Article February 12, 1977 Issue

Dropping Off Mortal Selfhood

DILYS T. MORRISON

As Jesus was leaving Jericho, the Gospel tells us, a blind man, Bartimaeus, called to him for help. Many of the people urged Bartimaeus to hold his peace. But Bartimaeus didn't give up. He perceived that his salvation was near, and he called again. Jesus heard his cry and commanded that he come to him. This time there was no opposition from others. In fact they spoke encouragingly to Bartimaeus saying, "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee."^{ Mark 10:49;} Bartimaeus rose up, cast his garment from him, and went forward to receive his healing.

Bartimaeus expressed that state of thought which is ready to turn from a limited mortal outlook and to recognize in a measure man's sonship with God.

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "The real man being linked by Science to his Maker, mortals need only turn from sin and lose sight of mortal selfhood to find Christ, the real man and his relation to God, and to recognize the divine sonship."^{ Science and Health, p. 316;}