I've always loved John Donne's injunction. And since becoming a serious student of Christian Science, I have found more meaning in it.
The commands Christ Jesus left his disciples include the seemingly incredible "raise the dead."Matt. 10:8. Thousands of Christian Scientists have had physical healings—healings based on spiritual understanding of the perfection of man's real being as God's offspring. Yet, in spite of Jesus' own victories over death, and in spite of his promise that those faithful to his teachings would achieve similar and even greater works, the challenge of overcoming death itself often intimidates even the most stalwart Christian. Can it really be done? Is the promise valid?
Spiritual progress comes by degrees. I'm continually reminded of that by one of the prayers my young son and daughter recite each night at bedtime. It's by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy:
