Editorial February 26, 1944 Issue

Not "afar off"

Evelyn F. Heywood

The theory of a fallen man necessitates duality of place, with its concomitant of separation. On page 4 of "Pulpit and Press" Mary Baker Eddy writes, "You have simply to preserve a scientific positive sense of unity with your divine source, and daily demonstrate this."

Had Peter learned the lesson of the Christ, nowhere more simply and positively set forth by Jesus than in the words, "I and my Father art one," the fatal attitude of mind which led to the denial of his Master would have been impossible. How vociferous and confident was Peter in his human boasting, "Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death." Yet when the test came, a few hours later, Peter was not equal to it.

The chief priests and the captains of the temple and the elders had come out in force with swords and staves to take Jesus and lead him into the high priest's house, and Peter followed "afar off." Whoever follows Truth afar off has not decided on which side he really is. Noncommittal, irresolute, his attitude is defeatist and pusillanimous. His step is likely to become even a little slower if the prospect darkens, for he is concerned not with championing the right, but with self. This is separation from good—this the argument of fallen man.

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