Time is the error of age and the ages. Eternity is the forever newness of spiritual man's existence and individuality. Indicating that time is a basic belief of the so-called carnal mind, to be dispelled by an understanding of Truth and its reflection as eternal, Mary Baker Eddy defines "time" on page 595 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" in part as "matter; error; that which begins before, and continues after, what is termed death, until the mortal disappears and spiritual perfection appears." The inference is that as one beholds spiritual reality in all its perfection, the belief in time and its limitations will give way to Truth. Thought spiritualized expresses the substance of Spirit and becomes at one with that which is eternal.
The recognition of man's real individuality as eternal and therefore timeless is essential in order that a demonstration of the fact may progressively take place in human experience. The writer recalls an experience in his college years when extra school-work was assigned which was to be accomplished within the brief period usually left to prepare for final examinations. This seemed unjust, but he realized that it was necessary that the work be done.
He began the task with reservations in his thought about being able to complete it. Conscious of the negative effect this might have on the success of the work, he consulted a Christian Science practitioner, who referred him to the definition of time above quoted and then said, "You don't want more 'error,' do you?" The student was immediately relieved to realize that what he really needed was an understanding of God and of his own time-free being as an idea of Life. Leaving the practitioner's office, he determined to be more thorough in his study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, which he had been skimming over lightly each day in an attempt to save time. The result of this change in attitude toward that which was so necessary to reveal his individuality as spiritual and eternal was that he approached each day's work with calmness and dominion, and the assignment, together with preparation for final examinations, was completed easily and successfully.
