One of the first things the writer does on rising each morning is to open the front door and let in the light. One winter morning, when it was pitch-dark, he said facetiously, "I suppose I'd better open the door and let in the dark!" He opened the door, but of course the darkness did not come in. It did nothing, could do nothing.
In this instance, there was but a small electric lamp inside, but undeterred by the darkness, its light went forward, met the darkness and overcame that part of it which appeared to be an obstruction to confidence, comfort, and movement.
The word "darkness" used metaphorically both in the Bible and in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, indicates a state of mind in which there is no recognition or comprehension of God. Darkness also refers to the thought which is obsessed with the importance of the so-called mortal self as the acme of existence. This state of mind is accurately described by the Apostle Paul, who said (Rom. 8:6), "To be carnally minded is death." Carnal-mindedness is actually a lifeless, nonexistent state, incapable of making any effort to oppose or obstruct the light of understanding. It is believed to be, but is not.
