"Dignity of presence"—what a picture of refinement Francis Bacon's words evoke. The individual whose temperament is marked by graciousness, poise, and tranquillity is said to possess presence. The genuine expression of presence, however, includes much more than familiarity with an exercise of the social graces. Presence is really a spiritual quality, which is demonstrable by all who understand God and endeavor to express His attributes. It is not the personal possession of certain individuals, as mortal mind would have us believe, but is individually manifested by all God's ideas.
Mary Baker Eddy exemplified the quality of presence to a remarkable degree. Her dignified bearing and serene countenance have been commented on by those who knew her slightly as well as by many who knew her intimately. After Mrs. Eddy had reached the age of eighty-six, some misguided individuals attempted to bring suit against her, charging her with mental incapacity. The court appointed certain masters to hear the evidence and to report to the court their findings concerning her mental condition. A member of her household noticed that Mrs. Eddy hesitated slightly before entering her study for the examination by masters of the court. In the book "Mary Baker Eddy: Her Mission and Triumph" Julia Michael Johnston writes (p. 166): "When the visitors had left the house, Mrs. Eddy's companion hurried to her and burst out with the question, 'Why did you hesitate before entering the room?' Instantly the answer came, 'I was waiting for the Christ to go before me.' " During the interview Mrs. Eddy conducted herself with such grace and dignity that many years afterward one of the lawyers spoke of the spirituality and intelligence she had manifested on this occasion. Always her deep tranquillity gave evidence of her understanding of God, her abiding consciousness of the Christ-presence.
Humanity's yearning for the true understanding of God has been expressed by spiritually-minded thinkers throughout the centuries. These devout people have emphasized reliance upon divine inspiration and guidance rather than upon ritualistic worship and doctrinal profession. Spiritual longing is like a golden thread interwoven with human history.
