"Teaching man his relatively small sphere in the creation, it also encourages him by its lessons of the unity of Nature and shows him that his power of comprehension allies him with the great intelligence over-reaching all"

Annie Jump Cannon’s words emphasize the humbling position of humanity within the broader context of the universe while simultaneously highlighting our connection to a larger, universal intelligence through understanding. The first phrase, "Teaching man his relatively small sphere in the creation", draws attention to the vastness of the cosmos in relation to human existence. Despite all our achievements and knowledge, our place in the universe remains modest and limited. This awareness can serve as a reminder not to succumb to arrogance; instead, it fosters humility by showing that we occupy just a tiny segment of a complex, expansive reality.

Yet, Cannon continues by noting that, rather than discouraging us, this realization "encourages him by its lessons of the unity of Nature". The interconnectedness of natural phenomena, the way that stars, planets, and life on Earth follow patterns and principles that can be harmonized within scientific laws, offers reassurance. Nature is not a chaotic assortment of unrelated entities, but rather a coherent system. This unity is not only intellectually satisfying but emotionally uplifting; it helps us find purpose in our pursuit of knowledge, suggesting that there is order and meaning woven into the fabric of existence.

The concluding idea, "shows him that his power of comprehension allies him with the great intelligence over-reaching all", is a celebration of human intellect. Our ability to recognize patterns, seek explanations, and contemplate the cosmos bridges the gap between the finite and the infinite. Although humans are small in physical scale, our minds are capable of understanding, in part, the workings of the universe. Through science, observation, and reflection, we participate in something far greater than ourselves. This aligns humanity with the "great intelligence", a phrase that may signify natural law, the cosmos, or even a metaphysical being, suggesting an intrinsic relationship between human cognition and universal wisdom. Our consciousness, then, is not isolated, but part of an ongoing dialogue with the profound intelligence embedded within nature itself.