Article October 30, 1943 Issue

"The better side of man's nature"

MAUDE FRANCES ATKINSON

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. Mary Baker Eddy, in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901. makes the following statement (p. 1). "Truth comes from a deep sincerity that must always characterize heroic hearts; it is the better side of man's nature developing itself."

Christian Science is revealing to the world the real man's spiritual nature, which has always existed and is one with the Father. This spiritual selfhood is perfect, entire, and complete. Jesus recognized this perfect selfhood when he heard "a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." That great spiritual fact, which Jesus recognized, must be acknowledged individually as well as collectively as we journey to perfection.

Spiritual man needs no developing process. He must be recognized as entirely separate, or apart, from the illusion of a material, finite selfhood. Human consciousness needs to be improved, however, educated out of itself into the pure desire for holiness, harmony, and immortality. This human selfhood is inclined at times to be content with some improvement in its nature, viewing any slight change with a self-satisfied, self-justified sense of achievement; but the better side of human consciousness must be continually developing. Webster defines the word "develop," in part, as "to unfold more completely, ... to make active, to perfect." With that definition held in thought there can be no self-righteousness or vanity, no "holier than thou" attitude. There can be no marking time, since even the gold in human nature must be refined, in order that man's spiritual sonship with the Father may be recognized and demonstrated.

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