Individual spiritual man is the idea of divine Mind. On page 475 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says that "man is the reflection of God, or Mind, and therefore is eternal; that which has no separate mind from God; that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." The mortal concept of man is in no sense identified with real being. It does not reflect the divine image and likeness, but manifests a material sense of existence which is little else than the embodiment of discord. The real man cannot be separated from God any more than a ray of light can be separated from the sun. Mortal man is but the belief of mind, life, substance, and being, apart from God.
Divine Mind can never become a "kingdom divided against itself." All the sons and daughters of God "dwell together in unity." There can be no discord in that which God creates and governs. Mortal belief presents a phase of existence which is the antipode of the real. In the belief of minds many, confronted on every hand by the sense of limitation, there are too many conflicting interests to permit of any great degree of unity in thought and action. The belief that what one gains another loses is so deeply rooted in mortal consciousness that personal considerations are too often paramount to the universal good. Selfishness always prevents the unfolding of spiritual ideas, which is the only basis of enduring harmony.
At this stage of progress it is perhaps impossible to comprehend to what extent mortals have been blinded by the false sense of existence, or to realize how this sense has prevented the attainment of good and hindered the destruction of evil. Some are unwilling to be saved, others can see no way of escape; and so bondage to a false sense of man, based on a wrong concept of God, continues to take away the joy and freedom of spiritual being which is every man's legitimate and rightful heritage. The belief in material existence establishes a false sense of relationship which seems to make it very difficult to live according to the requirements of the golden rule. Personal sense is always selfish. It cannot understand that good is infinite, universal, impartial, and therefore its chief concern is for its own welfare and for those who are personally identified therewith. The great Teacher once said, "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." Herein was revealed a sense of relationship not understood by mortals.
