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This stumbling block definition carries the metaphor of 'gates,' according to the description of the biblical city foursquare in Revelation 21. Gates, in turn are related to flow. She had previously introduced the concept of gates as associated with the metaphor for the sides of the city which were recognized as signifying domains for development, such as taking sides. But, then, she presents in addition a very complex metaphoric definition of the idea of 'gates' opening northward, eastward, southward, and westward. In essence, this descriptor is one that expands the metaphor into all directions at infinitum. It comes to light as a metaphor for infinity that unfolds the fourth dimension.
Now, if the lower dimensions are leading up to the higher, the question repeats itself, what shall we do with them? All these carefully built structures that have been considered in earlier volumes are obviously intended to facilitate and advance whatever moves in consciousness at the level of thought where discoveries are made and fundamental principles come to light, which movement facilitates metaphysical healing and so set the stage for the higher idea and fuller implementation. Only how does one get from the printed page where the three dimensional structure is documented to the practice of its Science by which bodily ailments are healed through means of directed individual work in metaphysics, and this instantly? How does one do this? - As already indicated, it can be accomplished by diligent scientific work.
The outline has been discovered that Mary Baker Eddy has left to humanity, of the structure that she had used herself and had based her life's work on. It had proven its value in metaphysical healing. In recent years the outline has been discovered, and in the exploratory process of recreating the outlined structure, its science has likewise been explored to some degree. The the researched structure has then been applied in its basic dimension to practical issues. All this was pursued in earlier volumes. Now, we shall take the next step.
A probe into discovery.
The answer to what can be gleamed through self-initiated discovery comes to light through another question: How does one go about to establish in consciousness this "crowning ultimate that rises to a mental monument, a superstructure high above the work of men's hands, even the outcome their hearts, giving to the material a spiritual significance"...?(Mary Baker Eddy - The First Church of Christ, Scientist. p.6)
Here an illustration can be useful that Mary Baker Eddy has provided in a more general context, but which has a special significance in pointing out the nature of what may be termed the "fourth dimension, of Spirit." She writes, "The manifestation of God through mortals is as light passing through the window-pane. The light and the glass never mingle, but as matter, the glass is less opaque than the walls. The mortal mind through which Truth appears most vividly is that one which has lost much materiality - much error - in order to become a better transparency for Truth. Then, like a cloud melting into thin vapor, it no longer hides the sun.*(Science and Health 295:16-24)
Indeed, this description reflects her own personal experience on that momentous day when she stepped away from what should have been her death bed, in an instantaneous healing from a severe spinal injury. The doctors could not explain the healing that had taken place in that moment, and the pastor who stopped by her place after that day's morning service, in order to prepare her for what should have been her final moments, could hardly belief his senses as she opened the door for him when he arrived to perform this pastoral duty.
The dramatic breakthrough that her healing represented to her was the beginning of a 44 year journey of continuous discovery. She complained in later years about the inadequacy of the common language to convey the deeply moving changes in perception that had come with the unfolding steps in the new-found universe of Spirit and of man's spiritual resources. Compromises had to be made. She wrote: "After the author's sacred discovery, she affixed the name Science to Christianity, the name error to corporeal sense, and the name substance to Mind." She adds, "Science has called the world to battle over this issue and its demonstration, which heals the sick, destroys error, and reveals the universal harmony.*(Science and Health 483:13-19)
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