Editorial December 7, 1940 Issue

"Spiritual apprehension"

EVELYN F. HEYWOOD

The actual meaning of the word "apprehend" is "to lay hold of with the understanding." The human mind, unconsciously influenced by the uncertainties and dangers of mortal existence, has bestowed upon it another, a sinister meaning. When men speak of apprehension they almost invariably mean fear or foreboding. On page 506 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has placed apprehension where it alone belongs. She writes: "The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress."

Christ Jesus, from his standpoint of oneness with the Father, preserved amidst all the most terrifying aspects of hatred and revenge the serenity which never lost sight of the progressive unfoldment of his divine purpose. When men are apprehensive of evil, it is because they believe it has power to interfere with or to damage their lives, to rob them of their happiness, of everything that they hold dear. But he who comprehends his relationship with divine Mind learns not to be afraid of human happenings, but rather to welcome every experience, knowing that it is for him the test of where he stands, the opportunity to see in the place of mortal beliefs the dawning of spiritual ideas, the steady, progressive unfolding of radiant being. "Behold," said Jesus, in a brief summary of his lifework, ". . . I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected."

That the dawn of ideas seems often so long delayed by the blackness of mental chaos, that the stages of progress appear sometimes so woefully slow, is because men wait on events, upon outward expectation rather than the inner assurance of spiritual knowing for their guide; because they allow a sense of mortal apprehension to cloud their vision and deflect their judgment.

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