Article September 9, 1922 Issue

Matter to Be Proved Unreal

JESSIE G. CALDWELL

The universe of reality, controlled by divine Mind, God, is entirely separate from and unaware of the supposititious universe of matter. Truth is real, substantial. Matter is illusion, unreality. To deal with matter or materiality as if it were real, in an effort to demonstrate the truth of being, is like the wandering of one lost in the vastness of a forest without compass or sun to guide. Such a one travels in a circle, only to find himself periodically back at the starting point, not a step nearer home, but a little more weary of his futile attempt at each returning. Only when we refuse to accept each argument of mortal mind, which to material sense may seem however reasonable, and set ourselves firmly in the path away from matter towards the truth of Spirit and spirituality, can we realize any measure of success.

A demonstration, or proof, of true being is not gained by an effort to improve matter, but in triumphing over it. A yielding of mortal mind and its confused operations to God, divine Mind, leaves a clear, unobstructed vision of the truth, with nothing to obstruct, to fear, or to impede the right unfoldment of our journey from the human sense of things to spiritual reality. However real and despotic the material conditions surrounding one may seem to be, it is always possible to destroy the illusion; for illusion it is, as there can be only one reality, since that includes all. Mortal man may appear to be sick, sorrowing, harassed by problems of material living. Bewildered and despairing, he vainly searches in the false beliefs of materiality for relief. Fearful, yet hoping, he turns to Christian Science; and there learns that, as John says, "God is love," and God is All, ever sustaining His children with a law that is ever operating and omnipotent. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 322) Mrs. Eddy says, "The sharp experiences of belief in the supposititious life of matter, as well as our disappointments and ceaseless woes, turn us like tired children to the arms of divine Love."

As each lesson is prayerfully studied, each thought rendered obedient to the one Mind, illusion gives place to the substantial, and the disturbing conditions cease to exist, because false from the beginning. Along with the eradication of materiality there go a host of evil beliefs,—anger, dishonesty, or hatred,—which enslave; and man is found proving his God-given dominion over all the earth. Mrs. Eddy states (Science and Health, p. 552), "Thus it is learned that matter is a manifestation of mortal mind, and that matter always surrenders its claims when the perfect and eternal Mind is understood."

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