Article December 15, 1917 Issue

Conservatism and Progress

HELEN W. BANNON

Professor Hinton's book, "The Fourth Dimension," reads more like a satire than a scientific treatise. In discussing the dimensions of space, illustrated by geometrical symbols, the author begins with the point,—a mere speck, incapable of movement. Then two hypothetical creatures are successively introduced, one able to move forward and backward on a straight line from which it can never deviate; the other capable, besides, of movements to the right hand or to the left. It can also trace an angle, a square, or a circle, always, however, keeping to the horizontal. These two resemble each other in being satisfied with existing conditions and unable to conceive of any other. " 'I am monarch of all I survey,' and outside me there is nothing!" Such is their conviction. The next being that comes on the scene is no longer confined to a dead level. He has scaled the perpendicular and risen to higher planes. He can follow the outline of a cube and move in all directions. New possibilities have opened up to him; he has reached the fourth dimension.

Now these dimensions have nothing to do with Christian Science, of which Mrs. Eddy says, "It is the infinite calculus defining the line, plane, space, and fourth dimension of Spirit" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 22); but they serve to illustrate certain conditions of the human mind frequently met with. Through the illumination of divine Science we apprehend them as differing states of consciousness. "In my Father's house are many mansions," said Christ Jesus to his disciples; and he added, "I go to prepare a place for you." And this place will be determined for each individual in the degree of his spiritual attainment. It means watchfulness, prayer, and sacrifice; it may even be the giving up of beliefs once held sacred by tradition and from association. To some this process is as painful as the plucking out of an eye or the cutting off of hand or foot. Others, unused to thinking for themselves, resent being disturbed, and are satisfied with the stereotyped and conventional.

The great Teacher, by his preaching and mighty works, sought to rouse the Jews of his day from their blindness; but he was generally misunderstood and scoffed at, and, as we read in the epistle to the Hebrews, his followers "were made a gazingstock." "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life," was his sad admission; and he wept because of their density.

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