Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1898).djvu/428

408 “children of men” are but poor counterfeits, to be laid aside for the pure reality. This mortal is put away, and the reality of existence is attained, no faster than we realize the great end of man, and seek a higher model for ourselves.

We have no right to say that life depends on matter now, but will not depend on it after death. We cannot

spend our days here in ignorance of the Science of Life, and expect to find beyond the grave a reward for this ignorance and sloth. Death will not make us harmonious and immortal, as a recompense for unfaithfulness. If we give no earthly heed to the Life which is spiritual and eternal, we shall not be ready for it hereafter.

“This is Life eternal,” says Jesus, — is, not shall be; and then he defines everlasting Life as a present knowledge

of his Father and himself, — “that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” The Scriptures say, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” — showing clearly that Truth is the Life of man; but the world objects to making this teaching practical.

Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be

overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: “There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.” Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science.