Article October 27, 1928 Issue

"Stand still, and see"

JESSIE G. CALDWELL

Demonstration is the result of the realization of harmonious activity in the spiritual universe. Demonstration is always spiritual. Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 173), "Neither the substance nor the manifestation of Spirit is obtainable through matter." As neither substance, defined as the underlying cause, nor the visible manifestation, which is effect, can be obtained through material thinking, it follows that any effort to prove man's dominion over error must be made on a wholly spiritual basis, and must continue thereon until the entire belief of evil is eliminated. Numerous examples furnished by Biblical characters, as well as the testimony of thousands to-day, witness the potency of this method. This realized, the student may proceed, relying unreservedly on God and trusting the result to divine wisdom, while he is seeking to understand and to reflect the qualities of God, divine Mind. Thus doing, one does not pause to wonder how deliverance is to be accomplished, but recognizes salvation as an established fact.

The experience of Moses when leading the children of Israel out of the land of the Egyptians provides a valuable lesson in the efficacy of remaining steadfast and sure above the disturbing evidence of material sense. Apparently hemmed in on every side, facing defeat and return to slavery, with the armies of Pharaoh approaching on one side and the waters of the Red Sea forming an impassable barrier on the other, Moses, through his clear perception of and sublime trust in God's ever-presence, could admonish his followers to "stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." With what singleness of thought and unwavering faith he remained true to his highest concept of the power of God! This procedure did not at that time and does not now include blind submission, but rather the most wide-awake activity in expressing the qualities of God. It meant the most faithful obedience to the First Commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." To-day, facing the results of erroneous thinking, mankind has the same opportunity; for the "glorious liberty of the children of God" is established and maintained by the same spiritual law that blessed the children of Israel. Fundamentally, the process is the same.

Mrs. Eddy says on page 319 of Science and Health, "Throughout the infinite cycles of eternal existence, Spirit and matter neither concur in man nor in the universe." The truth stated and understood closes the suppositional controversy and leaves thought in the spiritual realm of right activity, as finally and completely as light eliminates darkness. Holding this position brings the consciousness of at-one-ment with divine Principle, and therefore dominion. Thought acting in accordance with the law of divine Mind finds a poise and a serenity which no phase of error can disturb. Nothing is left to the confused conjecture of sense-testimony.

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