A newspaper, The Spirit of 'Seventy-Six, published in Washington, District of Columbia, near the beginning of the nineteenth century, had as its motto: "A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the liberties of a republic." Even as the spirit of independence was emphasized by thus advising a recurrence "to fundamental principles" at a time when the United States was finding its stride among great nations, so is a resort to God, divine Principle, essential today to one's freedom from every form of enslavement, according to the teachings of Christian Science. Sin, disease, and discord disappear as Principle is understood and demonstrated in our lives.

The desire of many for freedom from the oppressive control of others seems to be stirring in human hearts everywhere today. However, separation of one group of people from another has not always proved to be the quickest way to the achievement of a genuine degree of liberty. Nations, as well as individuals, often maintain virtual independence and grow through the means of united action based on mutual agreement. The craving for independence from some less desirable situation may well induce such an agreement. As long as the agreement is kept intact by both parties, there is a sense of freedom, harmony, and progress.

The spirit of independence strikes out particularly against discordant alliances—against involuntary submission to disturbing conditions or to oppressive control by other nations or peoples. When the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot strove together, apparently because of insufficient grazing land for both as a united group, they parted company on friendly terms.

There is an urge in all to be free from that which is evil. It is a legitimate desire, and the law of God supports it. Let us examine what is involved in true independence. Christian Science reiterates and amplifies the Biblical assurances which pertain to God and man. It affirms that God is good and that man is God's reflection or image and likeness. God is exclusively perfect, universally and infinitely good. In the kingdom of God there is no oppression, no enslavement, no imprisoned or confined idea. God's kingdom is composed of ideas which are completely free from matter and mortal mind and completely obedient to God's law of goodness, which law is the fundamental basis for freedom.

Man who exists in God's infinite realm is dependent wholly on God and hence is free from all error. The law of God, good, is ever present to control in human affairs. To the extent that one expresses the perfection of God, he is independent of mortal or material influences. To the extent that he comprehends God and lives by His law, he is not subject to the supposed laws of matter or mortal mind.

One who looks to matter for health is dependent upon matter. He is not then independent. To gain his freedom from that reliance he must know God as the only power in the universe and depend upon Him as the great and only real physician.

If men turn from God to dependence on materiality for help, we can be sure that the true spirit of independence has not been raised up in them. Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 200), "Life is, always has been, and ever will be independent of matter; for Life is God, and man is the idea of God, not formed materially but spiritually, and not subject to decay and dust."

We must not depend on matter. We must progressively declare our independence of it. Christ Jesus came to show us how to gain our independence from matter, sin, disease, discord, and death. He proved by his mighty works that we need not depend upon matter or mortal mind for life, health, and harmony. And today we are proving through Christian Science the divine right to independence from the false claims of matter and error.

At this period the spirit of independence from error, presented by Christian Science, is felt in the hearts of humanity. This spirit says in effect: Put God first in your consciousness and no evil shall befall you. Do so, and you will demonstrate that you are dependent on God alone and hence are independent of matter.

"There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding," said Elihu to Job (32:8). There is a spirit of independence in each individual. It is bestowed by God. It is the divine right of all who claim it. It will, it must, be felt in its highest sense among mankind sooner or later. Then they will declare and also demonstrate not only their dependence on God, good, but their independence from enslavement to error, including disease, sin, and death.

John J. Selover