In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 181), Mrs. Eddy says: "Progress is spiritual. Progress is the maturing conception of divine Love; it demonstrates the scientific, sinless life of man and mortal's painless departure from matter to Spirit, not through death, but through the true idea of Life,—and Life not in matter but in Mind." Throughout the Scriptures, progress and the unfoldment of Truth to human consciousness are manifested. And each step typifies the growth and development in individual thinking—leading mankind out of false, material beliefs into a higher spiritual concept of God and man's relationship to Him.
Abraham, departing from the idolatrous beliefs of his native land, went forth seeking "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Through faith he attained a large measure of man's heritage, overcame many of the claims of materiality, and acquired a clear comprehension of spiritual existence. However, he only "sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, . . . not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off."
Jacob, gaining a vision of spirituality, struggled with the false sense of life which claims to exist in matter, held fast to Truth, realized a measure of man's dominion, and prevailed with God. His name was changed to Israel, for he had attained a concept of man that had not before been acquired. Thus is the true idea conceived, and human thought awakened to man's real status as a child of God. As in all steps of progress, this concept revealed through Jacob had to be established, defended, demonstrated. There followed, in the experiences of the children of Israel, many struggles and trials, defeats and victories, including the experiences of Egypt, each aiding their progress, each bringing them nearer man's rightful heritage.
