Article April 19, 1947 Issue

How Safe Is Man?

ELIZABETH ROYER BECK

That which the fearful heart craves more than aught else is an assurance of safety. On every hand one is aware of the zeal put forth to attain such assurance. Toward this end medical scientists spend endless hours in their laboratories searching for cures for the ills of the flesh. Economists strive to find ways and means to effect a better distribution of wealth. Legislative bodies pass laws with a view to greater protection of the rights of the masses. The military force strengthens its power to combat invasion. Yet for all this expended effort, complete safety in the human realm remains a thing unattained.

Why have these well-meant efforts so largely failed? The answer is that safety has been sought in matter—in that which causes and perpetuates insecurity—rather than in the one divine governing power, God. The Bible tells us that escape from evil can be found only in God. In Isaiah (45:22) we read, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." And in Matthew (11:28), "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Turning to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we find a vital and conclusive reason for man's safety in the answer she makes to the query. "What is man?" Man, we are told, is "that which has no separate mind from God" (p. 475). This one statement, if understood, would wipe out the sum total of all error: for there is but one Mind, and this Mind, to be eternal, can be conscious only of good. Mrs. Eddy further state—in conformity with Jesus' words (John 15:4. 5)—that man is "that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." From this, one concludes that to discern the real nature of man one must gain a clearer concept of God.

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