IN the seventh chapter of Exodus we read, "And Moses was four-score years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto pharaoh." Eighty years old, and just beginning his life work! For it was after this that the signs and wonders were shown in Egypt, after this that the journey into Canaan was begun. To Moses the eighty years had been a preparation for that which followed. He had been constantly growing in the understanding of God and man, until he was fitted to receive the revelation of Horeb. Even then he could not at once carry out the divine purpose. There must be more growth, a closer union with God, a clearer understanding of the divine commands, and a more perfect obedience.
On page 244 of Science and Health we read: "Man in Science is neither young nor old. He has neither birth nor death." Present-day views in general, however, still accord with the prophetic utterance which gives mortal man but "threescore years and ten," and holds that "if by reason of strength" it be extended to fourscore, he may die content. From childhood he is educated to believe that he has a few years of preparation,—the years of his minority,—then a limited number of more or less perfect vigor, followed by gradually lessening strength and intelligence, then decrepitude, and finally death.
To the extent that one supposes he has individuality and entity apart from God, and depends upon himself and others for his health, his success, and his progress, he fails. Because one thinks he has power, intelligence, ability, or good sense in himself, he expects to wrest from existence happiness where others have failed; but so long as he believes in himself as a separate entity he will fail. When, however, one comes to know himself as reflecting the individuality, the intelligence, and the Life which is God, he will begin to manifest the health, happiness, and success which belong to God's children.
