The Great Discovery

excerpts from Retrospection and Introspection,
by Mary Baker Eddy

The Bible was my textbook. It answered my questions as to how I was healed; but the Scriptures had to me a new meaning, a new tongue. Their spiritual signification appeared; and I apprehended for the first time, in their spiritual meaning, Jesus’ teaching and demonstration, and the Principle and rule of spiritual Science and metaphysical healing,—in a word, Christian Science.

I named it Christian, because it is compassionate, helpful, and spiritual. God I called immortal Mind. That which sins, suffers, and dies, I named mortal mind. The physical senses, or sensuous nature, I called error and shadow. Soul I denominated substance, because Soul alone is truly substantial. God I characterized as individual entity, but His corporeality I denied. The real I claimed as eternal; and its antipodes, or the temporal, I described as unreal. Spirit I called the reality; and matter, the unreality.

The miracles recorded in the Bible, which had before seemed to me supernatural, grew divinely natural and apprehensible; though uninspired interpreters ignorantly pronounce Christ’s healing miraculous, instead of seeing therein the operation of the divine law.

I had learned that Mind reconstructed the body, and that nothing else could. How it was done, the spiritual Science of Mind must reveal. It was a mystery to me then, but I have since understood it. All Science is a revelation. Its Principle is divine, not human, reaching higher than the stars of heaven.

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Christian Science and The Bible

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The Scriptures Require a Living Faith

from Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 196

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. —Acts xvi. 31.”

The Scriptures require more than a simple admission and feeble acceptance of the truths they present; they require a living faith, that so incorporates their lessons into our lives that these truths become the motive-power of every act.

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Studying the Bible

excerpt from 1929 Association Address by Frances Thurber Seal

The Bible needs to be read and studied spiritually, and not humanly. It is not the history of past personalities, but of the progressive footsteps from the Adam dream, with its chaos and confusion, to the full awakening — to the consciousness which puts off the past and finds its oneness with God in the eternal now. The beauties and benefits of the Bible will be revealed to us as we grow spiritually, and in the same proportion will evil be destroyed in our consciousness.

The good and evil we see in the Bible, are, scientifically considered, inward conditions, and portray the battle between the human mind and spiritual sense. This struggle will continue until, individually, we reach the mental state typified by Jesus, when all error shall be overcome and death be swallowed up in Life.

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The Foundation of Christian Science

Adapted from The Christian Science Journal, September 1889
by M. C. Spaulding

The question is often asked whether Christian Science is based upon the Bible. An answer can be found in the words of Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science: “Christian Science draws its support from the Bible,” and, “In following the leadings of this revelation, the Bible was my only text book. The inspired volume seemed illumined, reconciling right reason with revelation and establishing the truths of Christian Science.” It would be difficult to find any Science, or any system of religion, which pays higher tribute to the entire Bible, or which draws more from it than Christian Science.

Few people in any age have studied the Bible so closely and understandingly (and for so many consecutive years) as Mary Baker Eddy. She maintains that almost every verse in the Bible has a spiritual meaning and was designed to convey some valuable spiritual truth. And she, moreover, takes the advanced ground that those passages which seem the most obnoxious to the ears of modern civilization, often embody the deepest lessons.

The most stress is always laid by her on the New Testament, and especially the sayings and teachings of Christ Jesus. She looks to Christ for the fundamental truths of her system, and hence she feels justified in denominating her system “Christian Science,” a phrase which is equivalent to Christian understanding, or a knowledge of the hidden spiritual meanings of the words and teachings of Christ.

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Christian Science: The Religion of the Bible

Excerpt from the October 1902 issue of
The Christian Science Journal by Judge Septimus J. Hanna, C.S.D.

Christian Scientists acknowledge the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. In fact, the first tenet of Christian Science states, “As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.” The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are its Articles of Faith.

It is a matter of history that for two hundred years after Jesus’ time, the sick were healed by the early Christians without resort to material means or remedies. In fact, the “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” cites instances of persons, some of them well-known Romans, high in official authority, who were healed of diseases pronounced incurable by the physicians of that time, through the ministration of the early Christians. And this is corroborated by other authentic historians telling of the healing of the sick and the raising of the dead by those early Christians.

Often when Jesus healed a sick person he said to him, in substance, Go, and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you. In recognizing the fact that sin was the cause of much of the sickness of his time, Jesus was demonstrating what we need to take notice of today. We find it is often some kind of sinful, wrongful, or foolish living that results in sickness, sorrow, grief, and death in our present time. Take the sin of intemperance—the excessive use of intoxicating liquors and drugs. Had we the power this moment to remove from the world all the sickness, suffering, poverty, and death resulting from this one form of sinful or foolish living, we would transform the earth into almost a paradise.

Christian Scientists do not claim to be able at this period to do all the works that Jesus and some of his disciples did, but they do sincerely make an honest effort in that direction, and their labors have been crowned with much success. If we are true to this sacred trust, sooner or later there shall be accomplished here upon earth, all of the great works that Jesus did and taught his disciples to do, and which he commanded them to hand down to all the nations of the world.

This is the purpose of the Christian Science Church. This is the single life-purpose of the Discoverer and Founder and Leader of Christian Science. To this great end she wrote and published the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

We do not hesitate to say, therefore, as a matter of current history, that to a most wonderful and gratifying extent, primitive Christianity has been reinstated and its lost element of healing reestablished.

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Science in Action

During the past two weeks, I have been working a lot because my husband’s sister was admitted to the hospital in a coma, unconscious, with a septic shock called infectious, and with an organic paralysis which would make it almost impossible for her to recover. Upon hearing this, her two daughters came from Chicago to Buenos Aires to say goodbye to their mother.

Daily I went to the hospital and applied the teachings given by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy—that infection should be denounced, and also that the temporal and unreal never touch the eternal and real. I sang to her Mrs. Eddy’s hymns, especially Hymn No. 160. The second day I told my husband to say something to her, since they deeply love each other as brother and sister—and she opened her eyes. Also, I loudly spoke some truths of Science to her, knowing that God’s being is never lost in unconsciousness. At home, I stayed close to the chapter “Prayer” in Science and Health.

Last Monday, she was moved to intermediate care, because she showed noticeable improvement. The doctors had been doing tests to find the cause of the coma, but could find nothing—her entire body was healthy. This is a clear example of the statement in Science and Health which says, “there is no cause (outside of erring, mortal, material sense which is not power) able to make you sick or sinful.”

I have understood from this experience the truth of God and man, that Love restores everything to its spiritual original, into the expression of Truth. The next Saturday we were greeted by her with singing and praises of love; she was well. My nieces will return to the United States, leaving their mother healed and safe. The doctors are saying that it was a miracle. What do you think? The following day the doctors were repeating that it was a miracle. This is evidence that the power of God is present! Tell me if this healing wouldn’t cause us all to leave our all on the altar of Truth, as did Abraham!

On my way home from work today, a situation involving several police cars caused a backup of traffic, which necessitated in taking a detour. Although I couldn’t figure out what the problem seemed to be, rather than staring and doing my best to find out, as I used to do in such situations, I affirmed immediately that God was in the midst, governing the situation and caring for everyone involved.

The detour then led me through a back route where traffic was at a standstill at first, and then began moving very slowly. Though I wasn’t in a hurry, I could feel myself becoming irritated and anxious to move. But then I paused for a moment and the thought came clearly that there are no delays, and that God was taking everyone where they needed to go. The feeling of irritation lifted immediately, and within about one minute, traffic was flowing smoothly and everyone was on their way.

I’m so grateful for learning that it’s never okay to be indifferent, that it’s my responsibility to mentally affirm the truth, as I understand it, in every situation, and that nothing can keep me from doing so.

Shortly after becoming a member of this church a co-worker confided in me that he had a life-threatening disease and that he had a short time to live. He was so sad. I began talking to him about God, and I shared with him what I was learning here in Plainfield, as best I could. I told him that God was his life. He said that it was too late for him because he was dying. I told him that he is living, therefore he can’t be dying! I saw a spark in his eyes.

Well my co-worker retired and I didn’t hear from him any more until Saturday, when he showed up at a conference I attended. I said, “You look great.” He said, “I feel great. When you told me that I was living and therefore could not be dying, I wanted to believe you, and I started reading everything on Christian Science that I could get my hands on. I started living.” Before I could say anything else, another co-worker asked him, “What are the doctors saying?” He said, “I don’t know—I haven’t been back.” Before she could say anything else, I interrupted with, “Good for you!” Then I gave him a big hug and gave him the address to our website. I walked away thanking God and recalling the scripture, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I continue to be grateful to God, for Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science, for this church, for practitioner support, and for God’s love for us all.

For so long before Christian Science, I suffered from anxiety. This went on for years, and when I started to study Science, my afternoon panic attacks stopped. But waking up with fearful thoughts went on until I learned the discipline of preoccupying my thinking with Truth.

I started my day with readings from the Bible and Science and Health, and claimed my Christ Mind throughout the day. I worked with Psalms, and with Bible verses like: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” to help me accomplish tasks I felt nervous about.

Then I learned to read at least a few pages of Science and Health or the Bible before settling to sleep. As I did that consistently, I noticed a change, where I would frequently wake up hearing the voice of Truth with simple truths like, “fear not.” At times these angel messages were that short, and at times I heard longer comforting words, which were all uplifting. I was waking up with truths instead of being bombarded with negative thoughts.

The sincerity to commit to having the Truth preoccupy my thinking brought about this change, which has made such a difference in my life. I am grateful for that discipline, and for everything else that I have learned from the teachings in this church about putting the truth I know into practice!

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History Corner

The Making of the King James Bible

The story of the creation of the King James Bible is inspiring. When James I was made King of England, several versions of the Bible existed, but none that the common people could read and use. It was a tumultuous time in religious history, with Catholics and Protestants vying for power.

James became King of Scotland at the age of thirteen months when his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was forced to renounce the throne by a rebellion of Protestant noblemen. Under various guardians, he became fluent in Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, English, and later Hebrew and Greek. By the age of eight he could translate any Bible passage with ease. He was known for his love of the Scriptures and for relying on them as his guidebook.

He became King James I of England in 1603, succeeding Elizabeth I. He inherited a divided church in England. Soon after taking the throne, he held a three-day meeting to hear disagreements between the church bishops and the Puritans at the Hampton Court Conference. The only request granted by the King was for “one uniform translation” of the Bible. The idea for the King James Bible was born.

Committees were appointed to put together rough drafts of books of the Bible, which were reviewed and debated, verse by verse, and finally voted on. It was a collaborative effort, and they were able to put aside their differences for this one common goal. These men invested, without any pay, six to eight years of their lives laboring over this new version.

The King, Parliament, and the King’s supporters faced serious threats from the opposition. A plot to blow up King James and all of Parliament was miraculously discovered and averted. During his reign, he abolished the death penalty that was attached to owning an English Bible. The King James Bible, known as the Authorized Version, was published for the first time in 1611.

“Let us break the seal which seals up holy things and give them wings of Truth in order that she may win every soul that comes into the world by her word.” — Johann Gutenberg

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From Early Workers

Activity and Progress

by Edward A. Kimball

Christian Science lived means grandness, strength, health, peace, and all good. When governed by Truth, we are strong, forcefully equipped, and always hopeful. It’s a wrong sense that makes us feel sad and burdened. Happiness is rightness, goodness, and prosperity.

Make use of the blessings that God has given you. Persistently declare the Truth about everything error is lying about, and know that the declaration of the Truth breaks the claim. The Truth is always positive and effective.

God is the only Mind. Since that Mind is always true, lies have no mind to emanate from. Do not dally with the subject. Our deliverance depends upon how faithfully we cling to God and His ideas, and how fast we stop believing lies. Be willing to cross swords with error, and win your way to heaven.

Stop believing any circumstance or person is to blame for your failures, short-comings, or slow growth. When we let ourselves get annoyed by a claim, we are cheating ourselves out of progress. We should rejoice that evil is unreal, and that it has no ability to stand up against Truth. Each demonstration gives strength and courage to meet the next one, and progress is glorious. Declare yourself in heaven in every treatment, and out of error.

Our God is our best friend and deliverer, and will deliver. The right idea of Truth is our Saviour. Let it direct your thoughts and acts every moment, and it will bring you into union with God consciously, and you will know the Truth and the Truth will make you free. Let us glory in, and abide by the declaration, and realization of this.

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The Process of Healing

excerpt from Addresses by Martha Wilcox

What is the process of healing? Healing is the increasing awareness of perfection, rather than the eradication of disease. The healing process takes place coincidentally with individual spiritual unfoldment.

A faithful student of Christian Science for many years found herself in bondage to what is called a fibroid tumor. For years the growth grew larger and, although she had had several practitioners, the condition grew worse instead of better. She was led to ask another consecrated practitioner for help. This practitioner said to her, “Are you looking for ease in matter; are you looking for disease to be removed or eradicated from your body, or are you seeking to love God, Truth, with your whole heart and praying for the Mind of Christ?” The practitioner also said, “All that needs to be removed or dissolved is your belief that you are a selfhood apart from God, constituted of self-will, self-justification, and self-love; and this adamant of error, this belief of two minds, can only be removed or dissolved with the universal solvent of love.” Then she turned to Science and Health where Mrs. Eddy asks the question, “Dost thou ‘love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind’?” (S&H 9:17).

The student glimpsed that as this love for God became supreme in her affections, it would displace or remove properly, first mentally, then physically, whatever was unlovely or unlike the Christ in her consciousness. For several weeks she spent every spare minute in the prayerful study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings, and she began to have such a mental freedom that she could say, “Even if there does seem to be a tumor attached to me, I am knowing and loving the one God supremely.”

Finally the fear of the growth began to disappear. Then came the joyous realization that since God is all Life, all substance, and all intelligence, surely matter could not make her believe that it was a living, intelligent, growing entity. A few days after this clear view of God’s allness, the tumor passed away painlessly and with no after effects.

This student had found the process for the healing of all diseases—the spiritualization of thought. She learned through this experience, as we all have to learn, that we have to earn our understanding of God, just as we have to earn our understanding of mathematics or music.

Healing does not mean the eradication of disease. If we think that we find health only as we eradicate disease, we perpetuate the disease. A knowledge of the one God is our health and is what banishes disease permanently. When the truth was revealed to us through Christian Science, that man is as perfect as God is perfect, there was also revealed to us the fact that spiritual unfoldment is the healing process.

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“Nor the Smell of Fire”

by Vera E. Barndollar

The story of the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were cast into the fiery furnace when they refused to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, has long fascinated people. What a beautiful example of humility and trust in God!

When they were released from the furnace, they came forth without a trace of the experience, “nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” They were sure of God’s presence and power, and they had no fear, resentment, or pride. Therefore, they showed no trace of the experience—no smell of fire.

How many times, when we’ve passed through a fiery experience, we still retain the “smell of fire,” a remembrance of the error! Too often we are still holding a mental concept of ourselves as physical, and having been through some terrible experience. It may appear as a wish for human sympathy, or a sense of self-esteem that we have accomplished something remarkable.

The remedy for this is to realize that man has never been in need of healing, and that he has just been awakened from the Adam-dream of life in matter, to an understanding of his identity as the likeness of God, Spirit. Science and Health states, “The great spiritual fact must be brought out that man is, not shall be, perfect and immortal.”

Let us work to gain the humility and trust that the three Hebrew boys demonstrated, so that we may come through the fiery experiences of mortal existence with no “smell of fire” to taint our healing work.

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The Metaphysician’s Responsibility Is All-Inclusive

by Herbert Eustace

Are world affairs any different than bodily affairs? Have you been handling world affairs as though you had power over them, or have you been accepting as true everything that the daily newspapers and the various avenues of evil have presented to you? Whichever you have been doing determines how much of a Christian Scientist you really are. Each one must ask himself the question and answer it, and each one must take the responsibility of the world’s affairs as his own and not think that that is the business of someone else. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is the question confronting each one every moment.

That which makes me my brother’s keeper, is my responsibility for whatever continues to appear as consciousness to me, and nothing can release me from that responsibility. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Let us ask ourselves again, Are the discordant conditions that appear in the world true, or are they, like every claim of sickness, just purely hypnotic suggestion? That is the question. If they are really world conditions, something apart from what is appearing to you as consciousness, you might as well fold your tent “like the Arabs, and as silently steal away,” because there is no possible way by which you can change a real condition.

The conditions appearing in the so-called world are under the government of understanding. “Immortal Mind, governing all, must be acknowledged as supreme in the physical realm, so-called, as well as in the spiritual.”

This “government” is not something apart from you. Is not your responsibility then inescapable? The world is your world, not something outside of you. It is right with you every moment and it is absolutely under the government of God.

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Personal Sense a Perjurer

by Peter V. Ross

Symptoms of disease are well defined as perjurers. Now, a perjurer is not an ordinary liar — he is a crafty, calculating liar. Some call him “personal sense” or “mortal mind,” or what have you. He is a liar and the father of lies. Liars and lies and obsessions all belong in that wild world of unreality. So those things and conditions which we regard as existent in the unreal are nowhere. No one knows anything about them. No one can experience them.

Disease does not have to be destroyed or eradicated. The whole curative process is a process of enlightenment — a mode of thinking, a clarity of consciousness, which knows nothing about sickness and mortality.

There are not two worlds; there are not two minds; there are not two lives; there are not two kinds of men — there is but one God, one Mind, one Life, one kind of man. And that man knows nothing of disease and never has known anything of it, because he is the expression or outcropping of that self-existent Life which is whole and sound. There is only one world and it is a glorious place of plenty and security and joyousness.

Error is not even a perjurer. It is non-existent. We must take a radical stand and persist in it expectantly. This takes courage, of course. But you have courage. Courage is one of man’s outstanding qualities.

Here alertness comes into play. But you have alertness. Remember the zebra and the gnu. The gnu has a keen scent for lions. He does not permit the king of beasts to sneak up and crouch for a spring. He charges him while yet afar off and bowls him over. Whereas the fat, sleepy zebra falls an easy prey. Hence he wisely fraternizes with the homely gnu and enjoys the protection of the gnu’s superior vigilance.

Lurking dangers, whether disease or whatnot, are inherently cowards. All you and I need to do, and it is considerable, is to detect their approach and to assume a determined aggressiveness, never letting up until they are driven back into their native jungle of nothingness.

In the realm of reality there is no such thing as disease. No such thing as age. No such thing as mortality. Mind unconfused cannot conceive such things; cannot feel or experience them. We have only to let God’s thoughts be in us. Then instead of seeing things in a limited, distorted, or sickly condition, we shall see them as they are in their fullness and resplendency.

We are looking right at them this moment. You are contemplating yourself right now in all the beauty of being. You are not becoming. You have arrived.

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Articles

Receiving the Divine Power

by Mary Beth Singleterry

In our textbook on page 192 Mrs. Eddy states, “Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power.” This is a tremendous thought! It means any time you are unselfed in word or in deed, anytime you allow God’s presence to work through you — you become receptive to His divine power! Think about this the next time you are doing a watch and praying for church, community, nation and world — remember God’s power is working through you to bring His will to pass.

Years ago the teacher from this church told me the story of how as a young adult she had been very ill with the flu. At that time she had been getting help from a very good old-time practitioner with no results. As the days passed the practitioner sharply asked her, “Have you been praying for all mankind? Have you been knowing this claim of flu is not the truth about you or about anyone? Or have you only been working for yourself and for your own problems?” The young woman honestly admitted she had only been praying for herself. The practitioner then told her this was a selfish request and she needed to include all mankind in her work, knowing that no one could suffer from this belief. God never made it and His Love is universal. As she began to sincerely pray in this manner, all the aggressive symptoms left quickly. She had proven for herself the truth of Mrs. Eddy’s statement, “Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power”! And it was a lesson she never forgot.

Our work is never merely to make our own lives comfortable, but for the healing of all mankind. God is a God of Love, and as we express His Love, we are able to bless our fellow man with His comfort and healing power — and then in return we, too, are blessed by our heavenly Father.

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Finding God, Finding My True Self

by Florence Roberts

“In thee O Spirit, true and tender,
I find my life as God’s own child.”

These words from Hymn 154 are so true, as I look back on my journey in Christian Science.

When I began studying Christian Science, I was using it to make my life better—to make my business better, to gain better health, improve my relationships and so on. I prayed for the things I thought I should have. I was doing things driven by human will to get the results I desired. To overcome the sense of lack, I looked for what I could sell and other things I could do to make money. When I needed work, I wrote and modified my resume, and sent them out to places whereI felt qualified to work.

After many disappointments and brief successes, I finally understood that the purpose in turning to Christian Science was to find God, to understand Him, love Him and serve Him in the way that He wants. In doing this, I would find my true self—the self that He created, the self that is governed by Him and is loved by Him, and therefore is not deprived of anything needful and is only under His holy spiritual laws.

Working consistently to gain a purer consciousness, I gradually could feel the presence of God; I felt more sure that God is here! Soon my right place for right activity was revealed, I gained more steady supply for my needs, my health improved, and great peace was restored.

This proved to me that it is the purer consciousness, the consciousness that doesn’t tolerate animal magnetism’s suggestions, that can discern and experience the good God already has for all of His children.

When we seek God first, we find our true selves and discover that we have never really lacked anything!

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Blame

by Luanne Tucker

In the Bible, when being questioned by his disciples as to whether the man who was born blind was a sinner, or whether his parents had sinned, Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:3) His disciples were looking for a reason why the man was blind, trying to find someone to blame. Instead, Jesus saw only the perfect child of God, and refused to make the blindness real by giving it a cause.

This Wisdom sent down from heaven, has been my saving grace. Ever since the day I came across this sentence months ago during one of our Bible Studies, I’ve learned that I have spent way too many years blaming, thinking that there was a power apart from God, and allowing that power to control what I believed about myself. Error is not Principle and has no power to cause anything. Blaming left me blind to Truth. When I stopped blaming, the truth was made manifest in me. I forgave, knowing there was nothing in reality to forgive.

It’s incredible how much power we give away when we blame others, or expect others to make things right. It takes power away from God. We should never expect others to make our lives better. Instead, we should turn to God and find our dominion in Him.

The Christ Truth is the only reality. It is the reality of every man. Sin was never the truth about me or my parents. For me, it was the key to the door I had to find the moral courage to open. Every truth my practitioner relayed to me was the truth that healed me from the anguish I was suffering from—the truth I am so grateful to be receiving.

“The scientific effort is not to establish good, but to realize that good is already established as a present reality. True work is not to make good ever present, but to awaken to recognize it. Demonstration is hard work only when it is the effort to do something. It becomes a buoyant and triumphant joy, when it is the effort to recognize and realize that which God has already done. Only such a right endeavor will establish God’s will on earth, as it is in heaven, and will be unlabored.” (500 Watching Points, #149, Gilbert C. Carpenter)

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How’s Your Thinking?

by Carol Conroy

I recently heard about a study that was done regarding thinking. The study pointed out that people are constantly thinking — and it was determined that 80% of these thoughts are negative! I could only think, “Thank God for Mrs. Eddy!” In her revelation, Christian Science, she realized that what we think will affect our experience — and our world — and that a change of thought brings about big changes in our experience. We can’t go around with negativity trailing after us like a little black cloud and expect to have a happy, fulfilled life.

Negative thoughts will present themselves, but it’s our duty to refuse to think them — they have no power to force themselves into our thinking and rule us. I remember the teacher in our church telling us that a magnet — no matter how powerful a force it puts out — cannot pick up a handkerchief! There is nothing in the nature of the handkerchief to respond to it. And there is nothing in us, as the spiritual beings we are, to respond to negativity or any material thinking, which is totally foreign to our true nature.

Mrs. Eddy writes, “Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously.” (S&H) What a wonderful challenge! We have the God-given authority and ability to reject anything that would bring us down from our “high estate.” As the Bible says, “God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.” (Eccl.) That’s the entrance of negativity and materialism! But Mrs. Eddy also gives us the antidote: “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.” (S&H) Enough said!

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Probation and Growth

by Jeremy Palmer

In a recent Lesson on the subject “Probation After Death,” the Golden Text read, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev.)

I used to feel this statement must only have applied to Jesus; but when reading it in this Lesson, I felt it was for me and everyone. This constant state of “probation and growth” means that the trials I’ve had aren’t an indication I am unworthy of God’s system, but rather it is proof I am within it!

God gives us all we need to progress and overcome, but it is impossible without realizing the importance of God and our relationship to him. To know that He never gave up on me brings such joy, especially coming from a place where I felt I had used up my chances. All that time I was simply being put through trials “until probation and growth shall effect the needed change.” (S&H)

I am so grateful that God has brought me to Plainfield so I can actually learn and progress, and while that is happening we have the opportunity to help and support each other and mankind!

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“Flourish Like the Palm Tree”

by Sona Creighton

In Psalms we read, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” (Ps. 92:12-15) Barnes Bible commentary gives these comments:

“The palm grows slowly, but steadily, from century to century, uninfluenced by those alternations of the seasons which affect other trees. It does not rejoice overmuch in winter’s copious rain, nor does it droop under the drought and the burning sun of summer. Neither heavy weights which people place upon its head, nor the importunate urgency of the wind, can sway it aside from perfect uprightness. There it stands, looking calmly down upon the world below, and patiently yielding its large clusters of golden fruit from generation to generation. They ‘bring forth fruit in old age.’

“Solomon covered all the walls of the ‘holy of holies’ round about with palm-trees. They were thus planted, as it were, within the very house of the Lord; and their presence there was not only ornamental, but appropriate and highly suggestive; the very best emblem, not only of patience in well-doing, but of the rewards of the righteous — a fat and flourishing old age — a peaceful end — a glorious immortality.”

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God’s Plan for You

by Gary Singleterry

God has a destiny, or a plan, for each of us that is far better and more satisfying than any human destiny we could imagine. God, who made each of us, put us here for a good purpose, to live a meaningful life.

In Matthew 7, Jesus instructs us to “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Some believe that this “strait and narrow” way is too confining. After all, the world has millions of tantalizing opportunities for us. Why not be “broad-minded” and try out everything? Well, that’s the wide gate and the broad way that leads to unhappiness, insecurity, and ultimately, destruction. The strait and narrow way is to seek the guidance of our heavenly Father, God, and follow it. You will find that this is not confining at all. In fact, it is the only way which enables us to reach our full potential.

Isaiah writes, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Obedience to God’s plan for you is the most rewarding life there could be. Many of us are led to believe that we need a certain kind of job, or need to accomplish certain things, or have certain things in order to be happy. Many are also taught that it is important to have people approve of them. And that’s a real trap. When we are driven that way, we have nothing but problems, and have to retrace our steps. Why? Because there is no God in any of that. The only approval worth seeking is God’s approval. Again, Jesus instructs us not to worry about where our next meal comes from, or what we should wear, or what kind of job we should have. Rather, we should “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew)

God knows better than anyone what is right for you. And that means giving and doing for others—and with a smile on your face. And then it follows that God provides everything you really need, and we can be satisfied with that. Do you want stability, confidence, and security? Then seek God’s guidance and follow it.

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Letters of Gratitude

It is a joy to contribute to the activities of this church. Every day brings new inspiration for spiritual growth; and the time devoted to prayer, especially in the unity watches, has brought me closer and closer to God, for which I am profoundly grateful.

I recently ordered a copy of Christian Science, Its Clear and Correct Teachings by Herbert W. Eustace, which just arrived. Also included in the envelope were a calendar, full-text Lessons, and a copy of The Liberator. I was so touched by the generosity of spirit evident here. I will benefit from all of this and think with fondness of all the Plainfield workers who make this possible, and whose love is actively reaching out every day.

Blessings to all.

Thank you for accepting my request for membership in the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent.

To be part of a community of people devoted to God, who are always working to bless mankind, is an honor.

The past eight months transformed my life and I hope to be a useful addition to your “Gideon band” of Christ’s servants.

I want to state that I am very grateful for the Plainfield Church, and the wonderful work the people there do. Since I joined the church and participate in the unity watches, I feel I am losing those “earth-clouds drear and wild,” and really getting in touch with the Holy Spirit. There is power in unity with this church, because God is with this church.

Thank you for posting Discerning the Rights of Man by Richard Oakes on your website. It is an important addition to the Plainfield library. Its message is that “the word shall have free course,” and it is the story of how the Carpenters and others made sure that the “unauthorized” writings of and about Mary Baker Eddy were saved for us. We have much to be thankful for.

I am very grateful for finding this church and to be learning how to handle animal magnetism more and more. I have learned here and with the help of a Plainfield practitioner the importance of uncovering error in order to heal any problem. I have been learning also how to handle anger, ingratitude, and uncertainty. It has given me the opportunity to clear many old set positions and let God shine through.

I am so grateful to participate in the Bible study group and also the Roundtable.

Thank you all for what you are doing.

In a recent Roundtable discussion it was discussed how important it is to become like little children as we approach the challenges that face us in our lives. If we fall down, we need to get right back up and be joyous in our efforts.

Thank you so much for the daily e-mail with the calendar statement and recent additions to the website. So grateful for all we have to work with here.

Thank you for all that you are doing for Christian Science and for the world. The Plainfield Church is like a beacon of light, radiating Love out to the world in need.

Please find enclosed my monthly contribution.

This morning I was thinking about all the roadblocks we accept for ourselves. “I am too thin or thick, too small or large, too old or young, or I can’t do this or that,” etc. These are all false suggestions, and Mrs. Eddy states, “Science reverses the false testimony of the physical senses” and “matter can make no conditions for man.” How grateful I am that I have Christian Science, this church, and its practitioners to help me recognize and overcome all false suggestions.

There certainly is something precious here!! It is becoming more and more precious to me every day. The activities at Plainfield are truly amazing. This is due to each and everyone at Plainfield and all of the participants from around the country and the world expressing love of God to one another. There is such love and respect for one another here. Most of us have not even met face to face! That is pure love and it does not get any better than that!! Precious indeed! Thank you all.

A recent Roundtable discussed the importance of organization, among other things. Working together we can do things one could not accomplish on his own.

Enclosed is a contribution, sent with many thanks for the very inspired Bible Lessons we have each week; for the forum comments, which clarify points in the Lesson; and for the active Bible studies on Saturday mornings. With everyone digging up facts and sharing ideas, it is an absolute joy. In fact, one participant said that the Bible studies were fun, and they are!!

With love and gratitude for being a member of this vibrant church.

Thank you for the daily watches. It has helped me to see how blessed I am to be a member here. No one stands in another’s way, or even creates a state of dependence. Each step of the way, every member of this church has been incredibly willing to provide guidance and support. Every opportunity is given to do this work — from proofreading, moderating Bible studies, reading, writing Lessons, etc. — because the entire purpose of the church is to work for God, and to help others. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a part of this.

I just finished reading the March issue of The Liberator. I loved everything: The articles, poems, testimonies, all were so powerful. My eyes filled with tears of joy. What a wonderful publication! Thanks to all who contributed and put it together.

I want to express gratitude for all the recorded sessions of the Bible studies, Roundtable, and church services. We were away in a remote area, and although we couldn’t listen live, we could study on our own, and then have the great privilege of listening to the teaching, inspiration and great love found in the recordings. This independent church certainly meets many, many needs for anyone searching. Also, a big thank you to all involved with the March issue of the Liberator — it is truly inspiring.

Sincere gratitude for all the Lesson writers and the audio Lesson readers everywhere! It is a blessing to be able to have the Lesson read to you when you simply need to hear the Word of God.

It was another wonderful testimony meeting. I am grateful for the readings and the testimonies, which were so real and heartfelt.

In my experience I have come across religious organizations that make you doubt if its leaders really believe in God. There is no doubt that our Plainfield Church is based on God, and divinely authorized.

I had been feeling a little down lately. My sister was having some health issues; I was feeling distant with my daughter; and feeling overwhelmed with all I have to do with spring cleaning, along with every day household duties. I was feeling alone and lonely.

Every morning I listen to dear Joseph read the weekly Lesson, and this morning I heard one of the most beautiful Lessons. I printed it out on my computer and read it over again. Sometimes a particular Lesson will just fit. This week’s Lesson just fits me.

I don’t think the week is going to be long enough for me to absorb all the great lessons to be learned in this week’s Lesson. I can’t say enough about Christian Science and all that it teaches me, and how it has affected my life. It has brought me through many minor issues, as well as major ones. Thank you, Thank you so very much to the Plainfield Christian Science Church and my wonderful practitioner there, from the bottom of my heart. She has been a great strength and support for me. I also thank Joseph for his readings. Wonderful job. I look forward to them every morning before I even get out of bed. Love to all.

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Testimonies of Healing

One night, after 28 years of enduring the most heinous acts of evil, and being plagued by nightmares, I became so fed up with this life filled with torment that I got my shot gun and laid on my bed. I placed the gun on my chest with the muzzle at my chin and my thumb on the trigger. Every emotion was stirred up inside of me. My thoughts bounced around from anger to sorrow, from I don’t care anymore, to grieving for those I would leave behind.

I don’t know how long I laid there, crying and reaching out to God for help, and fighting back at the voice of my dad, telling me to pull the trigger, that I was garbage and no one would care if I died. I could not live this way anymore. I wanted to be kind and loving and happy and give joy to others. How could I be all those things, when I was hurting so badly? I wanted the pain to end. Where was God? I was begging Him to stop the noise in my head, but it didn’t stop.

Somehow, I managed to pray our Father’s prayer. Overwhelmed with the fear of the unknown, I embraced the thought that it had to be better than this. I said aloud, “Forgive me,” and gently squeezed my thumb against the trigger. Just then, the entire house shook violently. The windows rattled and the bed vibrated. Then in a moment, it all stopped. All of it, the noise, the fear, the torment and anguish—it all stopped. I lay there frozen without a single thought of my own. The only sound I could hear was the sound of my heart, loudly beating its way out of my chest. With tears running down my face, I could not stop myself from yelling out, “Thank you!” I knew that this was God and He was watching over me. I lay there and eventually drifted off to peaceful sleep.

The next day, I made some phone calls and found a therapist to work with. For the first time, I had someone to talk to about the events I had endured. It was the food that sustained me for a while, but it was never adequate enough to help me to understand my purpose for living or to answer my questions about God.

After twenty-two years of therapy, with the help of a friend, I reached out to a Christian Science practitioner and have now found my answers in the “true bread of life.” I have been so completely healed from the mental and physical torment of the abuse I endured, that the only memories I have of the past are those in which God was actively watching over me. God has answered my prayer and restored me to life, one filled with purpose—the enduring, the good, and the true. I cannot express deeply enough, the gratitude and love I feel in my heart and in my soul, for our Father-Mother God, for Mary Baker Eddy and for my practitioner.

If I only have but one message to give, it would be this: Never give up! Seek God. Obey God. Persist in understanding your relationship with the Creator of life. Allow Him to fulfill His purpose in you. It will bring a true and everlasting joy—the abundant life He desires for you.

Several days ago, I woke up feeling very tired and just not feeling up to par. I did go to work, but when I arrived home at the end of the day I was bone weary and went right to bed.

The next day I had pains in my chest and back and was nauseated. There had been no signs of a cold, and my sister, who was visiting at the time, declared it must be my heart. I was inclined to agree with her and was very alarmed. I was miserable and very tired and just couldn’t get enough sleep. I called a practitioner from this church and expressed my fears.

She immediately declared that God is my life, not my heart, and asked me to study from Miscellaneous Writings, “Can the heart change?” I did do that, and also read from one of my favorite chapters in Science and Health, “Footsteps of Truth.” I especially like, “Truth has no consciousness of error …. Truth, Life, and Love are a law of annihilation to everything unlike themselves, because they declare nothing except God. Sickness, sin, and death are not the fruits of Life. They are inharmonies which Truth destroys.”

I realized also, there was a lesson to be learned from this. I had been pushing myself work-wise. I have been conscious lately that I am close to the end of my working career and have been worrying about what will happen when I can no longer continue working. I was working seven days a week, making myself go whether I felt like it or not. I had failed to put God first, and consequently was forced to stop. I needed to “feed my soul.”

I am so grateful for Mary Baker Eddy who wrote all of the wonderful books and articles, and for my practitioner who has devoted her life to working for God and for the church, and grateful for Christian Science!

Several years ago I had a root canal on a tooth. About a little over a year ago I noticed the crown was loose. It was time for my six-month checkup, and all was fine until it came to the loose crown. The dentist tried several times to pull the crown free, but it remained in place. The dentist told me that when that happens it usually means the root canal has cracked and will require that it be extracted by a surgeon and then I would have to make a decision on what to do next. She gave me three options and said I should decide as soon as possible. I responded I didn’t like any of the options and would have to think about it.

As soon as I got home I called my practitioner and explained the situation. She reminded me I was made in God’s image and likeness, and therefore perfect. She gave me some statements to work with, and said that every time this came to mind, to know the tooth was rooted and grounded in Love.

A few days ago it was time for my next checkup. Prior to my appointment I called my practitioner and asked for her help. She reminded me that God was right there with me. Everything went well. The dentist said she didn’t understand why I had no pain in that tooth. She then took her thumb and placed it under the loose crown, and the crown fell into her hand. She x-rayed the area and found it clean. She said, given the length of time the crown was loose, she couldn’t understand how it was free from decay and debris. All she had to do was to cement the crown back in place.

I am so grateful to God and to the practitioner for helping me through this situation.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the help that I received recently from my Plainfield Christian Science practitioner.

My daughter is currently in 8th grade in a private school, and where she would go to high school next year was not yet clear to us. Since she has always been blessed with an innate talent for art, the opportunity presented itself for her to audition to get admitted to the Savannah Arts Academy, a wonderful public high school here in Savannah, which focuses on the Arts. She applied and made it through the first round of entrance hurdles, meeting both the grade and test score requirements. She then was required to submit an art portfolio, as well as participate in an audition where she had to demonstrate her drawing ability by rendering five different objects within a 45-minute period.

Everyone kept telling us how competitive this process was, that many students would not make it in, and how difficult it was to get accepted. I prayed for strength in keeping those limiting, negative mental suggestions out of my thinking, doing my best to stand porter at the door of thought; but as the days progressed, as much as I tried to shut out those negative thoughts and feelings of anxiety, they kept creeping in, and fear seemed to become the order of the day.

When I called my practitioner, she immediately directed me to specific pages to read in Science and Health, as well as to the article on the website entitled “Place,” by Mary Baker Eddy, in which she says, “It is right for you to be with your own kind of people, and trusting Him with all your heart will open the way. Remember ‘Mind has infinite resources, so do not limit yourself in any way.’”

The practitioner also helped me to more clearly understand that God has a purpose and place for every one of his children, and nobody can take that away from her or from anyone else. She helped to neutralize in my thought the idea that kept trying to take hold, which was that there were so many children competing for a very limited number of resources, and that there were only a limited amount of spots in the school. She also told me, “All things work together for good to them that love God,” and that I can trust His plan, since nothing can oppose the power of a right idea!

The third and final step in the acceptance process for her school was “the lottery,” where we were told all students who made it through steps 1 and 2 would be entered into a lottery and chosen at random. I immediately rejected the notion that a lottery would decide her path. The definition of a lottery is a process or thing whose success or outcome is governed by chance. I had to meet this strong suggestion of mortal mind head-on and know for certain that her path was not governed by chance at all, since God is omnipotent and there is no power besides God.

I prayed every day for God’s guidance and direction, and to make sure that it was “not my will, but Thine be done.”

I am happy to report that we received an e-mail stating that she had been accepted into the school. I am so grateful to my practitioner for all her support throughout this process, and I thank God for His all-encompassing love for all His children.

I am grateful for the Plainfield practitioners. There is nothing hidden that shall not be revealed. A few months back I called a Plainfield practitioner requesting prayerful help in finding place as manifested in employment and supply. However, I neglected to mention to the practitioner that I had not been applying to jobs because I had been arrested last year and did not want to report an arrest on job applications. So no work came. Then my trial date came up last month and I called the practitioner again for help to see through divine guidance, the right outcome in court, as the District Attorney was seeking six months in the county jail and a felony conviction for me as the “reduced charge plea bargain.”

When the Plainfield practitioner called, she—in a healing way—gave a stern but loving rebuke as to why I did not disclose that to her when I had called earlier about employment. I was asked to study Mrs. Eddy’s article “Pond and Purpose,” which was very enlightening. Last week I went to court. It was a special court for veterans. I was given a better plea bargain, with my pleading no contest to a minor misdemeanor charge and sentenced to one year probation with no jail time, and at the time my probation ends, my arrest record will be expunged. Meanwhile, the probation officer will be working with me on employment applications to overcome the arrest record employment barrier.

In the process, I had to literally go on my knees and confess to God my wrongdoings and be sorry for my sins. This humility brought forth my healing. I had worked previously with a Boston-affiliated practitioner and Boston teacher with little to no effect; but the Plainfield practitioner was effective in healing my arrogance, self-centeredness and lack of humility. The fruits of this healing are now leading to a path to an expunged arrest record and professional help with employment. I am truly grateful.

I’m grateful for God’s direction with a recent computer issue.

It appeared that my e-mails weren’t getting through, so I had a computer technician check my computer. He said he found nothing wrong, and that I should call my e-mail provider, which I did. The provider said that I had been hacked and started to describe a whole list of things that needed to be done, and gave me an estimate of hundreds of dollars to correct the issue. I felt very uncomfortable about going ahead with this, so I thanked him and said I’d let him know.

I got the strong thought to contact our church computer expert. Right away he told me that this was a scam. I was so grateful that God sent me the message not to listen to the so-called “expert,” but to make that second call—and that I listened and did it. I also then called a Plainfield practitioner and was told that my identity could not be stolen, that God daily perfects that which concerneth me, and to read the 91st Psalm, all of which gave me back my peace.

I’m so grateful for God’s protection in everything, and for the help of the practitioner.

Every day when I get up, I say, “Help me, God, in dealing with whatever comes to me,” because every day is a different situation. At the end of the day, before I go to sleep, I say thank you to God because the day went smoothly with no problems, and I thank Him for directing me.

Last Thursday my kitchen clock stopped working, and I went to the store to get a new one. The store was very large, and I didn’t know what direction to go, so I said, “God help me find a clock.” I began walking, and right there was a display of clocks, with one that was just perfect for me.

I love Christian Science because it has taught me to ask God, and He sends wonderful miracles like this.

I’d like to express my gratitude for your wonderful Bible studies. A while back the area we live in was hit with a major snow storm. My husband and I run a small preschool, and that evening we received an alert from the monitoring device we have set up there, that there was a power outage. We were both alarmed by this, as last year at this time we had a terrible situation, with pipes freezing there during our winter break, which is why we installed the monitoring device. And we knew the temperatures were expected to drop very low that night.

The distance was too far for us to travel in these conditions, and we couldn’t find anyone available to do so. After much frantic activity, which amounted to nothing, we got quiet and thought about all the wonderful things we had been learning through your Bible studies; how these Bible characters relied on God with complete trust, not fearing, and were so blessed. We also thought about the things we were grateful for. It immediately brought a sense of peace.

For the next hour or so I felt like a huge burden had been lifted. During that time my husband was able to contact someone who had been unavailable earlier, to stop at the school and check on it. And I felt led to call back the utility company that we had reported the outage to earlier, and to my surprise they said that they had been to the school and assured us we had full power. In our earlier conversation, they gave no indication when or even if someone would be able to make it out there in this storm. I discovered they had come an hour earlier, right about the time our thought had shifted to putting our trust in God.

We are so very grateful to God and to Mary Baker Eddy for giving us this wonderful Science and its practical application to all our daily needs. And thank you to Plainfield for the great things you are doing.

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What Wonderful Things Transpired

by Luanne Tucker

The dreary thoughts I used to think,

have now gone away.

Pushed across the sky,

like clouds on a windy day.

The poetry I used to write,

was sad and uninspired.

What joy it brings to my heart,

the wonderful things, transpired.

The nights I cried in silent pain,

have bowed their heads to God,

His light has shined upon them,

revealing them, a fraud.

The darkness of their shadow

no longer match my attire.

What peace it brings to my soul,

the wonderful things, transpired.

The Truths that have healed me,

have come by way of Love.

The Wisdom that inspires me,

is the Word, from Life above.

Each new day is bathed with light,

cleansing my wants and desires.

How grateful I am for His patience,

and the wonderful things, transpired.

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Original Music

Face the Light

by Peter Kidd

Maybe you’ve had a hard day—

Maybe you’ve had a tough year—

Maybe you’ve had a sad life,

Shed more than a tear or two.

You’ve wasted time, so you think—

Too late to change who you are.

Moments have come and they’re gone,

And joy seems so far away from you.

Turn to the light—

Let it shine upon your face.

Everywhere you look you will see

A brighter place.

You can’t out-race the shadows,

Because they’re always there;

But by God’s grace,

We can face the light.

We play a part in our lives;

We can turn any which way.

Envy and hate and distrust

Are just fear holding sway—it’s true.

Darkness is absence of light—

Light’s always there, like the sun.

How are you shutting it out?

It cannot be done without you.

Turn to the light,

Let it shine upon your face.

Everywhere you look you will see

A brighter place.

You can’t erase a shadow—

There’s nothing really there, just shadow.

But by God’s grace,

We can face the light.

It fills all space

With life and energy,

And fills all time

With timeless beauty.

And if you listen,

There is something like a sound of quiet joy.

Turn to the light,

Let it shine upon your face.

Everywhere you look you will see

A brighter place.

So chase away the shadows,

And shine with all your might

All that you’ll be reflecting,

When you face the light.

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Final Thoughts

“No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people…When I speak of the Christian religion as the basis of government… I mean the primitive Christianity in its simplicity as taught by Christ and His apostles, consisting of a belief in the being, perfections, and government of God; in the revelation of His will to men, as their supreme rule of action; in man’s accountability to God for his conduct in this life; and in the indispensable obligation of all men to yield entire obedience to God’s commands in the moral law and the Gospel.”

Noah Webster

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The value of studying Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures lies in the fact that it expounds an operative principle, and develops in man a spiritual sense, whereby the things hidden from material sense are seen and understood. The study of the Bible is equally important, because it offers the opportunity, in gaining its spiritual meaning, to develop the use of this spiritual inspiration until it becomes demonstrable and permanent. Furthermore, the same spiritual method necessary to unfold the hidden meanings of the Bible, is requisite to gain a right understanding of God.

Mary Baker Eddy, Her Spiritual Footsteps, by Gilbert Carpenter

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Prayer

from Watches, Prayers and Arguments, by Mary Baker Eddy

Be like a little child. Turn your thoughts to Love and say, O Love, just take me in; give me one Mind, one consciousness, and make me love my neighbor as myself. Let your heart cry out to divine Love. A child cries out to its mother for more light, more truth, more love. Ask Love for what you need and for what Love has to give; then take it, and demand of yourself to rise up and live it.

God will direct you in all your ways, if you trust Him; faith must take hold before sight or fruition, and this faith will, when instructed in divine Science, become understanding, and you will have no doubts, but every proof of His promise, “Lo! I am with you alway.”

Trust Him, dear; read daily the Bible and Science and Health, and pray the prayer of our Lord’s in your own words; ask for His kingdom to come, for Love, Truth and Life to govern all your desires, aims and motives, to feed you with faith and a clear knowledge of good, to make you patient, forgiving, long-suffering and merciful, compassionate, even as the dear God is thus to you, and you desire Him to be, and thus reflect this God, good, in all His qualities, etc. My desire is, that this year shall be crowned with mercies for you and all.

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The healing of sickness and sin through Christ, Truth, dispels mysticism, doubt, and fear, and reveals to individual consciousness man’s true relationship to God, so that mortals can begin to work out their salvation.

Clarence W. Chadwick

God’s law—the law of Love—supports every righteous endeavor, and never fails to bring it to fruition.

Duncan Sinclair

The Sermon on the Mount is the only ethical creed in existence, and the only creed upon which Jesus places the seal of his approval. The creeds demand affirmation of certain doctrine, while all that Jesus demands is character.

Rev. Robert Hopkins

The most comforting, if not the most powerful, thought is to know that God is mindful of us now and always.

Benjamin Ndukwe

The average person coming into Christian Science when he learns that God is Love, ...is liable to become as soft as dough and that is just what mortal mind would like! The state of thought is very gullible, and such a person will find that he had become weak instead of strong.

from 1937 college, Bicknell Young, page 41

The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity.

from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, By Mary Baker Eddy

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