Presence of Mind

GEORGE H. READ

EVEN among those not acquainted with Christian Science the words "presence of mind" are almost invariably used to denote a desirable condition of thought. But when we compare the usual meaning of the phrase "presence of mind" with the significance of the words "presence of Mind," meaning presence of God, as revealed in Christian Science, we find occasion for gratitude to Mary Baker Eddy, an evidence that Christian Science enables one to "speak with new tongues," one of the signs which Jesus said should "follow them that believe."

The Psalmist testifies to the ever-presence of God thus: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." On page 180 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says, "When man is governed by God, the everpresent Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible."

Obviously, the ever present Mind is never absent, and we need do nothing to bring about the presence of that which is always present. But we do need to keep ourselves constantly conscious of the omnipresent Mind as governing our every thought and action. Thus we realize the true presence of Mind, the Mind which knows no evil, no sickness, no lack, no inharmony, but knows good alone.

The "ever-present Mind who understands all things," and with whom "all things are possible," must understand man's every need and be able to meet it. Thus a realization of the presence of Mind and its omnipotence reveals the true solution of the problems which need to be handled in our daily affairs. I shows us how to drop our burdens

". . . at His feet,
And bear a song away."

When the ever-presence of ever righteous Mind is realized, there can be in one's experience no absent-mindedness, no feeble-mindedness, no evil-mindedness, nothing in fact which does not express the one perfect Mind.

Consciousness of the ever-presence of ever active, ever accurate, unerring, omniscient Mind eliminates all sense of uselessness, inefficiency, and incompetence, and enables one daily to improve and increase his service to God and to his fellow men. It wipes out self-depreciation, self-exaltation, and that trio of traits to which Mrs. Eddy refers (Science and Health, p. 242) as "the adamant of error,—self-will, self-justification, and self-love,—which wars against spirituality and is the law of sin and death."

Is it not significant that with those of whom the Bible relates the most notable achievements there was a clear recognition of their need for the presence of God? For instance, we find that when Moses was leading the children of Israel into the land of promise he said unto the Lord, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." And David, after accomplishing great works that had won him fame, in a Psalm of thanks to God said, "Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place."

Christ Jesus realized so clearly and so constantly the presence of Mind, God, that he could say to the Jews who questioned his right to the name of Christ, "I and my Father are one." And he saw this oneness or presence of Mind so scientifically that even the crucifixion could not destroy his vision or prevent his demonstration of the ever-presence or eternality of that oneness.

Moreover, as his vision continued to grow during the forty days following the resurrection, Jesus came to see so clearly that in the eternal presence of infinite Mind there is nothing unlike perfect Mind, that it resulted in his complete and permanent ascension above the belief of any material presence. This crowning achievement of the Way-shower indicates how essential it is to complete our every declaration and realization of the presence and allness of God, Mind, and His manifestation with the correlative reasoning as to the absence, nothingness, of all that is unlike perfect Mind, as taught throughout the writings of Mrs. Eddy.

In the light of Jesus' resurrection and ascension we gain a larger and more practical vision of our Leader's statement on page 471 of Science and Health, "God is infinite, therefore ever present, and there is no other power nor presence."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit