For we know in part, and we prophesy [teach] in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I CORINTHIANS xiii. 9, 10
As children, when we had committed to memory the multiplication-table, and could demonstrate the simple problems in addition, multiplication, and subtraction, it seemed to us that we had mastered mathematics.
How little we dreamed that there were men who could calculate eclipses of the sun, as their demonstration of the principle of mathematics,—even reaching, in the effort, the limit of figures in human knowledge, and depending on an intuitive, or sixth sense, to suggest the necessary figure for the completion of the demonstration. If it was our fortune to be able to prefigure an eclipse, the limits of subtraction and addition would have been done away; for that was knowledge in part, not only because it was an integral part of the whole, but also because it was necessary to the higher achievement.
