From Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy
“I love to be where God wants me to be; I love to do what God wants me to do; without asking how, when or why. I have my place in Principle; I have my work in Principle; I have my reward in Principle; and there is no law of mental malpractice that can act through any condition to hinder or obstruct the perfect and complete manifestation of God’s plan for me here and now.”
from Collectanea, by Mary Baker Eddy
Fulfilling Our Mission
January 2015
by Pioneer, from the Christian Science Journal, Dec 1, 1883
I believe that God has given to everyone a place, and in this harmonious creation there is no void—nothing left out—nothing lacking. So, we may as well try to breathe without air, or think without mind, as to think we can rotate out of the divine order of being, or take any place other than our own. Others may try to usurp us; they may try to be like us; they may move earth and apparently heaven, to gain our position; but when God has placed us there, we are there, and naught can move us out of this our rightful inheritance.
If this were understood, many warfares would cease; envy and jealousy be exchanged for the peaceful gleams of joy and gratitude; and, mingling with the light of love, would bring to man new health and happiness,—yea, Life immortal.
We never see the stars vying for each other’s places, nor the sun and moon at variance; nor have we seen a Paul take Peter’s place, or John the place of our Master, or vice versa. Each fills its own, her own, his own place, whether they have knowledge of it or not; and I, for one, would be content in the sweet consciousness that I have a place with Thee, eternal Love, and however grand or great, humble or small, I am of Thy creation; therefore Thine.
from Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 206
The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained through growth, not accretion; idleness is the foe of progress. And scientific growth manifests no weakness, no emasculation, no illusive vision, no dreamy absentness, no insubordination to the laws that be, no loss nor lack of what constitutes true manhood.
Growth is governed by intelligence; by the active, all-wise, law-creating, law-disciplining, law-abiding Principle, God. The real Christian Scientist is constantly accentuating harmony in word and deed, mentally and orally, perpetually repeating this diapason of heaven: “Good is my God, and my God is good. Love is my God, and my God is Love.”
Beloved students, you have entered the path. Press patiently on; God is good, and good is the reward of all who diligently seek God. Your growth will be rapid, if you love good supremely, and understand and obey the Way-shower, who, going before you, has scaled the steep ascent of Christian Science, stands upon the mount of holiness, the dwelling-place of our God, and bathes in the baptismal font of eternal Love.
As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest “beside the still waters,” ponder this lesson of love. Learn its purpose; and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science.
from Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 238
What has not unselfed love achieved for the race? All that ever was accomplished, and more than history has yet recorded. The reformer works on unmentioned, save when he is abused or his work is utilized in the interest of somebody. He may labor for the establishment of a cause which is fraught with infinite blessings,—health, virtue, and heaven; but what of all that? Who should care for everybody? It is enough, say they, to care for a few. Yet the good done, and the love that foresees more to do, stimulate philanthropy and are an ever-present reward. Let one’s life answer well these questions, and it already hath a benediction:
Have you renounced self? Are you faithful? Do you love?
C. O. M. (CSJ 1887)
“Take my yoke upon you.” Matt. 11:29. This is the bidding of Jesus,–often misunderstood, because men are ignorant what the yoke is.
There are two kinds of yokes. First, there is the military yoke. The common view is that the yoke of Christ, Truth, is in the nature of a military yoke, and that it is this subjection which Jesus demands of his followers.
Second, there is another yoke, that of the farm,–the yoke which binds together the patient oxen, enabling them to better draw their load, which singly they might not be able to manage.
Why not consider, then, that Jesus bids the followers of Truth take upon themselves this yoke of peaceful and united labor, not of thralldom,–that this is his yoke? Indeed, this is the simple, direct, meaning of the word used by the Master,–the yoke he would have Truth-lovers bear.
Christian Scientists can take the command to themselves. They are asked to take upon them a yoke; but it is not the yoke of servitude, but the yoke of united effort, the yoke of work; that is, they must stand shoulder to shoulder for Truth, Love, God, and together draw the cart of healing, the triumphal arc of Life,–not as slaves, not even as cattle, but as freeborn men and women, in the Truth of Christ which makes us free.
from Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 162
The corporeal Jesus bore our infirmities, and through his stripes we are healed. He was the Way-shower, and suffered in the flesh, showing mortals how to escape from the sins of the flesh.
There was no incorporeal Jesus of Nazareth. The spiritual man, or Christ, was after the similitude of the Father, without corporeality or finite mind.
Materiality, worldliness, human pride, or self-will, by demoralizing his motives and Christlikeness, would have dethroned his power as the Christ.
To carry out his holy purpose, he must be oblivious of human self.
Of the lineage of David, like him he went forth, simple as the shepherd boy, to disarm the Goliath. Panoplied in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and understanding, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of error: the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Three years he went about doing good. He had for thirty years been preparing to heal and teach divinely; but his three-years mission was a marvel of glory: its chaplet, a grave to mortal sense dishonored—from which sprang a sublime and everlasting victory!
He who dated time, the Christian era, and spanned eternity, was the meekest man on earth. He healed and taught by the wayside, in humble homes: to arrant hypocrite and to dull disciples he explained the Word of God, which has since ripened into interpretation through Science.
His words were articulated in the language of a declining race, and committed to the providence of God. In no one thing seemed he less human and more divine than in his unfaltering faith in the immortality of Truth. Referring to this, he said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away!” and they have not: they still live; and are the basis of divine liberty, the medium of Mind, the hope of the race.
Only three years a personal Saviour! yet the foundations he laid are as eternal as Truth, the chief cornerstone.
After his brief brave struggle, and the crucifixion of the corporeal man, the incorporeal Saviour—the Christ or spiritual idea which leadeth into all Truth—must needs come in Christian Science, demonstrating the spiritual healing of body and mind.
This idea or divine essence was, and is, forever about the Father’s business; heralding the Principle of health, holiness, and immortality.
Samuel Greenwood
It can be helpful and encouraging to look back and see how far we’ve progressed and how our lives have improved through the practice of Christian Science, but to compare our progress with someone else’s is never wise. Such comparisons usually lead to either a state of self-righteousness, that we’re doing so much better than our brother, or into discouragement, because our brother seems to be doing so much better than we are.
Each of us is responsible for his own work, not that of anyone else. God expects every man to do his duty; that is, to express his full measure of sweetness, purity, love, goodness, and all the other Godlike qualities which make up the man of God’s creating. This is not too much for the divine Creator to expect of His children, and it is not more than we should expect of ourselves. This faithfulness to man’s true nature, makes life blessed and glorious.
To be good should be the highest ambition of all men. To have a less noble desire is to invite evil into our thoughts, and become its servant. Jesus defined this high ambition as seeking the kingdom of God first. If we are diligent and wise in the use of our one talent, we shall not compare ourselves with the man who has two or five, and so contaminate our one unique talent with ingratitude and jealousy; but we will rejoice in our brother’s abundance. Let us not compare our own progress with those beyond us, except to give thanks that their experience is a bright promise of the larger good awaiting us!
To seek good first is to see only good within ourselves, and also within others. It means that we should picture all men as citizens of God’s kingdom, the product of good only, and hold this picture before our mental vision whenever we think or talk of others or of ourselves. This does not cover evil, but uncovers it, revealing its falsity, and finally dissipating it in the knowledge that God’s work is absolutely true and perfect.
There is no lack or limit in the Truth of being. The source of goodness, beauty, and joy is exhaustless, yielding more than the heart of man can conceive. To gain this right apprehension is to lose the sense of jealousy or discouragement because we think others are in advance of us, or the sense of superiority because we think we are in advance of others.
To correctly understand our own individual place in God’s universe — which is possible to us in Christian Science — is to understand the harmonious interrelationship of all the ideas in God’s infinite creation. In this understanding, we each have our own position which another cannot fill, our own work which another cannot do, and our own reward which no other can receive. Realizing this, we can be satisfied to just be ourselves, no matter how modest our position seems or how insignificant our work appears to be, knowing that that position rightly filled, and that work well done, are essential to the perfection and harmony of God’s universe.
Myrtle T. Sutherland
The Bible tells that the young Gideon and his small band of followers were about to encounter a formidable army: “The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.” (Judges)
Gideon had a band of only three hundred men left from an original number of thirty-two thousand. Those who were afraid were sent home; and from the remaining ten thousand, God directed Gideon to test them and choose only those who were mentally trustworthy. At the crossing of a stream, he observed that some stooped down to the water to drink. But the three hundred scooped up the water in their hands and drank, using their eyes to keep watch while doing so, proving their alertness.
The remarkable accomplishment of this group is set forth in the remainder of the story: “And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.” Further we read, “And Gideon came to Jordon, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.” The record closes with the account of the complete defeat of the enemy.
Today mankind finds it just as necessary to stand “every man in his place” in the battle with material sense. We must reject the materiality which would keep us always stooping down to drink the waters of mere comfort in the senses. We must keep on overcoming error, even when mortal sense would try to make us believe that we are faint. This rejection of material sense, this standing, this overcoming, is possible only through reliance upon God, just as Gideon’s triumph could only have occurred as a result of obedience to God.
Material sense would have insisted that Gideon and his three hundred were destined to fight a losing battle. But it is material sense that is always fighting a losing battle! As the Preacher commented, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill.”
Though the place where we stand may appear insignificant, monotonous, or even dangerous, with the truths of Christian Science, we may begin at once to free ourselves from its false claims. Man’s only real place is his place in the divine Mind. He is inseparable from his own identity, his own clear, distinct, perfectly distinguished individuality. There is no confusion between his identity and that of any other of God’s ideas. God knows His own ideas, and is constantly sustaining the perfect spiritual performance and functioning of each idea. Each idea is spiritually significant, spiritually effective, spiritually articulate. Not one idea can ever be suppressed, oppressed, repressed, or depressed. Each is spiritually expressed.
To dwell on such truths means destruction to the Midianites and Amalekites of mortality.
Martha Wilcox
“Thou must be true thyself, if thou the truth would’st teach; Thy heart must overflow, if thou another’s heart would’st reach.” (Mis. 98:27) And Mrs. Eddy emphatically tells us that truth must be written “first on the tablet of one’s own heart” (’02 2), in order to serve one’s self and, in this way, serve others. The past few years the Christian Scientists have prayed, and worked, and struggled to disperse the Truth of Christian Science throughout the world, but today we are praying and striving as never before to gain a rapid spiritual growth within ourselves. Why? Because today it is demanded of the Christian Scientist that he be so clear in his mentality, that he is able to translate every phase of human life into its reality, and give concrete proof of healing and salvation to a sick and war-torn world.
Each Christian Science practitioner and student should be so filled with the spirit of service and love, that he can instantly answer the urgent calls for help. But such proofs can be given only by those individuals in Christian Science whose natures are transformed through prayer, righteous prayer, fervent prayer; prayer as understood in Christian Science, which is an “absolute faith that all things are possible to God.” (S&H 1:2) Mrs. Eddy speaks with emphasis about prayer. She says, “One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately.” (My. 18:4-7; Mis. 127:7-11) Do we as individuals pray daily for ourselves? Not for someone else, nor for something else, but for ourself? Jesus is our example, and he spent hours in prayer.
First: Mrs. Eddy requests us to pray mentally. I wonder if we really understand how blessed we are, to be able to pray mentally. How blessed we are that our individual mind, through the enlightenment of Truth, can become that state of spiritual understanding wherein Christ or individual man is the only man.
Second: Mrs. Eddy requests us to pray with a spirit of meekness; that is, we are to pray, and realize, and understand with the sense of peace, and calmness, and sureness that David had when, without armor or sword, he slew Goliath. David spoke with a sense of meekness when he said, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name (meaning the character) of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defied. The battle is the Lord’s.” (I Sam. 17:45, 47)
When we pray meekly, our state of mind is one of calmness, and sureness, and innocency; a state of pure consciousness wherein God’s reciprocal law of Being is in operation universally. Daniel, when in the lions’ den, understood this reciprocal law of Being. His mind was not dual. He did not believe that his mind was God’s presence and also believe there was a wicked king and ferocious beasts outside his mind. Daniel, because of his conscious oneness and completeness and perfection with divine Mind, knew that he included the king and the lions of God’s creation within himself. And Daniel knew that the king and the lions, because of their conscious oneness and completeness and perfection with divine Mind, included him within themselves. The king and the lions were in Daniel’s completeness and perfection, and Daniel made up something of the king’s and the lions’ completeness and perfection.
Daniel knew that God or Mind was verified in that very place as one and all. He knew that he and the king and the lions were reciprocal to each other, and each and all were governed by God’s reciprocal law of Being. It was Daniel’s sureness of this reciprocal law of infinite Good that dispelled the seeming evil in his individual consciousness, and in the consciousness of the king and the lions.
Third: Mrs. Eddy requests us to pray importunately; that is, insistently. When our need is very great, when we are sorely perplexed, when our whole heart and being yearn to be uplifted, then we are to pray importunately. Jesus prayed importunately when Lazarus came forth from the grave. To pray importunately does not mean to reach out or up desperately to some power outside our own self. To pray importunately is our own persistent and insistent effort to be that state of truth or understanding or realization that is the Christ, the real man that we already are.
Gary Singleterry
Deborah was one of many women mentioned in the Bible whose life was worthy of great lessons. She served Israel as both a prophetess and a judge. The only thing we know about her personal life is the name of her husband, Lapidoth. “She dwelt under the palm tree ... and the Israelites came up to her for judgment.” Deborah did not inherit her position, but rather, earned it by her unswerving obedience to God.
During Deborah’s time, the valley in which she and her tribe lived was controlled by King Jabin of Hazor. Deborah, governed by God, summoned the warrior Barak to take ten thousand troops and confront Jabin’s general, Sisera, and his army’s nine hundred iron chariots, on Mount Tabor. Barak’s response to Deborah shows the high esteem in which she was held: “If you will go with me, I will go; if not I will not go.” She agreed to go with Barak, chiding him that it will be written that the enemy was defeated by a woman.
The battle took place during the rainy season. Sisera’s chariots quickly bogged down in the mud, and he and his army were eventually defeated by the Israeli army. Perhaps even more remarkable because she was a woman, Deborah held important positions in Israel, and carried them out with courage and confidence, undoubtedly the result of her trust in God and her obedience to Him. She accepted the mission God had given her and fulfilled it faithfully.
by parthens - 12/11/2014 08:52
Discerning the rights of man, we cannot fail to foresee the doom of all oppression. Slavery is not the legitimate state of man. God made man free. Paul said, “I was free born.” All men should be free. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” S&H 227:14.
Orison Swett Marden on General Francis Marion:
[The] visiting British officer .... had been led into [General Marion’s] camp blindfolded, bearing a flag of truce, and expecting to see a general of commanding presence, and an army of giant men, for the band of the famous “Swamp-Fox” was then a terror to every red-coat in the Carolinas. When the bandage was removed, he was introduced to a swarthy, smoke-dried little man, scantily clad in threadbare homespun; and, in place of tall ranks of gaily dressed soldiers, he beheld a handful of sunburned, yellow-legged militiamen.
[The visitor] had accepted his invitation [to dine, and one of Marion’s men] used a stick to roll out a heap of sweet potatoes that had been snugly roasting under the embers. “I fear, sir,” continued the general, “our dinner will not prove so palatable to you as I could wish, but it is the best we have.” The officer began to eat one of the potatoes, out of politeness, but soon he laughed heartily at the strange meal. “I beg pardon, general,” said he, “but one can not always command himself, you know.” “I suppose it is not equal to your style of living,” suggested Marion. “No, indeed,” replied the other, “and I imagine this is one of your accidental Lent dinners. In general, no doubt, you live a great deal better.” “Rather worse,” answered the general, “for often we don’t get even enough of this.” “Heavens!” rejoined the officer, “but probably, stinted in provisions, you draw noble pay? “ “Not a cent, sir,” said Marion, “not a cent.” “Heavens and earth!” exclaimed the Briton, “then you must be in a bad box. I don’t see, general, how you can stand it.”
“Why, sir,” returned Marion, “these things depend upon feeling. The heart is all, and when that is much interested, a man can do anything. Many a youth would think it hard to make himself a slave for fourteen years. But let him be head and ears over in love, and with such a beauteous sweetheart as Rachel, and he will think no more of fourteen years’ servitude than young Jacob did.
“This is exactly my case. I am in love, and my sweetheart is Liberty, and I am happy indeed. I would rather fight for such blessings for my country and feed on roots, than keep aloof, though wallowing in all the luxuries of Solomon. For now, sir, I walk the soil that gave me birth, and exult in the thought that I am not unworthy of it. I look upon these venerable trees around me and feel that I do not dishonor them. The children of future generations may never hear my name, but it gladdens my heart to think that I am now contending for their freedom and all its countless blessings.”
When the British officer returned, his colonel asked: “Why do you look so serious?” “I have cause, sir,” said he, “to look serious.” “What, has General Marion refused to treat?” “No, sir,” said the officer. “Well, then, has old Washington defeated Sir Henry Clinton, and broken up our army?” “No, sir, not that, but worse.” “Ah! what can be worse?” asked the colonel. “Why, sir,” replied the officer, “I have seen an American general and his officers without pay, and almost without clothes, living on roots and drinking water, and all for liberty! What chance have we against such men?” And at the first opportunity the young officer threw up his commission and retired from the service, for he believed that the enthusiasm which can conquer such hardships is invincible.
Lynda Spencer
I would like to express my gratitude to Plainfield Church for restoring a new sense of purpose within me and providing avenues to keep it fed and alive.
Before coming here, I struggled daily. A desire to work for God burned inside of me since childhood, but false teachings and beliefs kept me captive to personal sense and took me far off the path to God. All mankind yearns for a purpose that gives life meaning and reason. We all express action based on motives often unseen and, unless it be purified and guided rightly, it can easily become misguided and blown about by the winds of error.
Since arriving and beginning to learn what it truly means to work for God, I am experiencing more peace, trust, faith, obedience, focus, patience, joy, and freedom from the past. I am becoming dependent on God and turning my life over more completely to His loving care. The sins of pride, self-will, selfishness, fear, hate, doubt, guilt, etc. are being healed. My true identity as a child of God, and living the way God wants, is coming to light especially through all the spiritually based Bible teaching. This process is emptying my cup of human knowledge so I can get to know and feel the one and true God. I am finding purpose in creating a covenant with God, supporting the fellowship here, praying for the world, growing spiritually (striving and self-immolation), and joining the activities. The beauty of it all is, each has an individual niche incomparable to anyone else. I feel as I have come home; that is, my heart has found its place. We are all sent because we all belong to God.
Dale Wallis
Grateful thanks for the support, instruction, and unity of work for Truth in this church. Last Monday night I found myself in a lot of pain. My husband and I were scheduled to leave for a three and a half day family Christmas get-together the next day, so in the morning I contacted a practitioner in this church for help. Help was gladly given. I was told, “Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself.” (S&H) Also, to stay clear of the Christmas mesmerism, and that my only purpose in going was to share my Christ. The pain faded away, and I was able to freely enjoy the activities.
On Christmas day, one of the family dogs was having a problem, and was to be taken to a veterinary clinic the next day. At first I thought, what can I do about this? But then we had the Unity Watch that night about the power of Truth demonstrated, knowing the Christ truth is present and felt by all. I could feel that power of Truth and Love, and before I went to bed, I went downstairs to see the dog. Someone said that this was probably a urinary tract infection. I talked to the dog and told her that there is only the germ of God and that it was good, and nothing inharmonious could touch her, an idea of God.
The next morning, she was perfectly well—all symptoms had disappeared. It was very clear that it was the power of God, Truth in action, because nothing else had been done for this dog.
I credit the work of the practitioner, the instruction in this church, and the collective work for Truth that is ongoing by the membership here.
Jeremy Palmer
Before coming to this church, I had gotten so off track that I felt absolutely empty. I remember telling a friend that I felt hollow, as though I had been strip-mined, and nothing worthwhile was left of me. It didn’t matter what I ate or drank or watched or listened to, there was no escaping materially what I had brought upon myself by continually denying God. I had plenty of matter, but no Substance.
Then that life fell apart, and God brought me here. This church and the people that dedicate their lives to it, have given me a safe haven to let go of my fears in an incredibly loving atmosphere. I have never known the love and support that exist here, and this includes all of the out-of-town members I’ve connected with, as well.
It astonishes me continually how, after coming here a total wreck, I was given first the teachings of Christian Science, and then entrusted with important tasks. Much like the Bible readings about David and Goliath, where David said he would only go into battle with what he had proved, we are given the opportunity to prove, and then directed to go out and use it.
With every weekly church event and daily practitioner support, I am learning how to listen with spiritual sense, how to get rid of personal sense—especially the personal sense of responsibility, which took a lot!—and most importantly, how to trust God continually. I know I have a long way to go, but I also know that none of us walks alone!
O. C.
When Christian Science found me, I was a broken person. I had made a bad choice in marriage and felt I was a hostage with no way out. What I was learning in Christian Science brought me much comfort and hope. One day as I studied the Bible Lesson, I read these words and they resounded with me: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
Although I myself felt like a prisoner, I was so filled with gratitude for Christian Science, that I asked God to use me in any way He could. I had no idea what that would be as I had no money, no car, no job and rarely left my home.
But one day I noticed an elderly woman who lived nearby. I invited her in and offered to make her some lunch. She seemed so grateful. She stopped by nearly every day after that, and I made her a simple meal. When my husband found out, he put a stop to it.
But another door opened. While walking my little boy to school, I noticed a child walking alone, and other children yelling mean things to her. I invited her to walk with us, and she did so each day after that. It appeared she had some developmental disability and was not functioning at her age level. Each day on our walk, I talked to the two children about God’s love for them and repeated Mrs. Eddy’s spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. I didn’t realize how much it meant to her until one day she called and asked me to repeat “that thing you say every day.” Over a period of time, I noticed things got better for her. She even became a Camp Fire Girl, and I heard good reports from her Scout leader about the improvements she was making. Later that year she was transferred to a special school, which was a better fit to meet her needs.
Gradually my life also improved. I was eventually led out of that marriage and into a life I never dreamed possible, thanks to what I learned and continue to learn in Christian Science. But I will never forget the importance of serving God. It’s not something we do when things get better. Things get better as we serve God, and there is ample opportunity to do so when we desire it with all our hearts.
Benjamin Ndukwe
Are you feeling the pressure of erroneous suggestion challenging your faith and commitment to God and to serving Him? Well, you are not alone. We’ve all been there, and every follower of Christ must go through these trials. But when you have gone through it, you will be crowned with heavenly glory.
Just days ago, I had a revelation warning me to be awake to these evil suggestions that would test my faith in God and try to oppose all the positive steps and growth I have made. It would want to discourage me, and eventually extinguish the inspiration. We all need to be vigilant and to overcome these intrusions with the Truth, by constantly knowing that it’s God who has called us through His grace, and only to Him do we owe our dedication. We must know, even when mortal mind doesn’t see, that God sees aright and thinks aright about me and all His children. Now, that’s the victory over error!
It’s also important to understand that as our relationship with God and our commitment to knowing him better is becoming evidenced in our daily lives, error will not like it. It would try to use every avenue available to stop this wonderful growth. It would try to discredit it or destroy it. But it is our duty not to let it happen, and not let it take us away from our work for God. We must be vigilant at our post by constantly reversing this error as it comes, with the absolute truth about ourselves. Then will this error destroy itself, not us.
As you make progress, these trials will come, and that’s why in Science and Health Mrs. Eddy warns that, “If you launch your bark upon the ever-agitated but healthful waters of truth, you will encounter storms. Your good will be evil spoken of. This is the cross. Take it up and bear it, for through it you win and wear the crown.”
Throughout her mission Mrs. Eddy had many trials and storms, and one by one she overcame them all. Now, when I find myself surrounded by storms of doubt of the Truth, my faith in God will keep me strong, knowing very well that it’s God who has called me, and His Love will see me through.
Florence Roberts
In this spiritual warfare we must like soldiers each stand in our appointed places. We can know that we have power from on high to remain vigilant so that we are not fooled by the evil one.
“There can be no counter attraction to draw Love’s ideas away from their appointed place.”
Wartime Activities, the Story of Christian Science, page 301
Lynda Spencer
I was struck the other day, as I read some historical information about Christian Science Reading Rooms, how much our Plainfield website embraces a similar spirit to the early workers sharing Christian Science. These devoted individuals worked hard preparing a place of refuge and learning for the public.
The first Christian Science Reading Room was located on the second floor of a hotel in Boston, but eventually was moved to a more accessible location. The space included the offices of The Journal, the Christian Scientist Association, and a Dispensary (a service offered at little or no cost for individuals unable to afford practitioner support). Publishing houses of that period often offered reading rooms for people to explore their publications. Christian Science literature up to that point was distributed from bookstores, students’ homes, and practitioners’ offices.
These new Christian Science Reading Rooms included an assortment of Bible translations and Christian Science literature for purchasing, reading, lending, or giving away. If a Dispensary was instituted in an area, it appears to have been combined with a Reading Room. The Dispensary’s main mission was to provide those, who, because of their circumstances, would not ordinarily have an opportunity to learn about Christian Science. At some point 30 Dispensaries were in operation in big cities. The Dispensary work was instituted in Boston from 1887-1889.
A Christian Science Dispensary association was organized May 1889. Mrs. Eddy became its honorary president and the first meeting was held in her sitting room with her present. The Free Dispensary of Christian Science Healing was open daily, either in the afternoons or evenings. Activities included discussions and answers about Christian Science healing, Bible classes, Sunday and Wednesday services, and a Christian Science Reading Room.
The Dispensary Association was eventually discontinued by Mrs. Eddy in 1894. In 1899 a by-law for Christian Science Reading Rooms was established in the Manual of the Mother Church. It appears Mrs. Eddy gave little instruction regarding Reading Rooms. In my research, it looks as though she wanted Christian Science be made easily available to the community searching for spiritual answers to life’s questions and problems, and not just for those already studying the religion. There is an indication she wanted to leave it up to the individual churches how to best provide this service.
Our Plainfield website, sharing Christian Science with our worldwide community, encompasses the qualities found in the early Dispensary and Reading Room mission work.
“Mission work will draw the world’s attention more distinctly to the humane character of Science, than any degree of generosity and self-sacrifice, in the routine of a private practice….” Dispensary Meeting and Work July 1889 Christian Science Journal.
Milton Simon
From the March 10, 1951 issue of
the Christian Science SentinelChristian Science teaches that all is Mind and Its ideas. If the suggestions of sickness, lack, or unemployment were realities apart from thought, we would be faced with the difficulty of trying to control forces and events outside of ourselves. But we can control them, since we can always exercise dominion over our own thinking.
Every so-called discordant condition, including disease, is mental and cannot appear as a thing, but only as a thought. Man need not be impressed by incidents that are going on in a material universe. On the contrary, what mankind sees as the world is occurring only within consciousness, for it sees only its own thoughts. Consequently, we can change outward appearance by changing our own thought. This accounts for Jesus’ dominion, not only over lack, sickness, sin, and death, but also over wind and wave. Reducing all such manifestations to thought, he replaced them with right ideas and in this way expressed man’s God-given dominion over all the earth.
Animal magnetism would attempt to cloud the issue, having one accept a difficulty as a condition external to his thinking, or as a person at fault who must be changed. It is seldom another person that needs to be put right. There is but one creator, God, whose creation is good and perfect, like Himself. His children do not and cannot lapse into imperfection.
A practitioner, when healing the sick, sees the whole difficulty not as a person, place, or thing, but as a suggestion of animal magnetism to be first met in his own thought. When he has reduced it to a suggestion, he has it right where he can remove it, for he always has dominion over his own thinking.
The practitioner is never dealing with anything outside of his own consciousness. His own perfect concept of man prevails over the mesmeric suggestion, and healing occurs. The practitioner knows that, inasmuch as Christian Science treatment is the divine consciousness reflected, this consciousness heals and is unopposable.
The inviolate perfection of Deity and His creation, man, is always the basis of thought.
Luanne Tucker
Before I came to Plainfield Church to study Christian Science, I was one of those people who had relented to the lie that there is, “no good left in the world.”
I am so thankful for my dedicated practitioner, whom I have been receiving help from on a regular basis for over a year and a half. She has taught me to rise above the forest of self, opened my eyes, and softened my heart, so that I may understand and realize, through spiritual sense, God’s perfect Love.
On Aug. 29th, my brother’s barn burned to the ground. He had worked the farm for almost 30 years. His work ethic and dedication to “feeding the nation,” as he once told me, gave him the greatest joy. On the morning of the fire, he had no idea that God’s plan for him was about to unfold.
From the moment the first plumes of smoke appeared in the sky, God sent out His angels into the community. Within minutes, a neighbor showed up and the two men ran into the fire, without regard for their lives, to release 140 cows from their stanchions. A few minutes later, over 200 people responded to the call. Volunteer fire fighters, neighbors, friends and family, and over 70 members of the Amish community, were there to fight the blaze. Others brought food and water for the men. Area farmers showed up with large trailers, to take the cows back to their own farms to feed and house them. On Sept. 16, 40 members of the Amish community pulled onto the property, with God in their hearts, to build my brother a new barn, free of charge. By day’s end, the barn was nearly finished.
I am so thankful for all that I am learning here in this church, from Mrs. Eddy’s Science and Health, and through the grace of God. The watches have taught me to be ever vigilant of false claims that there is “no good in the world.” They have taught me the correct way to deny error and stand firm with Truth. The Bible studies have been an endless source of wealth. The continuous help from my practitioner has developed in me, a higher understanding of God and the importance of being diligent and persistent. My studies here have enabled me to realize the spiritual import of the event I witnessed, of brother helping brother, heart to heart. Christian Science has changed my sense of life, forever.
Long hast thou stood, O church of God,
Long mid the tempest’s assailing,
Founded secure on timeless rock
Rises thy light, never failing;
Shining that all may understand
What has been wrought by God’s command,
O’er night and chaos prevailing.
Let there be light, and light was there,
Clear as the Word that declared it;
Healing and peace to all it gave,
Who in humility shared it.
Ah, they were faithful, they who heard,
Steadfast their trust in God’s great Word,
Steadfast the Love that prepared it.
Let there be light, the Word shines forth,
Lo, where the new morning whitens;
O church of God, with Book unsealed,
How its page beacons and brightens.
Living stones we, each in his place,
May we be worthy such a grace,
While Truth the wide earth enlightens.
I have enjoyed the Roundtables, as they give me a chance to study the books in the Bible, the various people and prophets who have worked with demonstrating the Truth and healing. This also gives me a greater appreciation and love with understanding of the work Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote Science and Health, did.
With love and dedication, the Plainfield workers are doing God’s work and I am grateful to participate.
GermanyI had just finished watching and listening on YouTube to the song “Why” by Peter and Faith and was reminded of what had originally drawn me to the Plainfield Independent Christian Science Church.
Several years ago while I was doing a Google search for Christian Science, I stumbled upon your site. The music section was just what I needed at the time. With my computer in hand, I was soon cooking and cleaning while listening and singing to the wonderful songs performed at that time by the quartet. Never had I found a Christian Science church that allowed such music. Over the next year, I followed what you were doing and saying. Soon I knew I had found a home — true Christian Science as Mary Baker Eddy had given it to the world.
I would like to give a special thank you to my practitioner for her patience, kindness, and honesty for teaching me to get rid of foolish pride and to feel God’s presence and power by humble prayer to Him.
Thank you for the hard work you have all done and are continuing to do to keep this church on a forward path.
WisconsinThank you for the clear strong teaching going on in Plainfield. It was only by coming here that I realized what had been missing from my Sunday School and class instruction — the importance of obedience! And having a backbone and walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Thank you for all that this church is doing to uphold Mary Baker Eddy’s pure Christian Science, and thereby blessing the world.
VermontThe Roundtable on September 21, 2014 was really powerful. If you have not listened to this Roundtable, I recommend that you do so. It deals with very important matters. Thank you for the wonderful service.
Costa RicaWhat a powerful Bible study on September 20, 2014. The ideas shared couldn’t be more relevant and helpful to us today in handling the many challenges facing mankind. The idea of “pursuing” the enemy has really stuck with me. We turn on error and handle it...we don’t flee from the things that frighten us but face them. By doing so we bless not only ourselves but the world.
Thank you for the Bible study, Roundtables and Watches...a powerful antidote to the mental miasma of world thought.
IllinoisEnclosed is my donation and a check ordering two calendars. I’m happy you are doing calendars for 2015—I love each day’s statement. I refer to it often during the day.
Thank you all for all you do. I enjoy “going to church” Sunday mornings, and the singing is grand too.
I like the Liberator; it has been a big help. I have copied some pages so I can refer to them daily.
Blessings to all. Kansas
I wanted to say how fortunate I feel to be a member of our church. I feel at this time I am watching history take place within the Christian Science movement. I feel like a light bulb turns on in my head as I listen to the readings and the heartfelt testimonies of healing and gratitude.
MarylandThank you for all that you do — for all the loving and prayerful work for Independent Christian Science as taught and practiced in the Plainfield Church. This church has been a beacon of Truth, Love, and Life for all the world.
Enclosed is my monthly contribution. California
Enclosed is a check in gratitude for the online services and other resources available on the internet. We have found these resources indispensable over the years.
EnglandIt is a great pleasure for me to work for Science. I think that, thanks to the work I do for the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, it has taken root in my absolute trust in God, to the point that I decided (with my husband) to build a study. It will take a while as there are many technical and legal issues that we need to formalize in order to do this, but my joy is in the huge expectation to study and serve God continuously.
ArgentinaThe Roundtable discussion on Sunday October 12, 2014 was wonderful, substantial, and encouraging. One thing I took away was the reminder to handle fear each morning with the declaration of God’s omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. A short excerpt from the article Watching in Mrs. Eddy’s Home, found on our website, strengthens this declaration, it states: “There is but one Mind. Evil is not mind, it has no power.” I feel the need to work with this each day from now on, to make it my own, and I look forward to the healing and growth that comes from doing so.
Thank you all who continue to contribute (in their own special way) to the progress of this world.
MarylandMy heart is filled with gratitude for the great love found in this independent church. Two Sundays ago, during the Roundtable, a practitioner expressed love for each and every one there; my eyes were filled with tears, as I feel the same way. What a privilege to work with those who strive to put God first in everything, and truly love their fellow man.
With love to all.
VirginiaMy heart is overflowing with gratitude for the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent. It is like coming home; finding refuge with God.
There is much work to be done and with all of you I can face it and “just do it.”
Pennsylvania
The following testimonies are offered with great love to those seeking encouragement and inspiration.
One day I was at work and everything was normal, like every other day. Suddenly, I started having a strange feeling from my head to my toes. It was a feeling I’ve never felt before, and I knew something was not right. My heart started to beat so fast, like it was going to burst. I declared the truth, as I’ve learned here in Plainfield Church, and denied the false evidence.
Some of my coworkers saw what happened and were so scared that they called the Rescue Squad immediately, as part of the workplace protocol. Then the feeling suddenly stopped and was calm again, like nothing happened. It took about five minutes, but felt like forever.
The emergency technicians said I must go to the ER for further examination, which later came back showing nothing. The doctors said it was a rapid heart movement known as heart palpitation caused by different factors, but they could find no cause for mine. They asked that I continue to follow up with further testing, which I never did because, when I came back, I called a practitioner and I told her what had happened. The practitioner told me that my commitment to God’s work and the church kept me safe, and she gave me some statements of truth. One of the statements she gave me, which I still repeat to myself every day, is that “My heart beats for God and for God only.”
Since then, I’ve not reported for any further testing, and the false evidence has never returned. Today I have no concern, because I know God even better now than I did before, and my gratitude to God has grown much greater. It is so important to be continually grateful and never forget what God has done in my life. Also, since then, every other area of my life, including my mental health, has improved.
I’m so grateful to God for the healing and for the practitioner who helped me understand the nothingness of error and how to do the right things. I’m grateful to our church, the teaching, and every single worker here in Plainfield and all over the world.
from B. N. in New JerseyI have been working with a Plainfield practitioner for many weeks with various issues. She has been helping me clear out old misconceptions of Christian Science and the many false beliefs I held under the Boston model. She has been faithfully replacing the old with pure Science, as taught here at Plainfield. During this time I have been gaining a greater understanding of the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy. Error in thought is being rebuked, sin uncovered and destroyed, and a new love for God and man is unfolding. My life purpose is taking on meaning in working for God and being obedient to His commands.
During one of the calls I made to her, while on break at work, I happened to mention that I was experiencing back pain. She said something to the effect that burdens were being lifted. Minutes after hanging up the phone, the pain was gone! It was wonderful to be free, especially since I have a very physically demanding job. But even more important, I am grateful for this waymark as I progress during this challenging time in my life. This healing is one of the many proofs of the power and effectiveness of Christian Science, as wrong concepts are removed so the light of God can shine through.
I am very grateful for this Plainfield practitioner, who has unselfishly dedicated her life to this healing and teaching ministry to bless mankind.
from L. S. in PennsylvaniaBefore I was led to my career as a Corrections Officer, I was suffering from shyness and a debilitating fear of the outside world. The first day I walked into a maximum security prison, I was very much a stranger in a strange land. I did the only thing I knew to do, I learned to assimilate into the environment in order to effectively and safely conduct my duties. I learned to speak the language and relate on their level. I met the challenge with the authority that came with wearing the uniform. I thought I had done well for myself, but I eventually found it more and more difficult to hold on to my integrity. I no longer felt comfortable in my job. I had not overcome anything, I just renamed it, personal authority, and began to hate going to work. I was truly a house divided against itself. I had fought error with error and with that, the fear began to resurface.
After being led here to study Christian Science, I once again saw myself as a stranger in a strange land. Now I am learning what it means and what it takes to reach the Promised Land. I am learning to rebuke the fears I am challenged with, with the Truth. With the spiritual enlightenment I have gained here, the power I believed that these fears had over me is fading away and being replaced by trust in the Father, divine Principle—faith, moral courage and strength in Spirit, divine Love and Truth.
I am so grateful for everything I have been given from this Science that Mary Baker Eddy has, with God’s grace, written down for us all. I am grateful to my practitioner, who continues to pray on my behalf and guide me upward, out of this stricken state, and for the lessons that help me to understand God correctly, without fear, and give these testimonies of His healing power.
from L. T. in New YorkPrior to the Wednesday meeting, I was putting away some things in the kitchen. As I started to lift my arm to open a cabinet door, I felt a severe pain travel from the shoulder to wrist. I said out loud, “Oh, no you don’t! You are not real; you didn’t come from God!” At that instant, Hymn 51 came to mind. My mother used to sing that a lot, so I started to work with, “God could not make imperfect man, His model infinite; Unhallowed thought He could not plan, Love’s work and Love must fit.”
Before long, the Wednesday meeting began. The readings, testimonies, and hymns seemed to me to be so powerful. After the meeting I went back to finish cleaning up. I went to the cabinet and raised my arm, and realized I was completely free and could move my arm without pain. I knew this healing came from the spiritual atmosphere of the wonderful meeting.
I thank God, all who participated, and the Plainfield Church for this healing.
from E. B. in AlabamaI had been working with my mortgage company for a loan modification, which had been dragging on for many months, and I had become disillusioned and discouraged. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to be able to keep my house.
When I discussed it with my practitioner, she said, “Put your house ‘on the altar’ when you pray. Give it to God, have patience; it’s all in God’s time.” Well, I did just that. When I prayed, instead of pleading to God to help me, begging to keep my house, I said, “God, You know I want to keep my house, but only if it be Thy will. It’s just a house, Lord, and here it is. I’d like to stay in it; but if I can’t, then I know there will be a right place for me.”
Approximately ten days ago, I received a letter from the mortgage company telling me they sold my loan to another lender, effective the first of the month. They said if a decision on the loan modification was not made by the first of the month, I was to contact and deal with the new mortgage company. I was really discouraged then, as this had been dragging on for about eight months, and I didn’t have any hope that it was going to be resolved in the next eight days.
The day before the mortgage was to be transferred, I received a call saying that I had been approved for the modification, and although the loan was still being transferred, the new mortgage company would honor the modification! Think of it! Exactly one day before the deadline, after all these months, it came through! I haven’t stopped thanking God. I thank Him every day, and I thank my practitioner for her support on this.
In addition, I learned a valuable lesson from this experience and that is, it’s all in God’s time, not Verna’s time! I am so very, very grateful.
from V. E. in ArizonaI am very grateful for a healing I had yesterday. Late in the day I began to feel very sick, so much so that I couldn’t even read; so I turned to the church website and listened to Joseph read the weekly Bible Lesson. Then I listened to Peter and Faith sing “Where Do You Look” from last Sunday’s service. I was so uplifted by these things, telling me that God is the only Cause, and that matter is no part of me. I also remembered a practitioner in this church telling me one time that this is just an attack on my Christ.
I then read the Forum Highlights (Issue 32) by Florence Roberts, on three Bible Lessons. These were filled with wake-up calls to rise up and reject this lie; to know divine Mind is the only Mind, my mind, and that’s where I dwell. By the time I finished reading, within an hour and a half, all the symptoms that were incapacitating me were gone — I was totally free.
I am very grateful for the ever-available Truth found here — truths that turn us to God and His goodness, and which are freely given to all.
from D. W. in VirginiaI recently had some challenges with feeling unexplained sadness and being overwhelmed by what I felt I needed to do in both the near and far future. Though I received much needed and appreciated help from my practitioner, and support from my mother, what meant the most is my realization that I need to be much more grateful each day, and that I must watch that nothing takes away my gratitude.
There is always so much to be grateful for, and spending more time thanking God for what He is doing, and guarding my gratitude, leaves little room for sadness, worry, doubt, fear, or any other distractions. I am thankful for the opportunity to find new ways to express my gratitude, and for the challenges that lead me to see things in a new light.
from D. R. in MarylandOne day as I was walking up and out of our driveway to walk my dog, I fell while trying to dodge a fast-moving car. There are no sidewalks on my street; so as soon as I fell, I jumped right back up, remembering what I had heard a practitioner say: Demonstrate!
My leg did hurt a bit as I continued the walk; so when I returned home, I called a practitioner from Plainfield for help. I don’t remember exactly when the pain left, but it did leave quickly. And that wasn’t all—I also felt a remarkable attitude change about walking every morning. Now I realize that we are all safe under God’s protection, the drivers and me!
Thanks be to God and our Plainfield Church, Independent.
from C. H. in PennsylvaniaI woke up this morning so happy, and it didn’t take long to appreciate that it is something well beyond human power that made that possible. Not long ago, I was stuck in a life that left me feeling mostly empty. I had gotten to the point that the only thing getting me out of bed was seeing my kids every other weekend. Then I began to feel that my influence in their lives was actually bad for them, and that was really it for me. Without that, I could see no path forward or reason to find one.
God had a path, though, and once I let go of my pride and asked Him for help, I was on that path immediately. Now, 17 months later, I wake up happy. I have purpose and joy and gratitude. I am so blessed to be a part of this church and its mission. This is not to say there are no trials in my life, but because I vividly remember that time when everything felt hopeless, I can now say, “This seems difficult, but I know God is with me. I may not see the answer, but He does. He saw a way for me out of the darkness, so this is just no big deal at all!”
For all those out there who have no hope, this church works tirelessly to bring the only thing that will give hope: Truth. How could I be even a small part of this and not wake up happy? I am so grateful to have this opportunity—and this constant stream of blessings!
I would also like to add how grateful I am to all of our members doing this work. So many all over the world are doing their part, and that is incredibly inspiring! We had a laugh the other day about how, from a human sense, we have such an unlikely mix of people, but that it is utter proof that God is the only cause, because how else could this happen? Thank you all!
from J. P. in New Jersey
original lyrics by Peter KiddI’ve followed my own path,
Tried doing what’s expected, more or less.
I’ve gone the opposite direction, to prove a point,
And I’ve wandered in the wilderness —
I’ve done the math:
Each time I go my own way, it’s a mess.
I’ll never stop until
I reach my full potential, as they say.
But even after all I’ve won, something is missing,
And I think there’s got to be a way
For me to fill
My life with something more than, “One more day.”
But God so loved you and me,
That He sent us an example of the only way to be,
To free us from our case of mistaken identity —
A sample of the heaven that’s within,
To teach the ample Love that is, will be, and ever has been —
For God so loved you and me.
But it’s not enough for God to love us,
And for Jesus to have opened up the way.
We must accept the love, and we must follow.
We will reach the open door when we follow and obey the call.
Oh, God so loved you and me,
That He sent us an example of the only way to be,
To free us from our case of mistaken identity —
A sample of the heaven that’s within,
To teach the ample Love that is, will be, and ever has been —
For God so loved you and me.
Max DunawayIn Thy way, Father, and at Thy command
Would I fulfill the purpose Thou hast planned.
Oh, let my ears be open to Thy Word,
My heart prepared to do what shall be heard.
Expectant thought will presently behold
The task Thou dost with loving hands unfold.
I do not need to hasten or delay;
I need but hear Thy voice and then obey.
A Truth Seeker
C.S. Journal, Vol. 5, No. 3, June 1887, p. 136“And the truth shall make you free.” (John) Free from what? From the bondage of physical sense, sin, and suffering.
Were the gracious promises of Christ given without meaning? Were the Disciples, whom he sent into the world to preach the Gospel and heal the sick, commanded to do the impossible? Are not they who believe today also his Disciples?
Come thou, and learn from Christian Science how the “still small voice of Spirit” may pierce the deafness of material sense, and bring you a realization of the glorious Truth, that we are the “children of God, and joint-heirs, with Christ,” of harmony and glory. We are made in God’s image, and only in perfection can we reflect Him.
With more understanding, we have more harmony of body, more enlightenment of Spirit. Come, and learn with David, that “He is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
The successful one is he who seeks, in true honesty, to find his place, and then, in humility, to fill it.
R. M. Nash