From Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy
The Divine Being must be reflected by man, — else man is not the image and likeness of the patient, tender, and true, the One “altogether lovely;” but to understand God is the work of eternity, and demands absolute consecration of thought, energy, and desire.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,
by Mary Baker Eddy
The Joy of the Lord
July 2015
Excerpts from Sermon, “Christian Healing”,
by Mary Baker Eddy, pages 1-2,7-8
History repeats itself; to-morrow grows out of to-day. But Heaven’s favors are formidable: they are calls to higher duties, not discharge from care; and whoso builds on less than an immortal basis, hath built on sand.
We have asked, in our selfishness, to wait until the age advanced to a more practical and spiritual religion before arguing with the world the great subject of Christian healing; but our answer was, “Then there were no cross to take up, and less need of publishing the good news.” The difference between religions is, that one religion has a more spiritual basis and tendency than the other; and the religion nearest right is that one. The genius of Christianity is works more than words; a calm and steadfast communion with God; a tumult on earth, — religious factions and prejudices arrayed against it, the synagogues as of old closed upon it, while it reasons with the storm, hurls the thunderbolt of truth, and stills the tempest of error; scourged and condemned at every advancing footstep, afterwards pardoned and adopted, but never seen amid the smoke of battle.
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.” This is an unqualified statement of the duty and ability of Christians to heal the sick; and it contains no argument for a creed or doctrine, it implies no necessity beyond the understanding of God, and obedience to His government, that heals both mind and body; God, — not a person to whom we should pray to heal the sick, but the Life, Love, and Truth that destroy error and death.
Nehemiah 8:10
There is but one side to good, — it has no evil side; there is but one side to reality, and that is the good side.
God is All, and in all: that finishes the question of a good and a bad side to existence. Truth is the real; error is the unreal. You will gather the importance of this saying, when sorrow seems to come, if you will look on the bright side; for sorrow endureth but for the night, and joy cometh with the light. Then will your sorrow be a dream, and your waking the reality, even the triumph of Soul over sense. If you wish to be happy, argue with yourself on the side of happiness, take the side you wish to carry, and be careful not to talk on both sides, or to argue stronger for sorrow than for joy. You are the attorney for the case, and will win or lose according to your plea.
Excerpt from Christian Healing, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 10
by Bicknell Young
The wonderful thing about happiness is that it can grow in any soil, exist under any condition. Like Truth, it defies environment and conditions, for it abides in spiritual sense. This God-given joy is steadfast, because it depends upon Principle and not upon persons. It is only the joy of the Christ which makes our joy full. As thought is freed from self-love and self-will, we find happiness surpassing anything of which we have hitherto dreamed. One might possess everything materially tangible in the world and still not be happy. Happiness does not depend upon having, but upon being; not on possessing, but on enjoying.
Joy is a fine art, to be cultivated as assiduously as any other virtue. The art of being glad consists in part in the ability to be happy at all times, even when there seems to be no occasion for rejoicing. If we love, joy is inevitable, and there can be no real joy unless one loves. And the more one loves, the greater and more expansive will be his happiness. Many a patient has been healed by simply learning to be glad, by learning to be grateful. It isn’t reasonable to expect God to dwell with us unless we can offer Him a dwelling place, so to speak, freed from ingratitude and unhappiness.
The joy that accompanies spiritual understanding knows enough to give thanks for what eye hath not seen. That is why no one can take our joy away from us. The Master said this because he knew joy as a thing of consciousness which cannot be discovered, located, or interfered with by that which seeks to make us unhappy.
There can be no question that health and gratitude go hand in hand. Mankind must finally learn that unceasing gratitude is truly essential if one would walk close to God. What an extraordinary change would take place in the world today if we would all endeavor to be grateful for everything now! A truly honest expression of gratitude on the part of anyone is unmistakable proof that he is communing with God. So let us be happy, now and forever!
by Mary Beth Singleterry
In the Bible, the psalmist David states, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me … Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.” (Psalm 51: 10, 12)
At one time I suffered from severe depression and these verses helped me. The idea of “restore” means to bring back to its original state — your original state and only state is one of joy! Depression is no part of God’s child; and whenever anyone feels depressed, it is important to realize this statement of truth — depression is entirely abnormal and has nothing to do with God’s beloved child, but it’s a deceiving imposter never to be accepted as real or true.
So through my seeming darkness, this verse enabled me to gain glimpses of the Light, and I began to fight for my joy and to know it comes to me from God and it is not dependent on any outward circumstances. Joy is dependent only on your relationship with God and He is your loving Father. Therefore if there ever is anything depressing you, holding you down in some way — you have the God-given right to find your freedom from it. As the second part of that verse states, “uphold me with Thy free spirit.” The dictionary definition of “uphold” means “to lift on high; to keep from falling; to keep from being lost.” This is what God does for us when we reach out to Him! In my own experience, by humbly turning to God, I found my joy in Him. The depression lifted and has never returned.
I am so grateful for this. In a world where depression seems to be so prevalent, and many turn to drugs, alcohol, etc. searching for relief, it is comforting to know that in God we can find a perfect and permanent answer.
Hear these words from Christ Jesus: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy might be full … and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” (John)
by Rev. Irving C. Tomlinson
My study of the Bible has disclosed an interesting fact. According to the King James version, Proverbs 17:22 reads, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” I was glad to find that herein was no endorsement of materia medica, but quite the contrary. The word “like” is not in the Hebrew text, but was added by the translators. From the context, then, this meaning is evident: “A merry heart doeth good: it is a curative.” The American Standard version agrees with this interpretation, as its rendering of the passage is: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine.”
Ferrar Fenton’s translation reads, “The best medicine is a cheerful heart; but a loaded mind exhausts the frame.”
This proverb, then, is a striking instance in proof that certain Scriptural passages, which in the authorized version appear to be unscientific, are found to be in line with Science when their original meaning is made plain. Instructed by our Leader’s inspired teachings, we know that “the best medicine is a cheerful heart,” when the cheerful heart realizes that “the medicine of Science is divine Mind.” (S&H, p. 104)
by Nell Flash
Sometimes during the darkness and silence of a long night the clear, sweet song of a nightingale may be heard. If we could imitate this little bird and remember to sing songs of praise to God, this would help quiet our fears and bring us peace; for God “giveth songs in the night.”
In the Bible we find songs of joy and praise sung by many Bible characters. Paul and Silas were persecuted and cast into prison because they preached and healed in Christ’s name. Despite this persecution, they sang praises to God. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
In order to hear God’s messages to us, we must be spiritually awake. A loving heart, grateful for the blessings already received, will help us sing songs of praise. It’s well to remember past healings. Then we can see more easily that the present problem is only an opportunity to prove that we have the conviction, courage, and ability to stand until the law of God is demonstrated. A small boy, when asked what he said in his prayer, replied that he didn’t say anything; that he knew God was with him, so he just listened. Such receptivity brings the song in the night that heals, and heralds the coming of the dawn.
A woman, whose healing had not come quickly, asked what more she could do. The answer came that she was not singing loudly enough. She saw this as an opportunity to get closer to God, and she cheerfully replied, “I will sing every song in the Hymnal from beginning to end.” At first, the singing of these songs required discipline and honest effort, but, as she continued, her heart overflowed with joy and gratitude. By the singing of the last hymn she was completely healed.
Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health, “A louder song, sweeter than has ever before reached high heaven, now rises clearer and nearer to the great heart of Christ; for the accuser is not there, and Love sends forth her primal and everlasting strain.”
WATCH lest you attempt to do anything in Christian Science from any standpoint except that of joy. Our Leader’s hymn admonished us to follow and rejoice all the rugged way. Work in Christian Science that is done joyously, has a power and effectiveness that work done as a solemn duty never has. If you seem to have lost your joy, obey Mrs. Eddy’s command, “If your joy is lost, handle animal magnetism.” If this is properly done, your joy will return, and you can again take up your work. Our Leader once wrote to George Kinter, “Gladness and rejoicing are divine in essence, and their reward is manifold in its effect.”
If you should fall through the ice, you would become further imprisoned if you attempted to swim at once for the shore. The first thing to do is to rise. Then you can clamber onto the surface of the ice and walk to shore. This rising to the surface symbolizes the lightening of thought necessary in preparation for all effort in Christian Science. “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness.” Prov. 10:28.
by Gary Singleterry
I’ve learned many life-changing lessons from the study of Christian Science. One that I am especially grateful for — and it’s really pretty basic — is that you can’t go through life just thinking about yourself, and expect to be happy.
One day I was feeling a little down and depressed, so I talked to a Plainfield practitioner. The practitioner asked me, “What have you done for someone else lately?” I was stunned for a moment, because I really couldn’t think of anything I had done for someone else recently. The practitioner made the point that, in order to be happy, we have to be thinking of others. It is a matter of principle. And the practitioner gave me a quote from Science and Health: “Good deeds are immortal, bringing joy instead of grief, pleasure instead of pain, and life instead of death.” So that is what good deeds can do!
For me, this was a really important lesson. After that, whenever I felt like I was getting a little down or depressed, I would think of something I could do for someone else. I would ask God what somebody needs, and then fulfill that need. And sure enough, that always cured whatever was getting me down. It really is true that you can’t be unhappy when you are helping somebody else. It’s a wonderful remedy for depression.
This is a simple, but profound, lesson. Doing good deeds heals grief, it heals pain, and gives purpose to our life.
by Willard S. Mattox
Time was when a gloomy austerity was mistaken for a sign of religion, but that time is happily fast disappearing. Men are coming to see that to be religious, one must be happy. In a certain sense, one might even say unhappiness is irreligious, since it implies either a lack of confidence in God and a belief in evil, or else it implies that God is the originator and sender of the things that cause unhappiness.
The early Christians were happy. They were not oppressed by a dismal creed that demanded they assume a somber manner as a substitute for genuine piety. Jesus rebuked that scholasticism. He said, “When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
To the immediate followers of Jesus, and to the early converts to Christianity, it was quite natural to be happy. They were familiar with Paul’s saying, “The fruit of the Spirit is … joy”— that is to say, an understanding of God, and a right consciousness of things as they are, is joy. And whenever we find an absence of joy, we have little evidence of religion, little evidence of that proper comprehension of a loving Father which would express itself in calm joy, in an equable poise that is the “fruit of the Spirit.”
Christian Science comes today to emphasize Jesus’ religion of happiness. It shows that happiness is subjective, a thing of consciousness, rather than a condition depending upon circumstances external to the individual. Mrs. Eddy says in Miscellaneous Writings (p. 309), “Scientists sometimes take things too intensely,” and elsewhere she says that “there are wit, humor, and enduring vivacity among God’s people.”
Christian Science Hall is where Mary Baker Eddy taught her last class in 1898. Mrs. Eddy had directed that the first stanza of the following old hymn be inscribed over the entrance of the hall:
by B. F. Barker
Daughter of Zion, awake from thy sadness!
Awake! for thy foes shall oppress thee no more.
Bright o’er thy hills dawns the daystar of gladness;
Arise, for the night of thy sorrow is o’er.
Daughter of Zion, the pow’r that has saved thee
Extolled with the harp and the timbrel shall be,
Shout! for the foe is o’ercome that enslaved thee;
The tyrant is vanquished, and Zion is free.
The first two lines of this verse originally hung in the Reading Room in Christian Science Hall at the request of Mrs. Eddy that “it be hung where all who enter may see and read.” Mrs. Eddy referred to her Church in her message to the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church in 1896 where she writes, “God hath indeed smiled on my church, this daughter of Zion.”
Mrs. Eddy had a deep interest in the reformation of prisoners. As early as 1891, The Christian Science Journal reported that Christian Science literature was being distributed in prisons. Moses and Amos Pilsbury, friends of her family, were responsible for early prison reforms, such as reading the Bible to inmates, teaching literacy and skills, and banishing corporal punishment. Mrs. Eddy’s brother George worked for the Pilsburys in the Connecticut State Prison; and her sister Martha married Luther Pilsbury, deputy warden of the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. With such close family connections to prison reformers, it is little wonder that Mrs. Eddy understood the importance of actively working with prisoners.
Mrs. Eddy strongly encouraged Irving Tomlinson to visit the jails around Concord. He writes: “One of her talks with me concerned the unfortunates in the county jail and state prison. At her earnest request, the writer visited Sheriff Edgerly and made the proposition to hold, on each Sunday at two o’clock, a Christian Science service for the prisoners. When arrangements were completed, Mrs. Eddy was notified and she replied: ‘I am glad you have begun the C.S. mission with faith that you can open the prison doors and set free the captive. God will bless us in this way of His appointing.’”
To aid the prisoners, she presented the prison with copies of Science and Health, which were immediately put to good use. Frequently Mrs. Eddy received letters telling of the good accomplished in the prisons through Christian Science services. She often sent such letters to the Concord church to be read at the Wednesday evening meeting, and then to Christian Science periodicals for publication. The prisoners in the New Hampshire State Prison presented her with a wicker chair they had made themselves. In the middle of its back, they had woven a cross and crown in color. (Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy, by Irving C. Tomlinson, pp. 185-186.)
from the Christian Science Sentinel, dated April 17, 1909
“Revered Leader and Benefactress:—
About to be released on parole from the state prison of Colorado, where I have been imprisoned for five years for a crime of dishonesty. I cannot refrain from telling you how much the study of your invaluable book, Science and Health, has been the means of turning me from a life of sin and so-called pleasure to a life of love and righteousness. The study of your book has created in me a desire to live a noble, pure, and upright life.
At various times in my life I have had such a desire, but could not and would not listen to “the ‘still small voice’ of Truth” (p. 323) calling for a better and purer existence. The religious teachings of my youth only tended to make me fear the God presented to me.
Thanks to the divine Principle which changeth all things, I shall leave my penal servitude in the positive assurance that by “walking in the pathway of Truth” (p. 487) I shall be able to refrain from indulging in habits at once degrading and repulsive. Passion, hatred, and revenge are supplanted by that divine Principle which is Love. It shall be the effort of my life so to live as to become a positive influence for good to all with whom I come in contact.
Thanks to the understanding I have of the Science of being, I am tired of this so-called life, not because it brings with it such dire consequences, but crime and sin are now repulsive to me. For this and much more, revered Leader, I am deeply grateful. The church at Canon City is doing a great work at the prison.”
Extracts from a sermon delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, 1891, by S. J. Hanna
“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”
Here is struck the key-note of Christianity. If all were pure in heart, there would be no unhappiness, no discord in the world. If purity were the principle and rule of human conduct, the kingdom of heaven would indeed be here. Malice, lust, envy, pride, selfishness, revenge, anger could find no place where all is purity. The overcoming of these qualities of human nature, then, is becoming pure in heart. In no other way can we become pure in heart than by destroying these elements of mortal mind. Thus may we see God, and thus only. Thus are we ascending the Mount, and getting out of the dark valley of material blindness, up into the bright and shining atmosphere of Life and Truth and Love. This is the true Mount of Transfiguration. This is the true Christian striving. Let our earnest striving be to become pure in heart. Thus only can we become Christ-like; thus only can we become Christian Scientists.
by Herbert W. Eustace
America stands as the one nation on earth whose origin was wholly spiritual. It went forth with the one spiritual purpose to worship God. Then what constituted America? It was “the seed within itself,” that inborn spiritual craving in each individual which seeks Mind as the needle seeks the pole. The seed was not only the recognition of the right, but also the determination to worship God without interference; the understanding that nothing has the right to, or can, intervene between God and His idea. In other words, America stands for that union of Principle and idea which is forever one and indissoluble. This country typifies, and its origin proves it to be, the spiritual idea of Mind and the nearest approximation to a nation founded by Mind, and so it stands alone.
America was in no way merely a political experiment; it was the answer to the deep spiritual necessity of man’s oneness with Principle. That every step of the unfolding nation was leavened by the recognition of dependence upon Mind, is verified by utterances of that time. Benjamin Franklin said in his address of 1787 before the Constitutional Convention when, at the end of weeks of stress and effort, failure seemed to face them, “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings, that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.” Nothing animated the founding of this nation except the one purpose to be alone with God and worship Him after the dictates of a conscience untrammeled by ecclesiastical or other tyranny.
from the Christian Science Journal (August 1912),
by Rev. Irving C. Tomlinson
Christian Science teaches that God is the only power and that there is no such thing as an evil power.
In the science of mathematics, there is no such thing as an evil mathematical power. If the mathematician imagined that there was some power to hinder him, he would be thwarted at every step.
Because God is all power and ever present, evil is no power and is never present. There is only as much power in evil as we give to it. Mrs. Eddy made this plain when she said in a letter to a friend: “Did you but know the sublimity of your hope; the infinite capacity of your being; the grandeur of your outlook, you would let error kill itself. Error comes to you for life, and you give it all the life it has.”
Of course the time is past when the true Christian Scientist will fear or give any power whatsoever to that false belief called animal magnetism. In reality it has no more power in the presence of Truth than darkness has in the presence of light. Truth, Love, eternal good, constitute the only power, and so-called animal magnetism, their counterfeit, cannot in any way affect the wide-awake Christian Scientist. When one instructed in Christian Science fears or believes in any other might than good, he is governed by superstition, and not Truth. He has failed to practice what he preaches as to God’s omnipotence, he has not laid hold of the supreme revelation as to the allness of good. Surely the call to him, as to all, is expressed by the prophet: “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city.”
by Martha Wilcox, circa 1912
We are very much aware that the whole world at this present time is going through an experience of great significance, equal to none other since the advent of Jesus. It is important, in view of the severe chemicalization which is going on in the world today, that we as Christian Scientists understand what is occurring, and through this understanding be “the light of the world, a city that cannot be hid.”
Mrs. Eddy says, “Science only can explain the incredible good and evil elements now coming to the surface”; and she adds, “Mortals must find refuge in Truth in order to escape the error of these latter days.” (S&H)
The present event is none other than the great influx of the impersonal Christ, or understanding, taking place in the consciousness of men and women; and the definite result of this influx is the great upheaval and disturbance which is taking place in human consciousness, as the mental atmosphere of the human being is being cleared.
The upheaval and disturbance of this present day is the result of mankind shaking loose and clearing away his false beliefs; it is the dissolving of the false educated beliefs of the centuries, beliefs that have constituted much of the atmosphere of mortals.
It is said that at times when some great revelation of Truth was appearing in Mrs. Eddy’s consciousness, that she heard it thunder. Then she knew that established beliefs in the human mind were being uprooted and displaced.
by LuAnne Tucker
Nothing in my life could have helped me to understand God as well as the study of Christian Science. Even though God has been constantly preparing me all these years, I would never have recognized God’s presence in my life, until Christian Science had been introduced to me. I am so thankful to my practitioner, who continues to work with me, changing my misconceptions with the truth and “restoring the years the locust hath eaten.”
I think back over the days of my life from time to time — not to dwell on what I used to see as pain and sadness, having learned of its illusion, but to revisit them and see them as they truly were — moments in my experience when God was there, comforting me, teaching and guiding me, saving those I love. In doing so, I have seen a new life standing right where the old one appeared before. The light of God has shined upon the hidden places and changed my misconceptions into one of understanding.
When I read the Bible and learn how God’s hand was governing the lives and actions of those events in history, I think back upon my own story, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all those times God’s mercy and grace fell upon me and my family. Those moments were all but forgotten under the mud of painful remembrances.
One day, while home alone, my brother had a very serious accident. A mile away, my other brother, who was doing the afternoon chores on a nearby farm, for no explainable reason, got the urgent message to go home. He did not dismiss it, and went home immediately. He was able to help and save his brother.
Before the lessons taught to me through Christian Science, I only saw this as another tragedy that had befallen my family, yet another reason to doubt God. Now I understand that an angel of God spoke to my brother and sent him home where he was needed. Understanding it this way has changed my view of the event, from one of tragedy to an understanding of Love. There are many stories like this in my experience, and every one of them is a blessing from God. I am so thankful that my eyes have been lifted above the muddy water that was keeping me from seeing the truth. Right there where the pain and suffering of the past appeared so real, was God, expressing Himself spiritually, infinitely, living, moving and having His being.
by Florence Roberts
“Honesty is spiritual power. Dishonesty is human weakness, which forfeits divine help.’’
(S&H 453:16-17)
“If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy.’’
(S&H 21:12-14)
The citations above are spiritual truths we each must, and can, prove in our lives. Honesty in my desire to love God, to rely on Him as the source of my strength, my joy and wisdom, gives me spiritual power. A few important questions come to mind which deserve honest answers in proving my desire to trust God:
The Bible examples of the three Hebrew boys who were cast into the fiery furnace, and Daniel who was thrown into the den of lions, prove the kind of honesty in one’s faith in God that receives spiritual power. In both instances those individuals were empowered by their unswerving honesty and total trust in God.
My honesty in accepting the Truth that God is All-power, All-presence, All-source of wisdom and action does give me the power and the patience to stand my ground when things seem bleak. In the Bible examples, these men were living their trust in God, day in and day out; thus when the time came, they were able to use the spiritual power they had gained through such honest living.
When things appear difficult in our lives, we should ask if we are being honest in our relationship with God. We, too, can feel the spiritual power such honesty brings!
by Jeremy Palmer
The Bible says, “Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.” (Genesis) This is the time of year when many people take vacations. The most important preparation for any kind of travel is working to keep our thought tuned to God, and not letting ourselves get “out of gear.”
I do a lot of driving, and, instead of spending hours of driving time feeling annoyed or being in a mindless state, Christian Science — with a lot of practitioner support — has given me the ability to make that time useful. Understanding that God is All, that discord of any kind is not natural, and knowing that God is blessing me and all on the road constantly, has changed the experience into something wonderful. Whether it takes 3 hours or 5, working to feel His love and appreciating the beauty of His work is making my life so much better. I am so grateful for this.
There is a very helpful paragraph in Divinity Course and General Collectanea, by Mary Baker Eddy (page 133), under the heading, “To a Student About to Travel”: “Remember that unless you travel mentally, that if you don’t traverse new lands spiritually, if you don’t cross metaphysical waters, that is, and reach shores hitherto unvisited in Soul, you have wasted your time, money, and effort, and you will get nothing out of it. Don’t do less Science but more. May God enfold you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, where no evil, no accident, no allurements claiming some world more dazzlingly beautiful than the radiance of divine Love, for straight is the gate and narrow the way thereto.”
by Melissa Johnson
I feel so blessed to be part of Plainfield membership. I have been through a very challenging time, and even though I was unable to connect to you or the website during that time, I know I was still being embraced by our Father-Mother Love that you radiate at Plainfield. To reiterate what a member said at the last Wednesday Evening Testimony Meeting (Thursday morning in Australia), you are a great example of Church, “the structure of Truth and Love” and true to Mrs. Eddy’s concept of church.
For me, Christian Science has always been a Science, and I have found it very difficult at times to be part of a church organization that tries to turn this precious Science into a personal religion—but I have no difficulty being part of “the structure of Truth and Love.” Hence, I had no difficulty applying for membership in your church.
To receive such a welcoming and loving acceptance by the Plainfield members into Plainfield Church was truly heartfelt, and that is because of the integrity of thought of each individual participating in Plainfield Church.
Your Unity Watches are superb and always relevant for the time, no matter where one lives. What joy it was to receive the Unity Watch today upholding the membership and our fellow man. This illustrates the Love and care that this church has for its members, and this love radiates to all mankind as a result of this.
The most important part of any group, family, church, business, or organization is love for its people. Without this there is no glue, and without this glue there is no success. This is the foundation to any thriving community or organization, and you get it at Plainfield.
Today when returning from work, while travelling on a tram, a couple started talking about different metaphysical ideas they were exploring through some group. I was aware that they were engaging in perhaps more spiritualistic practices and wasn’t going to be drawn too deeply into that conversation, but did remark that there was only one Mind, etc. When they made a comment that they were trying to visualize a home, I quoted from the article attributed to Mrs. Eddy on “Place.” “The place you seek is seeking you, the place you need needs you.” They loved it and asked if I was a metaphysical teacher. I said you can find this information on the web and directed them to Plainfieldcs.com. This seemed to strike a chord with them, and I think they wanted to develop a personal contact with me. But there was no need, because I had directed them to the website for more information. I reached my stop and got off.
I know they were compelled to talk with me because of the spiritual thinking I was embodying at that time, and this was just after receiving and reading the Unity Watch that made me feel so loved.
The “flood-tides of Love” are encompassing the earth, and this spiritual tsunami is the effect of the dedicated work of all the members of Plainfield Church. Your outreach is unstoppable. In gratitude for the practitioner work, the testimony meetings, church services, the Roundtable discussions, the Unity Watch emails, the website, Christian Science articles, the Liberator, and all the rest.
Of course none of this would exist without the writings and revelation of Mary Baker Eddy. The world is ready for the womanhood of God, the Mother Love.
Thank God for Christian Science; thank God that God is.
by Max Dunaway
(I Samuel 7:12)“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,”
and henceforth too He will.
He who ordains the way for us,
His purpose will fulfill.
And who will keep us from the good
He has in love prepared,
Or overrule the harmony
that should by men be shared?
Therefore will not we doubt the care
that guards our pathway still.
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,”
and henceforth too He will.
Following is some of the discussion held at a recent Plainfield Church Bible Study. At these sessions, Bible citations from that week’s Independent Christian Science Lesson Sermon are discussed. They are available by teleconference on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. If you’d like to join this study group, log on to the church website, plainfieldcs.com, for dial-in information. Everyone is welcome to join in!The life of Job has a lot that we can learn from. He was considered to be a good man, upright, and perfect. But was this Christly goodness, or was Job merely humanly good?
It was Job’s personal sense of himself and of his children and his possessions that had to be removed. The Bible says that Job was perfect in God’s sight. But isn’t that the way God sees all of us, as perfect? When Job became afflicted, he said, “but I’ve done so much good; I’m innocent, and this shouldn’t have happened to me.” Is that the description of a perfect man? There is definitely some self-righteousness and self-justification there. Yes, we are perfect in God, but we have some things we have to overcome.
In Mary Baker Eddy, Her Spiritual Precepts it says, “An attitude of supreme self-confidence is dangerous. The Bible tells us that no man should think of himself more highly than he ought. Students should have the highest appreciation of their ability with God, and the lowest of their ability without God.”
Job’s friend Elihu was a much more Christly man than Job. The Bible says his “wrath was kindled because he [Job] justified himself rather than God.” Elihu says, “Far be it from God that He should do wickedness.” God did not cause all this grief — it was Job’s misconception of God. But Job was faithful, and because of that he learned the lesson. That is the inspiration for us. He kept at it, he never gave up. And he was ready for the blessing.
He had many lessons to learn, as we all do. But while we’re working through these lessons, we need to remember to bleed sweetly, and not justify, blame, or hate. In Mary Baker Eddy, Her Spiritual Precepts it says, “Christian Science proves that strength and sweetness must go hand in hand. History proves that every so-called great man that has flourished for a time, and finally been dethroned, either lacked sweetness, or else he had it but lost it. When you find a man in authority losing his sweetness, it is inevitable that he will go down. Mrs. Eddy was the Leader because she had both wisdom and love, strength and sweetness, and she never permitted one to be overshadowed by the other. She taught her followers to distrust any individual, or committee, who found it necessary to bury their sweetness before executing justice.”
Job lost his sweetness. That was the difference with Christ Jesus and Mrs. Eddy. Jesus, on the cross, forgave. Mrs. Eddy told her students to bleed sweetly. Once you start cursing God or blaming others or justifying, you have stopped bleeding sweetly and you will be dethroned. Joseph, Daniel — they all bled sweetly. Guard yourself — don’t lose your sweetness, and like Job, you will reap the blessing.
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1)I attempted to find where Tarshish was, and, instead, found a lot of theories about where it might be. After a few minutes the thought came that it doesn’t matter where Tarshish is. What matters is that it was not where Jonah was sent. It was disobedience that had him attempt to go there, and retracing his steps academically doesn’t impart the lesson.
So much is available to help people escape from reality these days that there is no need to make some big journey, just turn on the nearest device. Sailing toward Tarshish is easier than ever! I spent long enough running from God’s voice, and it led to nothing good. I am so grateful for all I am learning about Christian Science, and that its practical instruction is showing how to live a life focused on God.
Jonah temporarily estranged himself from the Lord when he failed to obey God’s call to witness for Him. Jonah was “fast asleep” in the midst of danger. When Jonah prayed from the belly of the fish, the Lord heard him. God answered his righteous prayer. I imagine the situation was quite humbling. We should never feel in our backsliding that it is too late to turn around. Jonah got a second chance and saved Nineveh through God’s guidance.
Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. When we turn whole-heartedly to God in our extremity, He hears us. He knows our thoughts at all times, but He answers only righteous prayer, and that is one without any human will or personal desire. Our “extremity” is the total loss of human will. That is when we find our strong connection with God.
I have found this losing of human will to be an ongoing process, and sometimes a tough one. If I don’t do it voluntarily, it gets forced out of me. Better to start each day by declaring “I can of mine own self do nothing.” Without God I am worthless. God finds us when we have that attitude, even when we put ourselves in the belly of hell, as Jonah discovered.
I have also had help from fellow church members and practitioners who have seen the danger and pointed out my human will. At times it has been painful, but that was my pride lashing out. Human will has not been my friend. I have grown to appreciate any help I can get to lose it.
This from Barnes Notes Commentary:
This mission fell during the latter part of Jonah’s life. He did not flee from the presence of the Lord, but from this mission. He wanted to abandon his office. As a prophet, he knew very well that he could not flee from God. The conversion of Nineveh was to be a rebuke to the Jews and its people were to be used by God as instruments against the Jews. They were the Assyrians, who conquered Israel in 722 BC.
I found it interesting that even though Jonah was being disobedient, all the sailors were converted through his reflection of divine Love for them. He wanted to be thrown overboard to save them.
This is the first time that I’ve noticed in the story of Jonah that he willingly asked to be thrown in the raging sea even though it might have meant his death. So while he did flee from his task of preaching at Nineveh, he was still a quality person who did not want others punished for his lapse in judgment.
Jonah must have had some desirable qualities, which must be why God chose him to go to Nineveh. But it shows how we all have to be alert not to heed mortal mind’s suggestions. He probably heard one of those negatives that come to dissuade us from doing God’s will; like when we know we must forgive and that relentless voice keeps emphasizing and attaching the wrong done to person or place. This makes it difficult to see through the mist of materiality and therefore difficult to forgive.
Jonah couldn’t see past material sinful men in Nineveh who deserved to be punished.
Matthew Henry’s comment about Jonah’s release from the belly of the whale is this: “Wherever God puts us we may find a way open to Heaven.” It is important to remember this truth — even in the most dire conditions, there is always a way out when we are on our knees, repentant, and in humble prayer to God.
“Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee, and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee. Therefore despair not nor murmur, for that which seeketh to save, to heal, and to deliver, will guide thee, if thou seekest this guidance.” (Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany)
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Christ Jesus)I love this, for it is so true! You can’t find the kingdom of God by sitting in your “prayer chair” as we say — reading about it, or thinking about it or watching others living it or hoping you can find it in some special location. The kingdom of God is all within each and every one of us, waiting to unfold in all its glory, waiting to be nurtured and valued. All have the privilege of knowing God and his kingdom — no exceptions. Why would a good God create us and then leave us lost and bewildered?! Certainly reading and studying can be very helpful, but then we must find this kingdom within us — jump out of that “prayer chair” and live it and prove it to be true! Just as an acorn is complete to grow into a huge and beautiful oak tree, so we have been made fully complete in the Father who loves us.
I always thought I had a close relationship with God, but this time it was different — something in me had changed. My desire for various amusements had become less interesting to me, and a deep desire to consecrate my time with God became my focus.
Could it have been that my “spiritual well” was so dry? Perhaps that might have been one of many factors, but I truly believe it was the devotion, commitment, and loyalty of the members, the callers and listeners from around the world on Wednesday nights, the Roundtable discussion, and Bible Studies that were being offered at Plainfield Church, that intensified my desire to focus on God and the writings of Mrs. Eddy.
It was like the students that lived at Chestnut Hill with Mrs. Eddy, except they were here with us today in 2015 — or you could say, the modern day disciples.
There are no words to express the gratitude I have for my Father-Mother God, for paving the way to Plainfield Church, Independent.
FloridaThank you for the beautiful Bible Study on consecration. I love to think about this term and what it means — wholly/holy dedication to God.
PennsylvaniaThank you for all the love sent out to the world from the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent. That’s how I became a member. Back then, it was mostly publishing and tapes. Today, what an increase, with the Internet and the teleconference!
Enclosed is my monthly contribution
CaliforniaWe look forward to attending church in the “pews” of our living room, or sometimes “on the road” in our car, or even overseas when traveling. It’s marvelous that we can take the church with us wherever we go.
The services continue to be wonderfully uplifting and a blessing to all, as they are offered to the world as a healing balm. Many thanks to each and every church member who works to preserve the pure message of Mary Baker Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science and send it out across the world.
VermontThank you all for the wonderful Roundtables. I learn so much at each one, such as, there is no such thing as human harmony; wisdom diminishes the human mind; carry God with you in all things; spiritual sense is angel thoughts, intuition, gut feeling, still small voice, etc. Thank you Plainfield Church!
PennsylvaniaAs a child, I was raised to be spiritually independent, and attended a variety of churches and synagogues. As an adult, I have studied with Hindus, several Buddhist sects, Baha’i believers, and more. I have meditated using the principles of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. I have largely avoided Christian sects because of perceived hypocrisy, and in my estimation, none were following the words and example of the Christ. I have studied mental healing through many methods (such as Silva Mind control), but a truly dependable method of healing was elusive, and the exact keys to unlock the Principle were not readily evident.
I came across a copy of Science and Health in a Barnes and Noble book store, and devoured it. This was different than any of the other Christian teachings I had ever found. I attended a local meeting the following Wednesday, and was asked how I came to be there. I was brutally honest, and said Mrs. Eddy’s teachings are definitely not Christianity, not the Christianity that I had heretofore found. Then someone said to me, “We’re not like them, we’re radicals!”
What draws me to Plainfield Church is this: I will swear my allegiance to God, and none other, so we stand together on that Principle!
Wisconsin“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isa. 65:24)
Since I have been attending the Bible Studies and Roundtables at Plainfield, this has been proven true time and again to me. I will be thinking of something to ask, and before I do, it is addressed and answered. My need is met! You just can’t get any better than that! Thank you so much, Plainfield.
GeorgiaA heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful support you have been providing me. Finding Plainfield and working with a practitioner has renewed and strengthened my trust in God. Though the way has not been easy, I have been making steady progress. For the first time in my life I feel that I am a practicing Christian Scientist, and not just studying Christian Science.
IllinoisI would like to thank the Readers for their marvelous readings last night at the Wednesday night testimony meeting. The peace and quiet calm felt like a treatment. After the service, I had to just sit and be still to savor the experience of the whole meeting.
PennsylvaniaMay I order the book, Sermons and Articles on Christian Science, by Doris White Evans. Please receive $18 for the price of the above-mentioned book, and $20 for my gift to our church, with my prayer that the Lord will open the wonderful blessings to our Plainfield Church. May God bless you, the leaders of the church, the people, and the services for our church. May God bless you all.
CaliforniaI 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 household duties. I went to the church website and listened to Joseph’s reading of that week’s Lesson. It was one of the most beautiful Lessons. Sometimes a Lesson will just fit, and this one fit me perfectly.
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 so very much to the Plainfield Christian Science Church, and my practitioner there, from the bottom of my heart. She has been a great strength and support for me.
VermontToday’s Roundtable was wonderful. The class was so helpful in clarifying what I should be focusing on to have faith in God — “use one simple sentence and work with it” — very practical. I can’t wait to listen to it again and take some notes. Thank you to all.
New YorkThe good that is going on cannot be limited to any amount of verbal expression, a limited area, or any select group of people, and I’m so grateful to be a part of something that is undeniably making a difference in the world — seeing darkness turn to light moment by moment as each of us listens for God’s direction, and obeys, to brighten the corner where we are.
MarylandThe Plainfield Church bulletin board is way too small to mention all the things I want to say about our church — it is a real church as per the definition in the Glossary of Science and Health. I just am thankful and happy for everything and for all, and I would like to give all my brothers and sisters a warm virtual hug.
Costa RicaI listened to your wonderful testimony meeting today. It was so uplifting and moving, just what I needed, as I was feeling quite tired and strained with all the demands at this time. I am looking forward to the time when I can be more involved with Plainfield Christian Science Independent, and join your church.
You are so blessed to be independent. How fortunate that you were excommunicated from the material organization and uncontaminated from the regime mentality. This independence allows the freedom of Spirit to be expressed without human interference. It is the quality of thought that is felt, you are a church of SOUL, so vastly different from the material organization (branch church). Much love to you and all the Plainfield contributors.
AustraliaThese testimonies are offered with great love to those seeking encouragement and inspiration.I returned home yesterday after being away on business for a few months. I drove to the office this morning and as I stopped to check in at the guard station, the security guard said to me, “You must not have allergies, Ms. La Verne.” Then he pointed to the build-up of pollen that covered my car. I said, “No, I don’t” and immediately thanked God.
See, I suffered from allergies for years and was healed through Christian Science while working with a Christian Science Practitioner from this church. It was one of my first healings; for this and so many other healings, I am grateful. I continue to be grateful for Christian Science; for the Plainfield Church; and for practitioner support. God bless!
from L. F. in MarylandThere are several reminders on the Plainfield website about the importance of loving, including the article, “Christian Science is Dynamic,” by Bicknell Young.
In the short time that I’ve been learning through the teachings from Plainfield I’ve come to understand that real love is unconditional, impersonal, and it leaves no room or excuse for selfishness.
This has been a great help for me and it has forced me to make consistent practice of questioning my motives in all that I do. I realize now that almost everything that I once did was either out of obligation, fear, guilt, one selfish reason or another, or in an effort to please someone, and this has all changed completely.
I’m so grateful that no matter what I do, I can always question my motives to make sure they are pure and sincere. The more that I do this, the easier it becomes to correct myself when necessary; and when I begin with love for God, I’m able to work with joy, and the result is always a blessing.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to do better as I love more each day.
from D. R. in MarylandI would like to say how grateful I am to be a member of this church. It’s been almost 13 years now and I feel like all the teachings in this church have allowed me to come into my right mind. Even though I grew up in Christian Science, I didn’t have the strong teaching to guide me along life’s way.
One thing I was reminded of recently in one of the Wednesday night readings is “Love without Principle is a jellyfish, and Principle without Love is an iceberg.” I remember when I first heard that at Plainfield—it struck me so strongly at the time that I had gone through most of my life without the Principle part! No wonder I couldn’t get Christian Science to “work” for me, because I had been treating Christian Science like a box of band-aids—when I had a problem I would get out my Christian Science “toolkit” and try and make it work—and sometimes it would work, but then I’d put back the toolkit and go back to my life full of problems. I didn’t really seem to be making any progress spiritually. Then I discovered Plainfield Church online and things really started to shift! I’m so grateful for the strong teachings in this church, for the wonderful services, for my fellow church members who I love to hear from on Wednesday nights as well as at the Bible studies and Roundtables. And I must say that the Bible studies have opened up the Bible to me—I never thought that I would enjoy it so much! Well, there’s so much to be grateful for. Thank you all.
from S. A. in VermontIt is wonderful to discover the practical lessons taught in the Bible that enrich our lives today. The story of Abram and Lot helped me to raise my young nephew. My life experiences did not afford me the parenting skills needed to raise a child of my own. I realized early on that it would not be practical for me to do so. I left it up to God to decide when the time was right. About 7 years ago, my nephew came to live with me. At first it was rough. He came into my home with a very destructive attitude, he refused to take any direction, and got into trouble in school. I realized I had to be very stern with him but he needed more than constant discipline. I, myself, was angry and troubled and could not find the answers to the issues we were having. Two years later, I came into Christian Science, through the teachings of the Plainfield Church Independent, and everything changed for me. My practitioner worked with me, developing divine sense and an understanding of divine Love. She helped me to overcome many problems and developed in me a higher sense of God. She pointed out to me the good that she saw in him, and taught me how to hold him in thought. In the process of my own healings and lessons, I was able to use the Science I was learning in a way that helped him to grow as well. Like Abram did for Lot, I placed him in God’s hands, knowing that he had to learn the lesson of making the right choices in order to see the rewards.
Like Lot, he chose the path that appealed to him, and did not apply himself, thinking everything was going to be handed to him out of some kind of obligation. After graduating from high school, he began attending a local college and was forced to make it on his own. He soon found trouble lurking around every corner. He ran into some trouble with the law. I told him that it was his responsibility to handle it, since he had made the choice to drink and drive all on his own. He was angry at first that I did not make it easier for him, but as he went through the process of the courts, he found he was capable of managing his own affairs and realized his own accountability for his actions.
He has completed his first year of college and is working off his debts by doing landscaping and some construction work. I asked him if he knew why his behavior had changed. He said, “You never gave up on me. You held me accountable for my actions, and you made me work for what I need.” I told him that it was God who did all that for you and you need to be thankful for it. Through Christian Science we both matured and our lives were changed for the better. We both have much more to learn, but at least now, we are on the right path.
I am deeply grateful to God, Mary Baker Eddy, and my practitioner, all of whom never gave up on me, held me accountable, and taught me the value of working for everything I have in God.
from L. T. in New YorkA couple of months ago I noticed that at times my heart seemed to beat irregularly. I would wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning and I could feel something abnormal. I called a practitioner because I knew it needed to be handled. Some of the ideas she shared with me were that my heart beats for God, I live for God, and that organs are ideas of God.
She also suggested I study the question in Miscellaneous Writings, “Do you believe in change of heart?” Mrs. Eddy says there must be a change from human affections, desires, and aims to the divine standard and that human affections need to be changed from self to benevolence and love for God and man.
It came to me that I was holding a personal sense of certain family members and how they were acting. I realized I was harboring a fear about that, as well as other things.
This irregularity vanished very quickly when I let go of the fear and the false sense of responsibility I had for one of my children. I am so grateful for everything I am learning at Plainfield.
from E. S. in GeorgiaA while ago, I discovered a hernia while showering. It was approximately the size if a lemon. I called a practitioner from our church and asked for help. Little was said of it during the next several days.
Recently, again while showering, I discovered the hernia was completely gone! I immediately called the practitioner to tell of this rapid and complete healing. The home-aid who helps me with my showering was informed of the healing and the reply was,” I noted that it was gone on Monday.” While we are absent from the body healing is accomplished. I am most grateful for this rapid healing.
from J. D. in ArizonaI would like to express my gratitude for the patient support of my Plainfield practitioner.
Recently I went for a dental check up. Previous to this, there had been concern communicated regarding the health of my gums. The practitioner knew about this and was supporting me. She has been helping me get a better understanding of my spiritual identity.
Before the appointment I paused a moment in my car and picked up a book of Bible quotes. I randomly opened to Psalm 40:3. “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” I held to this psalm, along with other ideas shared by the practitioner. One of them was the Scientific Statement of Being by Mary Baker Eddy.
The dentist has never been one of my favorite places. During the visit I felt calm, peace and joy. The dental hygienist was thrilled to see the inflammation in my gums was gone! I know all this was the result of the practitioner’s work.
I am also grateful for Plainfield for “putting a new song in my mouth.”
from L. S. in PennsylvaniaI am so grateful tonight for the recent Roundtables and Bible Studies. One point in particular that has started to help me is the thought that the body is a divine idea. This is pretty far from the perspective I have had about my body. This past Sunday’s Roundtable titled, “Perfection by Reflection,” at 29 minutes and 30 seconds, it is brought out from Science and Health that “man is the true image of God.” Then the question was asked, “When you look in the mirror what do you see?”
My honest answer was, “Ugh!”
Afterward, for the whole rest of that Sunday and into Monday, I contemplated both that and the fact that the body is a divine idea. When I woke on Tuesday, my very first thought was, “It is pretty cool that God gives us a divine idea to walk around in all day.” That is a pretty simplistic view of it, I am sure, but just wedging that thought in there is a healing, because all my life I have hated my body and my face, and really anything to do with myself. To know I am on the path to being rid of that is pretty extraordinary!
All day yesterday I held to the thought that the body is a divine idea, for myself, and for everyone I saw. Because of this, it was a much different day, and I felt it was so much easier to be happy and compassionate. I am incredibly grateful for this healing, for everything this church does, and for all the practitioner support. I didn’t want to be that person I was, and now, I am not! Thank you!
from J. P. in New JerseyI live on a small farm in Oregon. There are numerous beloved animals here, including three beautiful horses. Last Friday, when going out to call the horses in from their pasture, my husband found one of them lying down, very dull, and looking unwell. This fellow is very robust in every way, so clearly he was not displaying his true identity. My husband got him to stand and walk into the barn, but he was having a difficult time. We have met several so-called life threatening illnesses with this horse through the application of what we know of Christian Science. Those non-Christian Scientists who know of this supposed history think he is a miracle.
This appeared to be another life-challenging scenario. When horse owners who are not Christian Scientists see the symptoms of this disorder, they are extremely fearful and consider it to be an emergency. We have learned to stand quietly on Truth, Principle, and the Love of God in the face of this claim. Though we had planned to go out, we stayed home with him, for the freedom that is reflected by all of God’s children. We each prayed, and what came to me was, “Forever, Oh Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Within an hour, the horse was up and eating his evening grain, and that was the end of it.
Earlier in the day, a friend who is extremely medically oriented and fearful of many things, said she had had a bad dream about this horse, and was quite worried. At the time, I immediately refuted this malpractice, which she did not mean to do. However, later in the day this claim cropped up. This impressed upon me that we must be conscientious, and determined in our watchfulness.
The Plainfield watches are crucial for our homes, communities, our countries, and loved ones. I am grateful to know that there are watchers on the wall, selflessly standing with God, protecting and defending. This watching strengthens us in the constant conscious acknowledgement of God’s impenetrable perfection. My gratitude goes out to all those who support Plainfield.
from E. D. in OregonA dear friend of mine gave birth to a baby girl. The doctors and the family feared that the baby had been born deaf. The mother and child came home from the hospital, and I was told of the situation. I prayed to God, then contacted a healing and teaching practitioner in Plainfield Church.
The practitioner told me of God’s perfect creation and agreed to support me on my trip to help my friend and her baby. After more prayer, I bought a small musical toy for the baby girl. My wife and I visited them, and we sat and spoke to the little baby. After a while, we opened her present and it played a lovely tune. The baby responded to the sounds. My friend was overjoyed!
I am so grateful for this healing, for Christian Science, the practitioner, and Mary Baker Eddy. The baby is now a young lady, and also plays a musical instrument. The healing was complete.
from C. T. in New JerseyPeter Kidd
Every day is new;
The past has no hold over you.
It’s the memory of it.
And you must really love it —
‘Cause you keep thinking about it —
Almost as if you don’t want to live without it.
There’s the baggage, too
You insist upon taking with you.
And you’ve kept on rehearsin’
A sad story of a person
For so long, now it’s your story.
It drags you down, and it keeps you from His higher glory.
Hallelujah!
Ya know, there’s a better way to go!
Lift up your head,
Let your eyes look straight before you.
Toss everything you think you know —
Do you even remember where you learned it?
Think of the Great I Am,
And think of what must be if God is.
And then remember you’re the idea of
This perfect Principle, Love.
Who do you think you are?
Did you begin as just some bits of dust
Formed in the center of a star?
Or is it —
Before the world began,
The perfect Pattern-Maker made a plan
Including you —
Lift up your head,
Let your eyes look straight before you.
Toss everything you think you know —
Do you even remember where you learned it?
Think of the Great I Am,
And think of what must be if God is —
Omnipotent Divinity, Intelligent Infinity.
And then remember you’re the idea of
— this perfect Principle, Love.
Mary Baker Eddy
Everpresent Love is the very nearest thing to me at all times. It is the nature of God to bless and care for me. I never reach out for Him in vain.
Everything that comes to me today brings me a blessing. There is no mortal mind to see me today or know me today. Know and realize that good is omnipotent; evil is impotent. Evil is not power, not Mind, and nobody has any power to accomplish evil of any sort.
There is only one Mind in or near me. Error has no power to inject into my thought any poison, or set in motion any law or action that can interfere with Truth and Truth’s demonstration anywhere within the radius of my thought.
Fear is faith in evil. Courage is faith in good. Doubt is trust in evil. Confidence rightly directed is reliance, is trust in God, good.
According to your steadfastness in excluding evil from thought after you have unmasked it, do you deal with it scientifically, and according to this same steadfastness are you blessed. To know the what, when, or why of error, is to destroy error. Students love to talk about God, but they will not handle the serpent. Yet the Scriptures tell us, “They shall handle serpents.” We don’t uncover error enough. Error says, “Don’t talk about me, talk about God.” Stand guard against the effort of evil to cause things to happen that will fill you with grief, wrath, or fear, and thus shut out your sense of the allness of God.
God is the only cause. Spirit is the only substance. Love is the only force. Harmony is the only law. Now is the only time. There is no discordant past; no clouded present; no dreaded future. All the past there is to us, is our present consciousness of it. Accordingly, if we can get our present consciousness right, we shall realize our freedom.
Declare for strength and vigor. It is not the doctor’s law you need to handle, but it is the universal law of mortal mind. The physician only recites to you the law laid down to him. There is no law but God’s law.
Ever keep the fact of the allness of God and the nothingness of error before you. There never was a moment when God was not caring for you. Love is all in all, and all power is in Love. Keep the joy of Christian Science, and a well-grounded hope in your success. Remember, as Truth progresses, error grows more subtle and aggressive, but it does not become something. It always remains an illusion, and is always met and destroyed with the understanding that divine Love is the only power.
WATCH that you keep your joy...
Discouragement is no more than an argument of animal magnetism designed to stop our good work. No one who is doing fine work can escape being assailed in this way, in order to get him to quit. The remedy is to recognize this fact and to mix joy with one’s work.
Let us not get to feeling so holy that when we see someone full of joy and spontaneity, we are apt to say, “He is not doing his work!” He may be the only one who is working, as a matter of fact.
To know good is what we have to do. Inspiration is our natural being, and we must claim it in this work. You must be happy. An unhappy or disturbed Christian Scientist cannot heal. Maintain joy throughout your work and in your lives. A real treatment is not an argument of contention, but of dominion. When confronted by big problems, just stop and smile inside. What you are thinking is the dominating influence, and it will dissipate error.
from 1936 Primary Class by Bicknell Young
Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens, — all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,
by Mary Baker Eddy