Article May 22, 1937 Issue

The "correct view of man"

MABEL REED HYZER

It was a very crowded home in Capernaum. Jesus was staying there, and so many had come to see and hear him that even the doorways were filled. It was not possible for any more to enter. Four men approached the house bearing a pallet upon which lay one afflicted with palsy—better known in modern times as paralysis. When, according to the record written in the Gospel of Mark, it was found that an entrance could not be effected through the door because of the crowd, these four friends made their way to the roof. Loosening some tiles, they lowered the pallet and its occupant into the midst of the people, before Jesus. Oh, the beautiful faith of these four men, and their devotion to their friend, in thus expressing their determination that he should be brought into the presence of one who could heal him!

At once Jesus perceived their faith and gave attention to what was happening. But his first words to the patient were unexpected, and aroused questioning among those in the crowd who were learned in the religion of that day, for he said, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Although the mental attitude of the hearers was not voiced, Jesus discerned their unbelief and said: "Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" Then he bade the sick man arise, and take up his bed, and go home; and he did so.

Many have pondered the account of this incident in the Bible; but only one has set forth the exact method by which the paralytic was healed. Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 476): "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick." Other passages in this book give definite and detailed rules for the healing of disease, which are identical in meaning with the above quotation.

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