IT is conceded that Christ Jesus performed his wonderful works and uttered his immortal words because of his spirituality. It is also conceded that his contemporaries did not fully understand either his words or his works, because of their lack of spirituality.
Men agree that human existence is a phantasmagoria, a changing, evolutionary state of development. The things of materiality do not really satisfy; hence each individual sooner or later awakens to realize that only the things of Spirit, God, are of true worth, and hence are the ultimate goal.
Recognizing divine reality, Mary Baker Eddy, on pages 115 and 116 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," has given what she has denominated the "Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind," embracing three degrees or stages of development. The "First Degree" she has designated as "Depravity," the second, "Evil beliefs disappearing," and the third, "Understanding." Under the caption, "Third Degree: Understanding," she has written: "Spiritual. Wisdom, purity, spiritual understanding, spiritual power, love, health, holiness;" and in the next paragraph she adds, "In the third degree mortal mind disappears, and man as God's image appears."
