Article July 28, 1934 Issue

Infinity

ROBERT DICKINSON NORTON

As the writer was walking along a familiar track recently, and reasoning upon certain matters, his thought was diverted to notice that his eyes were, most of the time, directed to the ground a few yards in front of him. Consequently, what a limited view was his! But as he raised his eyes, his gaze first took in a distant range of hills, and then the bold sweep of the sky. Here, indeed, a mighty vista unfolded. A sight familiar to everyone is the great arch of the blue sky. To the so-called material senses it is a canopy, vast indeed, but appearing to have definite limitations. We know that this is an illusion, which, however, is accepted as fact until thought is liberated to pierce and shatter it. Our knowledge of what actually is, takes thought beyond the range of physical sight, and so our mental outlook is immensely increased. In this case it was realized afresh that we shall always do well to look up in order that we may get a broader view.

The Psalmist said, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." Surely he was saying that an elevation of thought is needed when problems appear to press heavily. The student of the Bible is aware of a number of instances in which is brought out the significance of hills and mountains: Moses' receiving of the Commandments on Mount Sinai; Jesus with Peter, James, and John on the mount of transfiguration; Jesus' preaching of the Sermon on the Mount, and his going up into a mountain apart to pray. And so, just as one by lifting the eyes gains a less limited view of the surroundings, one may by an elevation of thought likewise obtain a better comprehension of infinity.

It may be said that all human problems are primarily concerned with a belief of lack. With one it may be a question of supply, with another, of health or morals; and yet another may feel limited in education and opportunity. But whatever form it may assume, it is nothing more than a belief of lack of good.

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