Editorial July 1, 1939 Issue

Neither "by affinity nor by infirmity"

Evelyn F. Heywood

It is recorded in Mark's Gospel that a sick woman who, in the crowd, touched the hem of the garment of Christ Jesus, was instantaneously healed. The disciples were astonished when Jesus asked who had touched him, for the people were pressing close around them. But "Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him," sought the one who had been healed. In commenting on this experience, Mrs. Eddy has written (Unity of Good, p. 57), "His pure consciousness was discriminating, and rendered this infallible verdict; but he neither held her error by affinity nor by infirmity, for it was detected and dismissed."

To hold error neither "by affinity nor by infirmity" is to know that it is unable to assert its false claims in any seeming relationship, whether through the individual believing himself to be vulnerable to the generally accepted belief in mortality, or through an outward manifestation of sickness or of sin. So long as mortal man believes that he can suffer in connection with, or as the result of, any evil which presents itself to him, the infallible verdict will not be forthcoming, the understanding that virtue must go forth to heal it will not be in evidence. On the contrary, there will be submission to it, through either passive or active acceptance of its claim.

Christ Jesus not only saw the false claim as such, but dismissed it immediately, knowing it had neither place nor power in the universe of Mind. The detection of error as nothingness, is primary, for the spiritual facts of being as taught in Christian Science proclaim the utter unreality of all that is unlike God, good. But the next step is equally essential, and that is the dismissal of error. So long as men believe themselves to be related to that which brings sin and suffering, separation and loss, they still have a divided affinity. Infirmity, though it may be lessened, is still liable to argue as a reality rather than as illusion. The "infallible verdict" of Jesus must always mean continuous spiritual alertness. Only he who consciously and consistently goes to the Father, that is, understands kinship and reality, will detect and dismiss with increasing spiritual dominion all false, assertive affinities. This recognition of divine status alone will give men the authority exercised by Jesus. This alone will make them immediately available for the sick and sinning who turn to them for help.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
From the Clerk
July 1, 1939
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit