Article June 25, 1955 Issue

ENDURING VITALITY

OLIVIA PUTNAM WHITTAKER

The ceaseless impulsion of God's inexhaustible power constitutes the real man's enduring vitality. The power that controls the universe, that gathers the "wind in his fists," that balances the clouds, that keeps the earth in its orbit, is that which impels every action of man, sustains his strength, and supplies his intelligence. This power, according to Christian Science, is the action of divine Mind. It is spiritual, not physical, force.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 124): "We tread on forces. Withdraw them, and creation must collapse. Human knowledge calls them forces of matter; but divine Science declares that they belong wholly to divine Mind, are inherent in this Mind, and so restores them to their rightful home and classification." Mind's rhythmic and effortless unfoldment is manifested in man's real and exhaustless being. Because Mind is ageless, timeless, and fadeless, the continuity of man's liveliness and spiritual vigor is assured. Man is the reflection of Mind. Understanding this, we cannot become overworked or burdened by strain or pressure. We cannot feel depleted or worn out.

According to human theories, vitality depends on the conditions of a material body. But the real man is not embraced in matter, subject to matter, nor animated by matter. Because, as Christian Science teaches, all is Mind and its infinite expression, there is in reality no matter either to retard or to activate being. There is no matter to weaken or to strengthen capabilities, to limit or to prolong life. There is no matter to declare whether man is tired or strong, sick or well. The Bible says (John 6: 63), "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." And we read on page 14 of Science and Health, "Become conscious for a single moment that Life and intelligence are purely spiritual,—neither in nor of matter,—and the body will then utter no complaints." We must look, then, to the spiritual resources of Mind, and not to matter for vitality. We find our needed strength through spiritual thinking and learn that true vitality of thought bases tireless activity.

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