Article March 19, 1938 Issue

Spiritual Transformation

BETHEL GILLIAM

On page 74 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes: "The caterpillar, transformed into a beautiful insect, is no longer a worm, nor does the insect return to fraternize with or control the worm. Such a backward transformation is impossible in Science." She adds, "In Christian Science there is never a retrograde step, never a return to positions outgrown." And on page 76 she writes, "When advanced to spiritual being and the understanding of God, man can no longer commune with matter; neither can he return to it, any more than a tree can return to its seed."

The caterpillar develops gradually; but sooner or later it undergoes a change. During the chrysalis state, its unattractive appearance gives little hint of its later grace. Finally the old binding encumbrances drop away, and there emerges a beautiful butterfly, having little resemblance to the caterpillar.

The butterfly is free to go where it will among the trees and flowers. No longer bound to the soil and vegetation, the creature now companions with singing birds and bees and murmuring streams. Gracefully it alights on a leaf and sways with the breeze, its colors resplendent in the bright sunshine. We behold it and exclaim, "How beautiful!"

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Perseverance
March 19, 1938
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