Neither Age nor Blight

Albert F. Gilmore

Through Christian Science the facts about God and man have been presented to mankind in terms so clear and cogent that all may understand; and, moreover, through actual demonstrations, conclusive beyond argument, proof of the truthfulness of its teachings has been adduced. That Life is eternal and unchangeable; that man, spiritual and perfect, likewise is eternal and unchangeable, are fundamental teachings of Christian Science. And yet it seems that mortals traverse the entire round of human experience encompassed, in the common phrase, "between the cradle and the grave," accepting materiality as real.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 246) Mrs. Eddy makes an extraordinarily reassuring statement in contravention of the materialistic philosophy of life. "Life and goodness are immortal," she declares. "Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight." Here is more than a hint that the great possibility lies with men of so understanding Life and existence as to avoid what mortals are prone to accept as inevitable,—namely, age and blight; that is to say, the decline and decrepitude which seem to accompany advancing years, and final dissolution. What a rare prospect Mrs. Eddy has opened before us! And how worthy of our utmost endeavor!

Upon Christian Scientists, perhaps in greater degree than upon any other group of religionists, devolves the responsibility of proving the practicability of the teachings of Christ Jesus regarding eternal Life. For, likewise, that Life is changeless and permanent is an important feature of our beloved Leader's message to mankind. To prove this statement, in some degree at least, is both our privilege and our duty. Are we awake to the necessity of such proof, and are we living up to its demands? are important questions. This demonstration in the last analysis resolves itself into two phases. Are we holding to the revealed truth about God and His perfect image, man? Are we standing guard against the admission into our mental fortress of the enemy which would defeat and destroy? Are our thoughts so filled with spiritual good as to preclude the entry of any opposing thoughts? Upon the answers we make, not in words, but in thoughts and deeds, will depend our progress Spiritward.

Christ Jesus left in the thoughts of his disciples no slightest hint of hesitancy as to what the situation is. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," leaves no room for doubt or exception. "Ye cannot" is positive and unequivocal. And if mammon be understood to include the sum total of material beliefs, based upon the claim that matter possesses and maintains life, then it will be seen how far-reaching and altogether important these teachings are. No more did Mrs. Eddy leave us in doubt as to what the degree of our loyalty to divine Principle should be. Under the paragraph heading, "The present immortality," on page 428 of Scienceand Health, our Leader says: "We must hold forever the consciousness of existence, ... we must master sin and death. The evidence of man's immortality will become more apparent, as material beliefs are given up and the immortal facts of being are admitted." The necessity then lies upon us both of giving up material beliefs,—thereby denying every vestige of the lie that substance and intelligence are apart from God,—and of gaining and holding unflinchingly the immortal facts of being. While the task may seem heavy, how great are the rewards! Immortality! Freedom from earthiness! Eternal bliss and blessedness,—even the beauty of holiness!

As one contemplates the completeness with which mortals have given themselves over to the acceptance of materiality as man's true estate, with all that is involved thereby, it is not difficult to account for the grief and sorrow with which they are sooner or later encompassed. The wonder, if wonder there be, is that there could ever be the degree of happiness that is apparent, so heavy seem the earth burdens. But the totality of human experience, considered from the plane of materiality alone, contains nothing of promise and nothing of hope.

But how changed becomes the picture when there is thrown upon it the radiant light of spiritual understanding! How quickly and completely does the scene shift from the shadows into the light of God's ever present love, pervading and encompassing the perfect creation in His ineffable and unchanging glory. Under this great transforming agency, sorrow is turned into joy; the belief of death gives place to assurance of everlasting life,—eternal life here and now; and the ever-presence of infinite, divine Love. Read these sweetly inspiring words of Mrs. Eddy on page 246 of Science and Health: "The measurement of life by solar years robs youth and gives ugliness to age. The radiant sun of virtue and truth coexists with being. Manhood is its eternal noon, undimmed by a declining sun." What more could we wish for; what more could we desire? And such blessings are available here and now, soothing sorrow, healing disease, destroying sin. These are the rewards which all may wisely seek and greatly enjoy. They are gained through striving for the light of Love, through attaining the spiritual vision.

Albert F. Gilmore

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit