The frequency with which we find heaven and earth spoken of jointly in Scripture indicates their interrelation. Jesus said, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." By a variety of mighty actions he gave to mankind tokens of the true earth and true manhood, and carried heaven with him wherever he went.
Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 468), "The spiritual universe, including individual man, is a compound idea, reflecting the divine substance of Spirit." In this connection it is interesting to note in the Glossary of this book the significant fact that the term "compound idea" is used in the definitions of both earth and man. Since, as Christian Science teaches, spiritual man is the complete representation of divine Mind, God, man is inseparable from Mind's universe of spiritual ideas, and conversely, the spiritual universe is inseparable from man: hence the perfect relation between the true man and the true earth. As the highest idea of divine Mind, spiritual man reflects the dominion of Love over all Mind's lesser ideas. Therefore he could not harm one of them without harming his own consciousness, and jeopardizing his own reflection of the one Life.
We gain a glimpse of man's spiritual dominion through certain striking incidents recorded in Scripture. Daniel, for instance, proved the harmlessness of the lions in the presence of God's witness. The three young Hebrews, and even their garments, were untouched by the furnace fire. This scientific protection is explained by Mrs. Eddy in her statement that "holy inspiration has created states of mind which have been able to nullify the action of the flames" (ibid., p. 161). Paul was unharmed by the viper which had fastened on his hand; and in loving return for hospitality he brought spiritual healing to some of the islanders at Miletus. These five men, it should be remembered, were animated by the holy resolve to turn away from idols and to worship the true God, and this holy resolve, accompanied by courage and vision, was their preservation in times of seeming danger. True existence is inseparable from true worship, the worship of Spirit. Fear is the exact opposite of true worship, and it has no place in God, man, or the universe.
