Chapter IX · Chapter 9

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

plural of “breath” — the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

distributed or weighted out in carefully determined portions

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

emanating from God

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

at any time

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

destroyed or killed

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

a person who operates a farm

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

plural of “immortal” — a person (such as an author) of enduring fame

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

knowledge and intellectual ability

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

a unit of instruction

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

plural of “limitation” — a principle that limits the extent of something

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the force of workers available

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

leave undone or leave out

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

not any; not one

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

and nothing more

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

of or relating to ontology

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

plural of “perception” — the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

reason philosophically

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

happening again (especially at regular intervals)

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

voluntarily assumed or endured

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

express in speech

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

superlative of “stern” — of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Among the men of this vast northern territory the outward expression of religion is rare; they do not often speak, and then only of such interests as are superficial to their lives.

precisely as stated

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

at the time that

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE Nearly a month had gone by since the night on which Strangeways died.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Not that time mattered much to Granger, for, like the immortals, men in Keewatin have dispensed with time: they have accepted as true the lesson which philosophers have been striving to teach the world ever since the human intellect first commenced to philosophise--that there are no such ontological facts as Time and Space.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading As it would be sacrilege to count God's breaths, were that possible, so to them it seems a kind of blasphemy to number the recurrence of their own small perceptions when the Divine Perceived seems so entirely unconscious of their very existence.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet here, in their fine neglect of the two sternest of self-imposed, human limitations, the religious instinct is manifest.