IN the drama of Job one of the characters is aroused to express himself vigorously against the platitudes of the elder men. Elihu acknowledges his expectancy that Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar should with age have learned wisdom. Being disappointed, he makes in his own behalf the firm declaration that in man "there is a spirit" which the Almighty inspires with understanding. So, likewise, must Mrs. Eddy have been aroused over the ineptitude of theologians and philosophers who tried to combine, in theory, good and evil, and to maintain contemporaneously heaven and hell as equal realities. We know that she did not approach her task of writing "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" until assured of the truth of her revelation by a multitude of experiences of healing. Hence she wrote with authority the statement (Science and Health, p. 403), "You command the situation if you understand that mortal existence is a state of self-deception and not the truth of being."
The statement in John's first epistle about the whole world lying "in wickedness" is, when understood, in line with the above-quoted statement. Worldly belief is a state of mesmerism wherein illusion is preserved and that which is worthless is valued.
The word translated "wickedness" refers to what is burdensome, grievous, enslaving, harassing. Physically, it would describe a sickly body, corrupt food, a dangerous district, an evil case; likewise, unwholesome counsel, contrary winds, an uncomfortable time. Morally, it defines what is bad as inutile, that is, good for nothing. It is the opposite of what is useful, profitable. Consequently, to be under its influence is to be enslaved in being prevented from enjoying what is good, pleasing, beautiful, profitable.
