Article August 28, 1954 Issue

PROGRESS THROUGH THE CANAL

HUGH PENDEXTER III

In discussing the process of over-coming mortality and revealing through Christian Science the real man, God's reflection, we often use the metaphor of travel. We speak of making spiritual progress or of going in the right direction. Of course the absolute fact is that man, the image of God, is not going anywhere or becoming anything: he already is in God's presence, and he already is God's perfect reflection. Therefore he has no need of going or becoming. Nevertheless, the figure of moving illustrates the experience of human progress. Christ Jesus used this figure when he told his disciples (John 14:4), "Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

In connection with the journey of humanity out of mortality, the experience of passing through a canal offers a very rewarding illustration. When a ship enters a canal, it is following a carefully planned and prepared route. The entire passage is thoroughly supervised by those who are fully competent to guide. There is no doubt where the canal ultimately leads or that it is the best and frequently the only route available.

The ship proceeds easily for some time until it reaches the locks. Then the walls on each side become higher and higher until they blot out the landscape. At length progress is arrested by great towering doors which have behind them tons of water to hold them in place. Behind the ship two great high doors swing shut, and not only progress, but even all means of escape seem shut off. Those who understand what is happening are able to reassure any who are confused or frightened by the apparent imprisonment. "We haven't stopped progressing," an experienced traveler may say. "We just have to go up before we can move on."

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