From Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy
It is always true that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and that means that your understanding is the master and the director and the power of anything of which you may be conscious, provided you are willing to take a stand for that fact and not falter.
by Bicknell Young
God-Given Liberty
July 2016
from Miscellany, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 200, 222
_crop.jpg)
Religious liberty and individual rights under the Constitution of our nation are rapidly advancing, avowing and consolidating the genius of Christian Science.
Heaven be praised for the signs of the times. Let “the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing;” our trust is in the Almighty God, who ruleth in heaven and upon earth, and none can stay His hand or say, “What doest thou?”
The Constitution of the United States does not provide that materia medica shall make laws to regulate man’s religion; rather does it imply that religion shall permeate our laws. Mankind will be God-governed in proportion as God’s government becomes apparent, the Golden Rule utilized, and the rights of man and the liberty of conscience held sacred. Meanwhile, they who name the name of Christian Science will assist in the holding of crime in check, will aid the ejection of error, will maintain law and order, and will cheerfully await the end — justice and judgment.
by Mary Beth Singleterry
In Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, she writes, “No evidence before the material senses can close my eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme. Though clouds are round about Him, the divine justice and judgment are enthroned. Love is especially near in times of hate, and never so near as when one can be just amid lawlessness, and render good for evil.” That is such a beautiful quote from Mrs. Eddy.
Recently when we were getting very troubling news reports, I was led to find a couple of things on YouTube that were encouraging and comforting. One was from someone in Iran. He said that, even with the terrorism and all that is going on there, there has also been an increase in people finding Christianity. When times are extreme and people are desperate, that is when the Christ comes, because their thought is open to it.
It gave testimonies of people who had experienced what they called dreams or visitations, where they felt the Christ presence. Coming out of great darkness, they found the Bible and Christianity, and became Christians. It was very compelling testimony. Why wouldn’t the Christ presence be there — it’s everywhere! We read in the Bible how the Christ came as an angel, as a dream, as a visitation, especially when the need was so dire.
And then there was another YouTube with a Jihadist man giving his testimony. He was following all the beliefs of the Koran and was ready, if he had to, to give his life for Allah. He was doing everything he could to be a good Jihadist. He became imprisoned, and in prison he was teaching other prisoners how to fight the holy war. And in the middle of all that, he, too, had a visitation—the presence of the Christ. When he cried out as to what this was, in such deep need, the Christ Truth spoke to him. He begged for forgiveness, and the Christ said, “Of course I forgive you.” He knew then that he had found the real God, because with the god he had worshipped, there was no forgiveness. He just got on his knees and wept, his whole life changed, and he became a Christian.
On the video he declares, “Don’t take my word for it, find this God of unconditional love and peace and forgiveness for yourself. This is the God that we all should worship because He is the one God.”
That is the truth of all mankind, their need for this Christ, and the Christ presence right there. This is what will heal the sense of hatred and fighting and war. God’s love present with each and every one. “And may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!” (Mary Baker Eddy)
by Max Dunaway
The meanest wretch that ever lived
Could stand before Him and feel loved.
by Ella W. Hoag
The natural desire of all mankind is to be free. But what men call liberty is not always freedom. Charles Kingsley once said, “There are two freedoms: the false, where one is free to do what he likes, and the true, where he is free to do what he ought.”
The freedom that God gives man is the liberty to be governed by His will. To attempt to live outside the control of God’s law is to be the slave of the devil. Everything good and true is controlled, governed, sustained and maintained by God’s law.
In “No and Yes” (p. 30), Mrs. Eddy tells us, “God’s law is in three words, ‘I am All.’” Here is the wonderful truth that because God is All, man is free to be the image and likeness of that good. We all have freedom under God’s law to obey Him. This is true liberty. This is the liberty which brings peace and plenty, harmony and health, love and all its loveliness. Obedience to law is liberty!
by Hazel Zimmerman
James, one of the twelve disciples whom Jesus taught, recognized liberty as a law of God, when he wrote, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
James knew that to prove our God-given dominion we must do so by our works, not words, and continue in those works. That is demonstrating the perfect law of liberty.
Then James’ admonition is that we should never forget to listen for the guidance of the “still small voice.” We need to be constantly alert to the responsibilities our right to the law of liberty involves, so that apathy may not trick us.
In Paul’s declaration to the Corinthians he lays still greater stress upon the necessity of understanding liberty to be a part of the kingdom of heaven, when he says, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” This is a law of complete annihilation to any belief in a power apart from God. Glorious liberty indeed!
In Science and Health Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Truth brings the elements of liberty. On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, ‘Slavery is abolished.’ The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love.”
by Max Dunaway
Fear, that racketeer,
whose weapons are its lies,
knows its power goes
when hope and faith arise.
Why, then, not defy
the thief that would maraud?
Fear will disappear
when thought is touched by God.
from Essays and Other Footprints, (the “Red Book”), by Mary Baker Eddy, page 70
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.
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. Fear is mesmerism, and mesmerism is no thing, and must be disbelieved in — rejected — destroyed.
Your body can never give you occasion to be afraid, and no mesmeric wave of fear can touch you, when you guard your thought in the truth. Mental malpractice is king of the realm of evil, but we are not its loyal subjects; hence the fact that we have our freedom, and must and will maintain it. When experiencing a belief of pain, do not waste time in handling a belief of pain. Declare against the erroneous claim of malicious animal magnetism and the belief will cease. The man throws a stone at you. The devil throws a man at you. Get the devil off and leave the man alone.
from the Christian Science Journal, April 1884, by X
It is very likely that this article was written by Mrs. Eddy, since in 1884, Mrs. Eddy was the only Editor of the periodicals.
Are our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace?” Have we invested ourselves with the whole armor of God, so that we are able to withstand the wiles of the devil? Have we sufficient understanding of Divine Love to carry us through the warfare of error, so that we shall not smell of the battle smoke, or carry a thought of it with us?
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Let us seek that secret place. It is not for one, but for all. If we are falling into mortal error, we are departing from God, divesting ourselves of His armor, and substituting in its place a target for the enemy to hit. A withdrawal into the Infinite Love hides us from the gaze of our foes. Error cannot enter the presence of Truth without losing its claim to power. It becomes annihilated.
Who chooses discord? Is not the peace of Heaven better? Love is the fulfilling of the law; let us abide in love.
Working for name, working for fame, working for wealth, is accomplishing nothing. That man tells the truth who says he is poor, although his neighbors may think him a liar when they know of his possessing houses and lands and bank stock, for riches have been his god. He is poor: he has not been laying up treasures in heaven. His wealth is only a part of his dream. When he awakens—what? Will not that which he had have been taken?
We judge of people’s thoughts by their deeds, because they were thoughts before they were acted upon. We judge them more by their demonstrations than we do by their words, for a man may talk hours, and be even eloquent, who is unworthy the subject he is discussing; and yet he may impress people with the idea that he is a saint, and be half convinced himself that he is. There is many a self-deceiver. Words may mislead, deeds cannot. If they are good they are pronounced upon; if they are evil they are.
A perfect Christian life is abundant wealth. The golden dream may be pleasant, but it may become a nightmare. It will not buy our armor that shall protect us from the terror by night, nor from the arrow that flieth by day.
by Max Dunaway
“Here are my gifts, dear God,” one said.
“I am talented, cultured, and well-bred,
With ability in no small measure.
I give You of my hard-won treasure.”
But there was no answer to his offer.
Nothing was taken that he could proffer.
Then he remembered the better part:
“A broken and a contrite heart.”
Everyone is a genius in the sight of God.
by Bicknell YoungBe sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
by Abraham LincolnGratitude and discouragement cannot exist together.
by William R. RathvonThe fact is that all good is now. There will never be any more good than there is now, and there never need be more.
by Bicknell YoungThere is no halfway course. In Christian Science, as in mathematics, a thing is either right or wrong.
by Herbert W. EustaceYou won’t strain your eyes if you look at the bright side of things.
by Winston ChurchillJoy is the only bucket that will draw water from the wells of salvation.
by Bicknell YoungNothing can be a drudgery which is truly done for the sake of Love.
by WrightTake time off to enjoy God and His creation. Christian Scientists must not “jell” in what they call their work. They must stay fluid for spiritual activity to change, guide, instruct, and lead them.
by Blanche Hersey HogueLife is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
by Albert EinsteinBe still. Do not struggle for better thoughts and higher understanding, but allow that Mind to hold sway. This is praying.
by Peter V. RossDo not let anything disturb your peace, for it is that peace which is the presence of God, and the presence of God is the only thing that can meet your human difficulties.
by Bicknell YoungA woman was running and running from the devil. Finally she stopped, for she was so exhausted. She turned and faced the devil and said, “What are you going to do with me?” The devil answered, “I don’t know. This is your dream.”
by Author Unknown
Drawing by Lil Linnell
Dear Fellow Christian Scientists:
My wife, my sister, and I had the privilege of meeting many of you in London in 1986, when you were on holiday. Some of us over in England have been active in independent Christian Science for forty years, so it was a happy occasion of mutual sharing and encouragement. Since then we have been in touch with some of you, learning about your stand for independence, and enjoying your Healing Thoughts periodical. It is an inspiration to see what you are accomplishing.
Forgive me for asking, but I wonder if you realize the magnitude of what you are doing, and its importance for God and humanity? It is not too much to say that it parallels the great Protestant Reformation, putting back into the hands of every man his divine right to be God-taught, God-governed, — and therefore self-governed! It fulfils our Leader’s clear intentions for her followers, and reinstates “the branch” as she left it. Small wonder that your stand seems to attract the attentions of the carnal mind, which can’t bear the notion of anyone being truly self-governed! You must be achieving this in high degree, else it would leave you in peace, safely under the thumb of personal control, so do rejoice in this evidence of progress. What you stand for is dear to God and is precious in His sight, therefore you are unsinkable, and “so he bringeth them unto their desired haven” (Ps. 107:30).
Mrs. Eddy said to some students in 1892, “If you, my dear students, could but see the grandeur of your outlook, the infinitude of your hope, and the infinite capabilities of your being, you would do what? You would let error destroy itself.” (See We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, Third Series, pages 77-88.)
No doubt you already know what the Bible teaches about “the branch” as Christ-consciousness, and as type of the individual self-governing Christian and Scientist. We have been pondering these remarkable promises:
“In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious” (Isa. 4:2).
”I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH” (Zech. 3:8).
“Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: …” (see Zech. 6:12-15).
When the first Christian Science branch churches were formed in the 1880s, there was no Mother Church. The church in Boston was not called The Mother Church until late 1889, so they could not have been branches of another church. Of what, then, were they branches? Surely they were branches of the root teaching, not of a mother organization, for Christian Science declares that there is no mother but God (Mis. 151:13). Hence Isaiah explains (11:1), “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” Is not this the relationship of all musicians or all mathematicians and scientists in other fields? They all come forth directly from the principle of their discipline without personal control, and where interference simply is not possible. This working from the roots or fundamentals is the branch that owes its being to the divine Principle and not to another human institution, and therefore it cannot be overthrown.
There is another confirmation of this truth, — the emblem of the “detached branch” which used to feature on the front cover of the Quarterly. It first appeared in April 1904, just at the time of the dedication of the new branch church in Concord, New Hampshire. That church represented Mrs. Eddy’s ideal of the self-governing individual, as can be seen from her address to it in Miscellany 158 and 159. A detached branch! What a symbol! It ought to be your emblem too. (As you see from the enclosed, the branch has a “heel” of bark so that, if it is stuck into the soil, it will form roots and become a tree in its own right.) This feature remained on the Quarterly for years, but was made smaller in 1929, and by 1935 it was removed altogether as though to claim that there should be no more God-given independence. Is it not the time now to revive the symbol?
Forgive our writing to you like this, but we sense that you may be feeling alone and in need of some encouragement.
John Morgan was a well loved and respected independent Christian Science practitioner in England for over 40 years. He is the author of the outstanding booklet, “True Vision,” in which he presents notes on vision, arising out of his practice. He greatly furthered the Cause of independent Christian Science, and Plainfield Church greatly values his friendship. – Ed.
by Parthens
In Collectanea, Mary Baker Eddy gives the following two instructions in regard to Watching:
“WATCH — . . . sit down and first get yourself into a consciousness of your power with God, and then take up the Outside Watch. Sit until this is clear, — if two hours.” (Emphasis added.)
“WATCH — . . . take up the Watch every two hours as long as you live or until you can make the right side real to your consciousness.” (Emphasis added.)
Why the Inside Watch is More Important than the Outside Watch:
The Bible story of Esther tells of a young Jewish woman who marries the Persian king who had conquered the land of Babylon. As queen, assisted by Mordecai, her cousin and guardian, she saves the remaining Jews from a plot to destroy them.
When Mordecai refuses to pay homage to Haman, a high official, Haman becomes infuriated and plots to destroy all the Jews. Mordecai reports this plot to Esther. Esther tells him to “Go, gather together all the Jews in Shushan, and fast ye for me, three days: I also will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
After the three days, Esther goes to the king to reveal Haman’s plot, and Haman is hung on the gallows. Esther’s faith and courage saves her people.
Esther had to overcome the initial shock of receiving the information about Haman, and this took her three days to do: this was her inside watch. Only then was she able to fulfill all the requirements of a good outside watch, directly influencing the outside world for good, informing the king directly in his presence (that is, exposing error boldly and effectively in the Presence of God, not by letter alone but by Spirit-inspired letter).
It is not difficult to imagine that when Esther first heard Mordecai’s warning concerning Haman, she had to resolve in her own mind not to make the problem so big, so overshadowing, that it became foremost in her consciousness, screaming for attention to draw her thought away from the true God. She had to rebuke this great error directly, “You are not God! You cannot draw my mind away from Mind. Neither are you a god, for there is none beside God! I am the image and likeness of God; and as there is none beside God, there is none beside me either, except the Presence of God. You are not even a thought, because only God’s thoughts have substance and reality.”
But it took Esther and her handmaidens three days to get it right: to cast off personal sense, to starve it out (God’s chosen fast), to refuse to be overwhelmed by error and to align completely with Mind, to render irrelevant in her own mind the subject of Haman’s genocidal intentions, his seeming unlimited power and freedom to act upon them. Three days to render thought of Haman as nothing, three days for it to be miniaturized, then micro-miniaturized, then finally annihilated into absolute nothingness as she obeyed the First Commandment to “have no other gods before Me.”
Drawing by Lil Linnell
In the midst of my darkness my sore heart cried out,
Oh, Father, make haste; put the devil to rout;
Come down as I travail, and ease my dread pain,
So that I may go forth and be useful again!
My child, hear My words which thy Master hath given,
“All ye that do labor, come up unto heaven.”
Ask not for My greatness to come down to thee.
Arise from thy littleness, up unto Me!
by Gilbert C. Carpenter
by Jeremy Palmer
The Bible says in Genesis 17:1, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
When I was young, I had a very material view of what perfection must be. To be perfect meant everything from being clean and well-groomed, to no missteps or flubbed words, to being smart and funny. In my adult years, I added hardworking, able to pay the bills, and whatever else I needed to do to keep my little corner of the universe going. All that didn’t work long, though, as the material way is always doomed.
Since being in Plainfield, my understanding of what it means to be perfect has changed. In any given situation, perfection can only be brought about by listening to how God is directing me to express His qualities, and then actually doing it. What a hugely different thought for me, yet one that makes complete sense.
I know I am just starting to understand, but it is so exciting to be able to see beyond my childish thoughts, beyond material beliefs, to the spiritual truth.
by Lynda Spencer
God must be understood as the only Creator. We are not the originators of anything. In my previous experience, “man” ran around doing his personal will and called it God’s work or God’s will. It surely did not feel or look anything like I find here in Plainfield!
Now I am learning how to get myself out of the way, cultivate humility, practice a listening sense that requires a quiet attitude, spending quality time with God, and recognize when I am becoming willful. I am getting to know God in my heart. The pure teaching of Mrs. Eddy’s works given here has lifted a veil that darkened my ability to understand her teachings that I never thought possible.
by Luanne Tucker
Most of my life has been all about hiding in the background, not speaking up, holding it all inside. I had a poor sense of myself and a poor sense of God. I angrily sat, hoping that eventually things would change and make life better for me. I was afraid to speak up for what was right. Although I didn’t like living this way, I felt powerless to do anything about it.
Since I have been learning more about God through Christian Science, that sense of powerlessness has been replaced with courage and conviction, through a better understanding of my purpose in life, as the idea and reflection of God. I am learning the reason why I must stand with Principle against all forms of error.
I have learned that the change comes from within, that I must change my misconceptions of the world, and how I see myself in this world. This process certainly has not been without its struggles, but with practitioner help, I have found my strength in God. God has opened my eyes to a thousand chariots of fire, and an army of angels standing beside me. It has enabled me to give voice to the truths I have learned, with conviction, which has brought about the necessary changes, in my relationships, my home, and my finances.
Christian Science has given me a sense of love where there was once hate and resentment, a desire to live according to God, where there was once a longing for death, and an understanding of Truth where there was once a sense of separation from God. It is the greatest gift that I have ever known.
by Aimee McKinnon
I am not ready,
Nor have I begun
Unless I have prayed,
“Thy will be done.”
by Dede Roberts
The Bible states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” I used to be afraid all the time, of even the most insignificant things, from disappointing or upsetting others, to making a mistake, or even walking into a crowded room late. I’m thankful for learning through Christian Science to take thought off myself.
Now when I’m tempted to fear, I know that the only answer I need is to know that God is the answer to all things. This reminds me of His constant care and protection for me and everyone, and it’s a calming and comforting reassurance. It’s wonderful what a better understanding of God can do.
Submitted from Australia
I would like to share how reading the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy transformed my life. I’d had a recurring medical condition that had plagued me in my 20’s, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my child, when struggling as a single mum, that this recurring condition flared up alarmingly and I ended up in Emergency Hospital. It was diagnosed as Crohn’s disease.
At this point my baby was about 3-4 months and I was not prepared to go through treatments at that time. A couple of years later, I remember being down on my knees praying and reaching out as to how I would survive, with no income and no support. At this point the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures came into my hands. As I started to read this book, I found my thinking and my perception of life radically changed.
Once I started reading this book and understanding that one’s life experience is the result of the thoughts we embrace within our own consciousness, I found I was becoming more spiritually attuned, and life more harmonious.
In the chapter Footsteps of Truth, page 234, Mrs. Eddy states, “If mortals would keep proper ward over mortal mind, the brood of evils which infest it would be cleared out. We must begin with this so-called mind and empty it of sin and sickness, or sin and sickness will never cease.”
As I continued to study this book I found myself having greater dominion in all aspects of my life. As a result, some years later I realized I no longer suffered from this debilitating medical condition that had plagued me for so many years. I hadn’t read the book to be healed of this complaint, but it just naturally disappeared as I became more spiritually in sync with the divine. This healing was simply a by-product of understanding God and my relationship to Him.
This book heals, it reveals reality as it truly is: all we need to do is to prove it in our lives.
I am forever indebted for this great Revelation given to us by Mary Baker Eddy.
by Benjamin Ndukwe
In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy describes God as “The great I AM; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal.” All-acting was the one I have been working with, and it’s been a great source of peace and strength; knowing that no function or movement of my body is outside of God; for God is all-acting. He is operating in me now and always. This also reassures me that no sickness that has been healed and cast out has any power whatsoever to return. Truth, God, and His image endures forever; sickness or error in any form does not.
A few years ago, I had a terrible experience at work due to a stressful situation that went on for a long time, and then my heart suddenly started to beat so fast and loud to the point where my co-worker was so frightened that she called 911. At the emergency room it was described as heart palpitations caused by stress.
It was an unusual experience and I was very scared. Afterwards I called a practitioner from this church who told me that “my heart beats for God,” something I’ve been using to this day. What a comfort and assurance it gave me; knowing that God cares for my heart and every function of my being. I have been repeating this truth to myself as often as I can. It’s been over four years now, and I’ve never had the experience again or the fear of it returning, because I’m fully aware now that every function of my body, my heart included, is the expression of all-acting, God.
by Florence Roberts
“Ye Shall Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Make You Free.” — John 8:32
Through Christian Science I have found the Truth that makes free. It is the Truth about my true being; and my relationship with God.
I remember that many years ago I was seeking peace, a calmness of thought, more than anything. I felt shackled with fearful thoughts, I was confused with anxiety, and worried about the future.
Through my study of Christian Science, the Bible stories have become more applicable and practical to my life. I started to see how Christ Jesus lived with a certain constant calm. In an article by Kate Buck titled “Confident Tranquility,” this example by Christ Jesus is referred to. The reason for Jesus’ steady tranquility in the face of any turmoil was because of his absolute faith in God, whom he identified as his Father. His constant awareness of this oneness with God gave him dominion with the Truth that destroys all evil. He said, “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30.
The thought that each of us is forever united with our Father-Mother God is a liberating thought. To think that God is right where I am every second, because I am His reflection, is a comfort. Could God have any disturbance, any form of discord or imperfection in His presence? Christian Science has taught me to be conscious of my spiritual nature and this spiritual unity which gives the confidence to declare the Truth when false claims attempt to dominate my thinking.
I have learned that when I feel fearful I must confront it, not leave it lingering, and ask myself some questions. For example, I can ask if I am holding on to suggestions of sadness, discouragement, or some past wrong thoughts or beliefs. I can ask if I am making a reality of some wrong thought, by allowing it to occupy my thinking, as something I must get rid of. A third question could be if I am doubting God’s power. And a fourth would be if I am trusting my life to God and allowing His will to be done.
I have found that this practice has gradually become a way of thinking, and it is a sure way of reminding myself of the Truth of what God is, His presence and power, and my indestructible unity with Him. Just as a reflection is at one with that which it reflects, this truth of my relationship with God helps me see the unreality of any discord or imperfection. To keep this awareness, I have had to make God first in my life. It means continued study and practice of His laws and the desire to serve Him and do all to glorify Him.
God’s promises are kept, our freedom is never withheld. As the apostle Paul said, “But I was free born,” Acts 22:28 and I know now that God’s infinite Love is forever in operation surrounding all. What God has made, He sustains and protects. It is our own beliefs that form the shackles that keep us in so-called bondage, but the promise of freedom is ever-present. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health, page 228, “The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses. Mortals will some day assert their freedom in the name of Almighty God.”
What I sought was freedom that is not tied to anything that can change. I can say I found that way of freedom when I found the truth about God and His infinite love for me and all mankind. God’s man is indeed free born.
by Gilbert Carpenter
The real church is the gathering of members to work in the one Mind, to help Christianize the thoughts of all mankind. The membership of the church is only a small group composed of those who perceive the inspirational intent of Christian Science and work along such lines. The rank and file are decoys for the few consecrated ones who are doing the work, the real mental work, for the world.
by Max Dunaway
I heard God say, “Go forward.” And I
Went forward a way, then stopped to be sure
That this was the path God meant for me
And whether or not I could endure.
“If this is the way,” I asked, “then why
Is the path so rugged, the journey so slow?”
“I did not say it would not be thus,”
He replied. “I only said to go.”
“But what shall I do when after a time
I feel that my strength is nearly gone?”
“Your strength lies in your faithfulness,”
He said. “Remember my word. Go on.”
“But how shall I know if I walk aright,
When the way is so dark I can barely see?”
“Hold fast to my hand and the path will be plain.
Go forward, My child. Go forward,” said He.
I mailed my completed application for church membership today. I have felt very uplifted and supported in this decision. It has been a very long time since I have felt the fellowship and community I have gained from the website and particularly from the weekly Bible Lessons.
Thank you and God bless you.
WashingtonThanks for sharing. I am very happy today I found the great website that I can continue my study in Christian Science which is not taught in my country.
Thank you, Plainfield Christian Science, Independent
ChinaThere was a calendar quote that says, “God does not withhold any good from His children. When man does his part, he receives the blessings.”
Thank God for Plainfield Christian Science, Independent, a place and platform for us all to learn how best to do our part, according to His will, to receive blessings while blessing others.
GeorgiaVery grateful for the questions which are put out for our Bible Studies each week. The resulting research really opens up the Lessons in the Bible, truly enriches each Lesson. Then the Forum helps expand different meanings, and the Forum Highlights gives a wonderful overview and reminder of all that we are learning in each Lesson and can put into practice each day. Thank you to everyone who contributes!
VirginiaI would like to express my gratitude for the easy access to our church materials.
The other day I had to spend time in the emergency room of a hospital. The thought came to me to check my email on my phone. I did, and this was the daily calendar statement from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” Then I found the weekly lesson email link and while waiting was able to read the weekly lesson from my phone. Wow!
What a wonderful church we have and thank you all who have so tirelessly given their time to make these resources so readily available.
WisconsinGod’s goodness is so real and present. This Church is not just a group of individuals, it is the voice crying in the wilderness, and I want it to succeed and reach more and more people.
Costa RicaI received the book you posted. Thank you very much. Thank you also for the Love is the Liberator as well as the wonderful website.
Blessings to you, your loved ones and all the members of the Plainfield Church.
South AfricaThe music is such a blessing in this church. Before coming to Plainfield I spent ten years without a church that I could attend. One thing I deeply missed was the music. I find such comfort and joy in listening. I love to hear Faith sing, and the organ music played by Jim and Jared is an especially wonderful part of our services. I enjoy singing with the members and appreciate their willingness to be recorded every week.
PennsylvaniaI have been reading the 1987 history of the Plainfield Church, and am elated.
I live in Japan and have known of Christian Science since being at a Wednesday service as a child in Canada. I inherited many books on Christian Science and I am reading Science and Health.
I would like to become a member.
JapanPeter’s song, “When I found God” from Faith and Peter’s CD just brought me to tears. I have been listening to this CD in my car all week, enjoying the rich beauty of the songs and how spiritually uplifting they are. We are truly blessed to have such inspiring music in our church! Thank you all who make this consistently beautiful music possible.
VermontThe healing power of Christian Science is ever with us, and how grateful we are for this. A year and five months ago, the medical field decided that I should be placed in a terminal hospice program. With the daily support from a dedicated Christian Science practitioner from our church, I am most grateful to announce that this past week they decided to terminate this program for me, for I am no longer considered as a terminal case.
My heart is filled with gratitude.
from J. D. in ArizonaDuring the whole time that this faithful member was in the hospice program, he continued to express unbounded gratitude to God, continued to work for God and the church by writing our Newsletters, and by telling everyone who expressed an interest or had a need, about Christian Science and giving them copies of Science and Health. It’s no wonder his life was saved — he is of great use to God!!
I am very grateful for the practitioner support here at Plainfield. During one of my calls I mentioned that my son was going to have his wisdom teeth extracted. One citation the practitioner gave me to work with was, “The recuperative action of the system, when mentally sustained by Truth, goes on naturally.” (Science and Health, p. 447:14)
My son recovered very quickly with very little discomfort or side effects. During a follow-up visit, the nurse was quite startled at the unusually rapid healing of his gums. Three years ago, before I came to Plainfield, my other son had the same procedure with the same doctor and treatment. His recovery was longer, more discomfort, and some complications. This was a wonderful proof of God’s power, presence, and care.
from L. S. in Pennsylvania“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” (Joel 2:25) This quote was given to me by a Plainfield practitioner at a time in my life when it seemed as though I had been wandering “in the wilderness” for some years before I knew about the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent.
When I read the citation, I felt like it was meant just for me. That feeling of having wasted years of my life, ending in a divorce, was gone—along with the feelings of sadness, guilt, mourning, etc. It all just disappeared. God did restore those years with a productive life.
When I look back on those years, I am grateful for all the experiences that brought me to the Plainfield Church. Through the Plainfield Church I’ve become familiar with many useful quotes from the Bible and Science and Health. The Bible Studies and the Sunday Roundtables have been such a blessing!
from B. S. in CaliforniaI am grateful for all that Plainfield offers in teaching correct Christian Science, with Bible Studies, Roundtables, and ever-available practitioner support. I have already had many blessings and healings since coming here. The other evening my husband and I were driving home and suddenly encountered a huge rainstorm. It was so bad that when we arrived home we had to just sit in the car as the storm raged on; it looked as if we were trapped for a long wait. Then I thought to realize and said, “We do not have to put up with this. We need to go in and get our supper!” So I declared, “God controls the elements! Peace, be still. No vapid fury of mortal mind can control us!” Literally, within two minutes, the storm quite suddenly stopped and diminished to light rain, so we jumped out of the car. My husband is not a Christian Scientist, and he was quite amazed at the sudden answer to my prayer. I made the point to him: “This is Christian Science,” and he said he realized it. I am very grateful to God for all His good.
from F. M. in MarylandMy first introduction to Christian Science was through a friend who shared this great Truth with me, and told me about one of her healings. After slipping and falling on the barn floor one day, she said she got up and declared, “There are no accidents in God, I shall stand up and walk out of this situation, in which nothing has happened!” And she was healed through God and Christian Science.
Some months later while skiing through trees and new snow, an unseen object knocked one of my skis off, flipping me, and I landed on my hip on a log, knocking the wind out of me. Remembering my friend’s testimony, I said the Lord’s Prayer, declared I would find my ski, ski out of the situation, and that nothing bad had happened, because God protects His child.
I finally was able to catch up with a waiting colleague who asked if I was all right. I said I’d just lost a ski and it took a bit of work to retrieve it. We skied down and all was fine. The following morning I poked and prodded my hip and couldn’t even find a tender spot! I have to add that I’d had a similar occurrence pre-Christian Science, not as dramatic and forceful of a fall, but likewise hitting a hidden object, and that one took a couple of months to recover from! This demonstration definitely resolved any doubts I may have had that God exists, because I had never experienced such a thing!
I’m grateful for such a forgiving Mother-Father God, who never gives up on His children, even when they seem to doubt. I’m also grateful to have finally found a place with the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent that is helping me to understand these glorious principles!
from M. P. in New YorkA few months ago while cleaning the pool I caught my left foot on a decorative rock, and fell hard onto the concrete, landing on one knee.
As I was lying there, I immediately declared, “God is my life.” I then shouted, “I AM, I AM, I AM”! That morning I had been working with an article from the Plainfield website entitled, “I AM THAT I AM” by Bicknell Young. In part it reads, “Every action, incident, movement, faculty, function, organ in the divine creation is an idea of God and is constantly declaring I AM.”
I called a Christian Science practitioner from Plainfield to help me, as fear started to creep into my thought. She reminded me that I am the manifestation of Love. While she was talking to me, I could feel some movement taking place in my knee. Each day there was progress. The stiffness was becoming less and I was gaining more and more mobility. Within just a short time, I had complete movement in my knee.
During this time, I never stopped my normal household duties. I kept appointments, ran errands, and as I do every day, I climbed 13 stairs to my office.
I am very grateful for the help of a Plainfield practitioner. I am grateful for Mrs. Eddy, and to God for being an ever present help.
from J. M. in Georgia
God is the Life, or intelligence, which forms and preserves the individuality and identity of animals as well as of men. ... The true sense of being and its eternal perfection should appear now, even as it will hereafter.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy