means by which creation took place and is sustained, hold the secret of the philosophy of creation. Through the knowledge of them, interior or prior causes may be investigated and comprehended; but without their acknowledgment, there must result that very confusion which characterizes the thought of to-day.

There are two general classes of degrees; continuous degrees, and discrete degrees. One may be best understood in contrast with the other. Continuous degrees of any thing exist on the same plane. They may be thought of as degrees of latitude. Discrete degrees exist on different planes. They may be conceived of as degrees of