Article April 6, 1918 Issue

Now

HUGH STUART CAMPBELL

Considered in the spiritual light of Christian Science, what a wealth of meaning is found in that simple word now. Paul observes, "Now is the day of salvation." Reverse the word and "won" is spelled. May not this, by imaginative deduction, signify first the opportunity, then the attainment of salvation? According to material usage, now means the present moment of time. There is no other time, for yesterday is not and to-morrow comes not. Paul's statement wisely includes the word now, for he means there is no other time but to-day in which to seek salvation. However, now as the present tense of mortal education is but a counterfeit of the now of God's creating, which is an idea in Mind.

The now of the calendar may be lost or wasted. It is but a limited concept with both a beginning and an end. It begins with and includes time, and time must eventually cease. The saying "Time is fleeting" illustrates its unreal and perishable nature. The now of time is wholly apart from God's idea, which is eternal and indestructible. On the other hand, the forever now of spiritual sense is a metaphysical fact, a limitless, boundless, eternal spiritual idea which includes all there is of God, good. It does not depend upon past, present, or future time; it cannot be wasted or improved, limited or increased, but remains forever an active and ever operative quality of the eternal Mind. The now of salvation is therefore the immortal now of eternity, and what we are told to do by the apostle is to occupy the present time in human experience, the now of physical life, by mental improvement, until we discern the now of life eternal,—to eliminate from thought all error and reflect only right thoughts. To gain this state of consciousness is to secure and partake of the kingdom of heaven or harmony—and is not this salvation attained?

Surely such a goal is worth working for. The admonition of Paul has rung through the centuries; it has been preached in the pulpit, printed by the press,—and yet mankind has allowed the golden hours of opportunity to pass unheeded and salvation to be considered a vague future possibility. Through the teaching and practice of Christian Science, however, the goal of deliverance may be secured to-day, a glorious prize for all who run the race with unfaltering trust; for Christian Science not only proves God to be available, and ever present, but makes it possible to know Him aright, which Jesus said was "life eternal."

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