“Yes,” returned Hitt, “I feel certain of it. Let us consider of what the universe consists. For many months I have been pondering this topic incessantly. I find that I can agree, in a measure, with those scientists who regard the physical universe as composed of only a few elementary constituents, namely, matter, energy, space, and time––”
“Each one of these elements is mental,” interrupted Carmen.
“Exactly!” replied Hitt. “And the physical universe, even from the human standpoint, is, therefore, wholly mental.”
“Well, but we see it!” ejaculated Haynerd. “And we feel and hear it! And I’m sure we smell it!”
Hitt laughed. “Do we?” he asked.
“No,” interposed Father Waite; “we see only our mental concept of a universe, for seeing is wholly a mental process. Our comprehension of anything is entirely mental.”
“But now,” resumed Hitt, “to get back to the supposed reality of the physical universe, let us examine its constituents. First, let us consider its unity established by the harmonious interplay of the forces permeating it. This great fact is what led Herbert Spencer to conclude that the universe could have but one creator, one ruler, and that polytheism was untenable.”
“We are quite agreed regarding that,” said Father Waite. “If the Creator is mind, He is of very necessity infinite and omnipotent; hence there can be but one Creator.”
“Very well,” continued Hitt. “Now as to time. Is it material or tangible? Would it exist, but as a convenience for the human mind? Is it not really a creation of that mind? And, lastly, is it not merely a mental concept?”