Article December 17, 1979 Issue

For the convenience of some readers we will occasionally print an article in large type.

Maintain the facts

PENNY MARABEAS

While browsing in a store one day I came across some clothing labeled: "This garment is sewn and scientifically laundered to give the look of being old and worn. Flaws and imperfections are part of the total desired look." I couldn't help laughing! Immediately the words "spotless purity and original perfection" came to thought. They're from an article by Mrs. Eddy. The entire passage reads: "God creates man perfect and eternal in His own image. Hence man is the image, idea, or likeness of perfection—an ideal which cannot fall from its inherent unity with divine Love, from its spotless purity and original perfection."^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 262;}

I thought about that incident for days and asked myself, "Am I accepting flaws and imperfections as part of myself and the world?" We hear so much about original sin, it's comforting to learn from the teachings of Christian Science that in truth perfection is original. The authority for this comes from the first chapter of Genesis. But only through scientific right thinking and living are we convinced of the spiritual reality and perfection of all things. This isn't self-hypnosis or human willpower; it is prayer made practical.

Christ Jesus knew the necessity and efficacy of maintaining the facts in prayer. On occasions he spent all night in prayer to God. And look at the results! Healing. Healing the sick, reforming the sinner, feeding the multitudes, raising the dead.

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