Article October 27, 1956 Issue

THE IMPRESS OF DIVINITY

NAOMI PRICE

Man , the creation of the divine Mind, is the image and likeness of his Maker. Referring to this real and perfect identity, Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 266), "Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light." The only way to know man aright, therefore, is to look to God, the source of all being, and to discern the nature and quality of Deity, which find expression in the universe and true individuality. As the reflection of the outline and radiance of the sun and landscape gives to still, clear water character and beauty, so man's reflection of the grace and glory of God illumines his consciousness with divine light and beauty.

As human thought turns away from the contemplation of evil to acknowledge the radiance of real being, human experience is enriched and beautified. The impress of divine goodness, which spiritual sense alone can behold, is evidenced in improved daily experience, happier and more successful lives, lovelier and sweeter outline and expression.

In the Acts of the Apostles it is related that Stephen, one of the early Christians, displayed the impress of divine beauty in his face. Filled with the Holy Ghost, animated by faith in the loving Father of all, and girt with the authority of Christlike understanding of God's all-power, Stephen wrought many miracles of healing among the people. His uplifted thought beheld the greatness and glory of God, and when the jealous elders and scribes brought him to judgment in an effort to put an end to his work, it is related that all who sat in the council, "looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). It was natural for one whose pure thought was illumined with the beauty of infinite Love to bear the impress of this beauty.

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