Editorial May 3, 1930 Issue

Semblances and Counter Facts

Clifford P. Smith

The human life of every person involves a continual conflict between semblance and fact. The instance of first importance is that his existence seems to have had a beginning and to be in danger of ending. Actually, nothing real either begins or ends. This fact, with its basis in Principle, instead of the opposite seeming, is one of the most important truths for every person to know and use. The belief that life began implies a belief that it must end. Counter to both of these beliefs, and to others subsidiary to them, is the spiritual fact that individual life neither begins nor ends; it is the eternal unfolding in infinite Life. (See "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, page 335, line 22; page 502, line 24.)

For another instance of conflict between semblance and fact, every person's capacities and faculties—his desirable qualities—seem to have a beginning, an increase, an apex for a period, and then seem to be in danger of decrease and loss. This error, closely parallel to the belief in birth and death, is one of the worst of all errors; it is one of the most destructive and fearful. Among its familiar results are losses of beauty, health, efficiency, and vigor. Among its less known results, this error excludes multitudes of serviceable people from deserved employment. A counter fact germane to this semblance is the spiritual truth that man neither waxes nor wanes; man coexists with God—"God giving all and man having all that God gives" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 5).

Not only should the errors stated in the foregoing paragraphs and the truths antipodal to them have adequate attention as particular occasions occur, but they should also have attention from Christian Scientists frequently and regularly. We ought to handle those semblances with the spiritual facts of being, without waiting for particular occasions, because there are great benefits to be had, for ourselves and for everybody, by maintaining steadfastly the scientific attitude toward such subjects. We ought to do this, not only for our own advantage, and to help particular persons to whom we are especially obligated, but we should also maintain the facts of being in regard to such subjects for the benefit of all humanity. In this way, we can reflect the Love which is universal.

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