Article January 9, 1932 Issue

The Perfect Model

EDITH BENTHAM

IN the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 407), "Let the perfect model be present in your thoughts instead of its demoralized opposite." These words have a deep significance to the student of Christian Science, as he realizes that it is in his thinking progress has to be made, and that all false thought habits must be relinquished. At times this may seem to mean a stupendous effort, until he remembers the loving admonition by Mrs. Eddy, who encourages us in her book "Unity of Good" (p. 5) "to seek the divine Science of this question of Truth by following upward individual convictions, undisturbed by the frightened sense of any need of attempting to solve every Life-problem in a day."

A very helpful experience led the writer to see how this change of thought can be brought about. While visiting in a country house she saw and admired what was supposed to be an antique mirror. Shortly afterwards she herself was given a similar mirror, selected by an experienced collector. This she had daily before her for many months, at the end of which time she again visited her friend in the country. The moment she saw the mirror which she had previously admired, she perceived that it was not a genuine antique. Now what had happened? During the time between her visits she had had the genuine example daily before her, and because of this without any effort she was able to recognize the counterfeit.

We find that our spiritual perception increases in a similar way. Our Leader says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 309), "He advances most in divine Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual substance and intelligence." As we constantly endeavor to express Godlike thoughts, we are able to recognize the counterfeit thoughts that would try to turn us from our high purpose and prevent our spiritual growth, which sooner or later is bound to be fulfilled, even "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

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His Presence
January 9, 1932
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