Article May 19, 1951 Issue

"AND UPON THE EARTH BENEATH"

GRACE MC KEE BRIGGS

Do we really expect an answer to the prayer which humanity has uttered throughout the years (Matt. 6:10), "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven"? While the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is an endeavor to persuade mankind of the greatness and goodness of God, of His ever-present love and beneficent care, no one has so ably interpreted this entreaty as has Mary Baker Eddy in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she writes (p. 17), "Enable us to know, —as in heaven, so on earth,—God is omnipotent, supreme. It has remained for the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science to give to the world the present means of bringing a realization of heaven on earth, here and now, and of making instant demonstrations of man's divine authority to dwell in the heavenly realm of Spirit, where sin, disease, disaster, and turbulence are unknown.

Biblical assurance of man's essential perfection as God's idea begins in the first chapter of Genesis. There we are told that God created the heaven and earth and man, that He created them all in a divinely glorious way. and that nothing can ever really change His creation. He made all that was made like Himself—in spiritual perfection. After "the Spirit of God" was evidenced "upon the face of the waters," He commanded, "Let there be light." This unchanging light of spiritual revelation has shone on and on throughout the ages. The light of God's creating is the light of omnipresent Love, revealing the true, spiritual perfection of God and His universe, including man.

Since many Bible passages have a dual meaning, each must necessarily be read with spiritual discernment if we would make alive and dynamic that which has been left us by its inspired writers. The letter of the Scriptures may be inanimate and fruitless, while its spiritual interpretation bears fruit far beyond usual anticipation. In an editor's summary of one of Mrs. Eddy's sermons, as given in "Miscellaneous Writings" under the text (Matt. 22:29), "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God," we find these words, referring to her healing(p. 169): "With the understanding of Scripture-meanings, had come physical rejuvenation. The uplifting of spirit was the upbuilding of the body." Does not such a statement convince her followers that "Scripture-meanings" will be found applicable to all problems concerning our health, our households, our properties?

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