Article December 28, 1940 Issue

"The perfect man"

[Written Especially for Young People]

DELOS EDWARD JOHNSON

We read in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (pp. 476, 477): "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." Jesus healed all who sought him for help. Because of his pure spiritual insight, he beheld man as perfect and eternal. Jesus knew that the real man is always at the standpoint of perfection. That material sense argued otherwise made no difference to Jesus. He knew, and proved, that material sense has no foundation in fact, and that its testimony is untrue and cannot govern man. Although the man at the pool of Bethesda had seemed to suffer from an infirmity for thirty-eight years, Jesus knew that the man of God's creating had never been less than perfect, and his understanding of this fact enabled him to awaken the impotent man to the truth about himself, which resulted in instant healing.

When young students of Christian Science encounter conditions which seem perplexing and disconcerting, they may find it difficult to remember that man is perfect. Sometimes they may have to work with a schoolteacher who seems to be unwilling or unable to understand or to cooperate with them. But "Love is reflected in love" (ibid., p. 17); and, whatever error may call itself, if the student steadfastly endeavors to behold "in Science the perfect man," he will find that his problem will be solved. When one is expressing Love himself, he cannot fail to see evidence of Love. As the student consistently and persistently holds to the true view of man, discord and misunderstanding vanish, and harmony is manifested.

Again, certain subjects in one's schoolwork may seem to be very difficult, and one's inability to master them may seem to be a barrier to progress. Remembering that his true work is that of reflection, the student perceives that so-called difficulties give him opportunities to glorify God. As he draws nearer to God in his thinking, he will find that troubles cease to disturb him, for he has learned that harmony is ever present. As our spirituality increases, evil suggestions will have less and less power over us. The sense of fear and undue haste in our daily work will vanish. Confidence and poise will be increasingly expressed.

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