We can see next month's new moon.

We do not see her as distinctly as to-night's new moon, because we do not know in what grey or ruddy sky she will reveal her old saucepan-lid over my roof, amid the stove-flues capped with pointed hats and romantic hoods, to the gaze of the amorous cats.

But this coming rising of the moon--if we were expert enough to know it in advance, in its most minute particulars, every one of which is essential, we should conceive as clear an idea of the night whereof I speak as of the night now with us; both would be equally present to us.
"The knowledge that we have of the facts is the sole reason which leads us to believe in their reality.

We know that certain facts are bound to occur.

We must therefore believe them to be real.