Table of Contents
About the new cover:
From In Defense of Mary Baker Eddy, and the Remnant of Her Seed, by Paul R. Smillie:
In the Christian Science Sentinel of September 6, 1913 on page ten, Archibald McLellan stated three most important points about the cover of the Sentinel and a minor change made at that time on its cover. Speaking of this change he said, “Beyond this there can be neither desire nor occasion for change in the Sentinel, because,” he said, “Mrs. Eddy’s instructions forbid any change.” He explained this by saying, “Mrs. Eddy likewise gave instructions.” The word “instructions” is most important. Speaking then of the two women, the lamps and the inscriptions beneath them, he said they had been “preserved as expressive of our Leader’s thought. ...” Mrs. Eddy requested that the cover of the Sentinel be light blue in color.”
Angels and Protection
Angels and Protection |
Mary Alice McDonald |
Christian Science Sentinel, January 11, 1919
The definition of angels, as given in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect,” is very helpful, especially at a time like the present when the human mind is looking everywhere for guidance and direction. Mrs. Eddy also says on page 174 of the textbook, “The angels of His presence — the spiritual intuitions that tell us when ‘the night is far spent, the day is at hand’ — are our guardians in the gloom.”
Many are learning through the teachings of Christian Science how to entertain these angels and bring into practical experience their healing presence. Many times we have wrestled all night with error, as did Jacob, until an angel came and delivered him. I have had many opportunities to prove the practical side of this wonderful teaching, and the following incident is one of many.
Several years ago, while in the employ of one of the transcontinental railroads, I decided to take a weekend trip across the mountains to the other side of the state, to visit a city where I had never been before. It was my custom when walking along the street, to ponder the Ninety-first Psalm, and on this particular day the passage, “He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways,” seemed to have a special meaning for me, although up to this time there had been no fear of any kind regarding the trip. About an hour before train time, however, a great sense of impending danger came over me. I tried to analyze my thought to see what was causing it, but could find no reason for fear; yet it seemed impossible to silence the voice which kept urging me not to go. I was trying to be guided and directed by Truth, and might not this be an angel, a spiritual intuition? I had to acknowledge there was no vital reason why I should go, and that the trip could be easily given up if this was the right thing to do. So I put away all thought of it and went about some household duties instead.
On arriving at the office Monday morning I was met with a great deal of surprise, for they all thought I was on the train, which, they informed me, had fallen into the canyon. On being asked why I did not take that train, I simply said it was because I had a feeling I should not go. Can anyone fail to see why Christian Scientists are grateful for a teaching which shows them how to avail themselves of the protection and care of divine guidance? My gratitude knew no bounds for having been taught how to listen, and also to be obedient.
The following Saturday I went on the trip, arriving in time for the Sunday morning service. A very pleasant day was spent in the company of a friend, visiting different points of interest in the city. Toward evening I started to the station for the trip home. A great sense of impending danger again took possession of me; but thinking it was probably some remnant from the preceding week, I tried to dismiss it; but it persisted. Again the argument presented itself that it was error trying to keep me from doing my duty, since I had promised to be back at work Monday morning. In Science and Health (p. 385) we read “Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself,” and I tried to know that in doing my duty, no harm could touch me. It was with this assurance that I boarded the train. I worked to realize the truth as contained in our textbook and in the Ninety-first Psalm.
Then came the thought of Daniel. He never lacked faith in God, even after he had been thrown into the den of lions; and we are told that he answered the king the next morning with the words, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” He knew that even though he had not been able to avoid being cast into the den, he could be delivered from the lions in it, for his God was everywhere present and all-power. Then the thought came to me that if there was any experience which it seemed necessary for me to pass through when obeying my highest sense of duty, I would be delivered from harm and that it would be only one more opportunity to prove the teachings of Christian Science. With this thought, all fear vanished, and I slept peacefully all night.
I awakened in the morning, and noticed that the train was standing still. Thinking that we were waiting for another train to pass, I was filled with gratitude for Christian Science and for what it is doing for the world. Then the porter rushed into the train and made the announcement that we had had a head-on collision with another passenger train; that all the cars were off the track and he feared many people were killed. I dressed quickly, all the while declaring the truth.
The engines were telescoped through to the cabs, the cars were all ripped to pieces, and baggage was strewn everywhere. But most wonderful of all, no one on our train was hurt! One of the railroad officials was heard to remark that it was the most miraculous thing he had ever seen, that such a terrible wreck should occur without a great many people being killed. I for one knew that a wonderful demonstration of God’s protecting care had taken place.
When I related this experience to a friend she remarked: “Do you think God would protect you and not protect the others as well?” The Bible tells us that God is no respecter of persons. He is always speaking to us, but it is only those who are listening and obeying that hear His voice; and those who follow the divine guidance and direction cannot fail to do the right thing at the right time. It was only the shepherds who were awake and listening who heard the angels sing.
The Angel in the Cloud |
Kate E. Andreae |
Christian Science Journal 1929
Experience teaches humanity much; and as one views his life-problems in the light of Christian Science, circumstances, if rightly dealt with, leave behind the glow of something substantial and real.
No Christian Scientist regrets the problems which have presented themselves. Storms may be encountered, temptations may seem to abound, but the earnest worker finds that, though he may be placed in the midst of trying conditions, yet he may dwell in “the secret place of the most High,” through his understanding of Christian Science.
At times material sense seems to send out its vapors, enveloping the mental realm in dense mist. Often the student of Christian Science finds in difficult experiences that an angel comes down from heaven “clothed with a cloud.” The confusing mists of mortal thought may linger, and discouragement knock at the door, but he who is faithful will see in every cloud the bow of promise. He will recognize joyfully that every footstep taken, every difficulty overcome, has revealed to him the angels of God’s presence. On page 347 of Miscellaneous Writings, our Leader writes, “God is responsible for the mission of those whom He has anointed. Those who know no will but His take His hand, and from the night He leads to light.”
I kept an angel waiting,
Outside my mental door.
While I, in ignorance,
Battled helplessly,
With a problem
I never had before.
Foolishly, I parried with the devil,
On his own familiar ground.
What self-righteous esteem
Cluttered my consciousness!
To believe I, alone, could make
Satan go down.
The longer I kept up “the argument,”
The worse I began to feel.
Until my angel, still patiently waiting,
Whispered, “Go to God;
This problem is unreal.”
Suddenly, all arguments were silenced.
My thought soared to God
And rose to higher ground.
The problem no longer existed,
And the devil was nowhere to be found!
It is remarkable how often divine ideas and divine experiences appear in our human consciousness as angels. And how often we are unaware of them as being angels. In the general sense, we think of angels as disconnected from God and as external to our consciousness. But in fact, angels are divine Mind’s powerful impressions of good appearing in the human consciousness.
Angels are as real as any other part of God’s creation. It is the carnal mind in us that has classified man, the compound of divine ideas or experience of good, as “a little lower than the angels.” In the spiritual account of creation, man is represented as God’s grandest product. God said “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Gen.1:26) Man was not made of a lower order; he was not made “a little lower than the angels.” Man is the divine ideas, or divine experiences, or angels, as God created them. These powerful spiritual impressions of good that come to the human consciousness, is man in the image and likeness of God.
The angel of the Lord, or these ideas or experiences of good, appear to us when our consciousness is prepared to receive them. Angels are Mind’s messages, powerful impressions of good. They are truly mental and must be mentally received by us in our individual mentality. Angels, divine ideas, or experiences of good, are exalted thoughts, healing truths, positive right convictions that appear to us as our human thought.
These “angel visitants” come to us as a “Still small voice within us;” they come as a great enlightenment, as an unfoldment of truth; they come as a surprising thought or conviction, as just the right thing to say, or to do. As a rule, angels come suddenly, but in a timely way. They usually come as promptings or as restraining intuitions. Isaiah portrayed the appearing of angels to our mentalities, when he wrote, “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)
To those mentalities in tune with the divine Mind, these angel visitants, divine ideas, or experiences are innumerable. They are the incidents of every hour and are the privileged lot of every individual. Angels are the invisible essence and substance of our visible experiences. Through them the invisible appears visible in human consciousness.
Angel messages, divine ideas or divine experiences are invisible to human consciousness, but become externalized in ways that can be seen and understood. The angel Gabriel, representing the “might of God,” came invisibly to Zacharius. The old priest’s mentality was so filled with the firm conviction that “with God all things are possible,” that this truth externalized itself or was made visible to Zacharius, as his long desired son who later became John the Baptist. Zacharius, whose whole heart’s desire was that he might have a son, was earnestly striving after righteousness; his right thinking was about God and man as one inseparable Being. His mentality was in oneness with divine Mind, and it was quite natural that the angel or divine idea of God’s omnipotence came as a sudden conviction that “with God all things are possible.”
God’s goodness is impartial. He does not withhold anything from us. These “angels of His presence” are something which we, in our ignorance, are withholding from ourselves. Miracles do not just happen. When we change our inmost thought to accord with “The angel of His presence,” this puts into operation spiritual law, which causes the externalization of that which from the beginning has already been bestowed.
True protection lies not in outward circumstances but in spiritual thinking, and it is won through our ceaseless struggle to think God’s thoughts and be Christlike.
Martha Wilcox
The Deer`s Cry — A Hymn by St. Patrick |
This prayer was composed by Saint Patrick in the year 433 AD. He was aware that there was an ambush to try to kill him and his group en route to the King’s court. It was during the march that they sang the Deer’s Cry. As the druids lay in hiding, ready to kill, it is said that they saw not Patrick and his men, but a gentle doe followed by twenty fawns. The miracle saved Patrick and his men. “The Deer’s Cry” is known by several names, “Lorica” and “The Breastplate of St. Patrick” which is another version of the prayer of St. Patrick. It is a beautiful prayer celebrating a God who lives with his children, guiding them, sheltering them, strengthening them. A God who is with us and in us through his Creation.
Painting by Luanne Tucker
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me, Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding,
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
“Christ in the Hearts of All That Love Me” |
Florence Roberts |
(Quoted from another version of the above hymn)
The everywhereness of the Christ, still somewhere buried in the hearts of even those who do not love me, is so powerful when it is recognized and finally feels real. It is the Divine manifestation of God … what shall I fear? I love the way this thought is expressed below:
“Everywhere the Christ, the indisputable evidence of God’s presence and power, is to be found. In a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in any seeming valley of pain or fear, there God’s allness may be demonstrated, for there His Christ is, there His irresistible law of good is operating to deliver us from evil.” — Jeanne Roe Price
“God is unfailing, unchanging, irresistible Love. The vainglorious claim of evil to reality fades into nothingness before the radiance of divine Love. Doubt not! The great Physician, divine Love, is beside every bed of pain, ready to wipe away all tears, dispel all fear. Nothing is too tenacious, too ‘old,’ or too hard for Love to dissolve; nothing is impossible to God.” — Jeanne Roe Price
Protection |
Helen W. Bannon |
Christian Science Sentinel, 1908
In the 91st Psalm we read, “There shall no evil befall thee.” This promise is absolute, but we should remember that it is for him alone who has made the Lord his refuge. In Genesis we read that the presence of ten right-thinking men was required to save Sodom from destruction. The earnest appeal of Lot protected him and his family, enabling them to flee from the city’s impending doom. We also have the words of Ezekiel, foretelling desolation to the land of Israel because of iniquity: “Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.”
In reading the following account of a railway collision, in which one of the trains was wrecked and the other spared, some may ask why a Christian Science prayer for protection should not have covered both trains. In reply I can only point to the above Scriptural passages, and also say that my understanding of the truth, and therefore my demonstration, was limited; but this experience is given in the hope that others may be helped by what was to me a great proof of the value of prayer in bringing a sense of divine protection.
After leaving Chicago by the Union Pacific railroad for Salt Lake City, my thoughts were uplifted in prayer for the safety of the train and all within it. I realized that God, the All-good, was ever-present, and this prayer, not of supplication but of assurance, was followed by a calm sense of security. I knew that there was nothing to fear, and enjoyed the journey.
The train sped through the country, past lakes and woodlands, through fields, and past villages of white houses. Through the night we whirled along, then another day, and darkness had again fallen. As we were drawing near Salt Lake City, the train came to a sudden stop. Presently the porters and passengers were seen hastening to the doors, whisperings were heard, and exclamations. An accident had happened — a collision — our train had met another on the same track!
Some of the men went out to ascertain the extent of the mishap, and returned with the report that the engine facing ours was a wreck, and that several of the carriages were broken, and some passengers were injured. Our own engine was somewhat disabled, and we were delayed until another could be found to take us on to our destination; but otherwise our train, with all its occupants, was unharmed.
From my heart I thank Almighty God for deliverance in the hour of danger. That He is nigh to all that call upon Him may be proved by everyone; and the teaching of our beloved Leader that God fills all space, shows this nearness of God to be a scientific fact.
I know that as the adherents of Christian Science grow in number and in understanding, so the life-preserving power of Truth will be more perfectly demonstrated. When the whole world shall have accepted its teaching, accidents will be unknown.
“The Angels of His Presence” |
Minnie H. Griswold |
The Ninety-first Psalm assures us of God’s protecting care of those who put their trust in Him: “He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
God’s “angels,” the influence of good, are always at hand. The promise reads that His angels will protect us from the stone in our path. What is the stone or obstacle in our path? Isn’t it the temptation to believe that there is another power called evil waiting to harm us? Divine Love never places a barrier in the way of our spiritual progress. Each one may choose for himself whether to be mesmerized by the stumbling stones of human belief, or turn thought heavenward and refuse to be deceived by evil’s lying suggestions. As we replace these suggestions with the expectancy of spiritual good, we find the answers to our problems. Angel messages are continually coming from God, if we will receive them. Let’s place our confidence in God, whose love “never faileth,” and trustingly leave the outcome to Him.
Mrs. Eddy writes: “The footsteps of thought, rising above material standpoints, are slow, and portend a long night to the traveller; but the angels of His presence — the spiritual intuitions that tell us when ‘the night is far spent, the day is at hand’ — are our guardians in the gloom.” (S&H)
These words brought great comfort to a mother in a dark hour. Her son, in his late teens, was losing interest in Christian Science. Gratefully she accepted the above words as an answer to her prayer for wisdom. She felt the comforting assurance that angel thoughts, “guardians in the gloom,” would triumph over the attractions of evil. Through this correct thinking, the son was brought back from the evil that tried to destroy his love for Truth.
How did Jesus deal with resistance to the truth? His parable of the prodigal son tells the story of the youth who asked for and received his share of goods from his father, and went to a far country. Then the parable draws a vivid picture of his downfall. His extreme poverty reminds him of the abundance and security of his father’s house. He determines to return to his father, confess his sins, and declare himself unworthy to be called his son. Here Jesus shows us the tenderness of true Fatherhood, of the Love which is unchanging. We read that the father saw his son when he was “a great way off,” and ran to meet and embrace him. “I say unto you,” said Jesus, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Man can never lose his eternal heritage of good. We can confidently place our loved ones under the sheltering care of Love’s guardian angels, knowing that God protects them in all their ways. Man, the reflection of God, is spiritual and perfect. The one whom we have been thinking of as a prodigal may even now be ready to return to the Father’s house.
The angels of God’s presence are always at hand to displace dark beliefs of materiality with the light of harmony, freedom, and joy. “A higher and more practical Christianity, demonstrating justice and meeting the needs of mortals in sickness and in health, stands at the door of this age, knocking for admission. Will you open or close the door upon this angel visitant, who cometh in the quiet of meekness, as he came of old to the patriarch at noonday?” (S&H)
In the words of a loved hymn:
“Loving Father, we Thy children
Look to Thee in fear’s dark night
While the angels of Thy presence
Guide us upward to the light.”
“Michael’s characteristic is spiritual strength. He leads the hosts of heaven against the power of sin, Satan, and fights the holy wars. Gabriel has the more quiet task of imparting a sense of the ever-presence of ministering Love.” (Science and Health) Michael represents the state of thought which thinks of itself as a person fighting evil. Gabriel is the understanding that man is here and now the fullness of Love. From the standpoint of Love, error is nothing.
Laura Sargent’s Class Notes
Angels of Deliverance |
Albert M. Cheney |
The Bible is filled with wonderful accounts of the deliverance of men and, in many cases, entire armies of men, from great danger by the power of God, led by His angels.
The inspiring account of Daniel’s protection in the lions’ den is a definite example of how angels are at hand to help those who rely on God. Daniel was unafraid, and even though he spent the night in the lions’ den, he cheerfully answered the king’s greeting the next morning with the words, “O king, live for ever.” And he said, “My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”
Christian Science reveals the immediate availability of God’s angels, the goodness and power of which is more than adequate to rescue from danger, protect from sin, relieve from poverty, and heal those who seem to be in a hopeless situation.
The experience of Gideon is an outstanding example of how a humble, obedient person can entertain an angel of God, and receive guidance, protection, and deliverance from evil in all its forms. Although Gideon and his small band were outnumbered many times, and his valiant men were not equipped with the weapons of warfare, yet, relying on the power of God, and the instruction from his angel visitant, Gideon won a great victory. He who takes the side of God, the side of absolute right, will find that he is on the winning side!
Perhaps we may say, that times have changed since the days of Gideon. God never changes. His power is forever the same. Man, God’s spiritual reflection, is as definitely the object of God’s love and protection today as he was in ages past. The relationship existing between God and man remains unbroken, uninterrupted, and harmonious. The passing of years and the changing beliefs of mortals can never interfere with the operation of the law of divine Love.
As we trust in God, the angels of His presence are our steadfast guardians in storm or calm. Even though we may be in the depths of fear and despair, with the clouds of error closing in upon us, telling us that there is no way out, yet there is always a pure angel thought, a God-sent message, which is capable of dispelling and destroying the erroneous condition or illusion of belief, and bringing about complete release and perfect healing. How comforting the words of the Psalmist are, “He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways”!
We never need to be helpless or hopeless, because God’s angels of deliverance are always at hand. These spiritual messengers light the way and lead to peace and rest. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health: “My angels are exalted thoughts, appearing at the door of some sepulchre, in which human belief has buried its fondest earthly hopes. With white fingers they point upward to a new and glorified trust, to higher ideals of life and its joys.”
Oh, may the light that is never dim so encompass you, that no night is there. May His angels hold thee in their power, and Songs of Science be heard in the intuitions of thought, till your life is in tune with the rhythm of God.
Mary Baker Eddy, from Course in Divinity and General Collectanea (“The Blue Book”) p. 224
Back to the top of the page
From Mrs. Eddy
Miscellany, pages 178, 179
On April 15, 1891, the Christian Science textbook lay on a table in a burning building. A Christian Scientist entered the house through a window and snatched this book from the flames. Instantly the table sank a charred mass. The covers of the book were burned up, but not one word in the book was effaced. If the world were in ashes, the contents of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” would remain immortal.
The Old and the New Testaments contain self-evident truths that cannot be lost, but being translations, the Scriptures are criticized. Some dangerous skepticism exists as to the verification of our Master’s sayings. But Christians and Christian Scientists know that if the Old Testament and gospel narratives had never been written, the nature of Christianity, as depicted in the life of our Lord, and the truth in the Scriptures, are sufficient to authenticate Christ’s Christianity as the perfect ideal. The character of the Nazarene Prophet illustrates the Principle and practice of a true divinity and humanity. The different renderings or translations of Scripture in no wise affect Christian Science. Christianity and Science, being contingent on nothing written and based on the divine Principle of being, must be, are, irrefutable and eternal.
Christ My Refuge |
M. B. G. Eddy |
Christian Science Journal, 1883
O’er the hushed harp-strings of the soul
There swept a strain,
Low, sad and sweet, whose music stole
Away all pain.
And woke a white-winged angel throng
Of thoughts, illumed
By faith, and breathed in raptured song
With love perfumed.
And in this unveiled Presence grew
My burden light —
I knew the cross would lead me to
A life of right.
Not from this earthly scene afar,
But nearer Thee.
Father, where thine own children are,
And love to be.
Then, when the troubled dangerous sea
Again I walked,
Christ walked with me, so full, so free,
I wept, Christ talked.
And led me safely to the Rock
Upon life’s shore,
‘Gainst which the winds and waves may shock,
O! nevermore.
Since then, I trust no broken reed,
Doctrine or clan:
In weal or woe this is my creed —
To work for man!
My prayer some good I humbly do
To thine, for Thee,
Some offering pure of love, whereto —
Thou leadest me.
Back to the top of the page
Interesting Squibs
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by thine own hand; choose out the path for me.
Horatius Bonar
Life is a journey, not a home; a road, not a city of habitation; and the enjoyments and blessings we have are but little inns on the roadside of life, where we may be refreshed for a moment, that we may with new strength press on to the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Horatius Bonar
When a young man vainly boasted in the theatre, and said, “I am wise, for I have conversed with many wise men;” Epictetus made answer, “And I with many rich men, yet I am not rich.”
Christian Science Journal, 1886
None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.
Charles Spurgeon
No wisdom equals silence.
Christian Science Journal, 1885
Purity of body comes by water; purity of mind by truthfulness.
Old English Proverb Christian Science Journal, 1885
Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.
John Adams
When thou art obliged to speak, be sure to speak the truth; for equivocation is halfway to lying, and lying is the whole way to Hell.
William Penn, Christian Science Journal, 1887
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein.
Proverbs, Christian Science Journal, 1887
Though the people support the government, the government should not support the people.
Grover Cleveland
We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
Winston Churchill
The best answer to all criticism, the best test of all work, is — result.
Christian Science Journal 1885
Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Goldsmith, Christian Science Journal 1888
Christian Science Journal 1887
A young philosopher of seven years of age, who had not progressed far enough to hear the Holy Scriptures disputed, listened attentively in his father’s parlor, the other evening, to a warm discussion on the Darwinian theory. After the guests had departed, he somewhat surprised his father.
“Father, I don’t believe Mr. Darwin is right.” “What?” said the parent, looking down at this unexpected reasoner, who stood behind him with a little Bible in his hand. “You do not! and why?” “Because, Papa, my Bible says God created man in His own image, and I don’t believe it was a monkey.”
“Well, well,” said the sire, laughing, “run along, Tommy! You are too young to talk about such things.” “But, Papa, almost the next verse says: God saw everything He had made, and behold it was very good. Now it wasn’t good if men were monkeys, was it? For you are gooder than a monkey, ain’t you, Papa?”
Back to the top of the page
History Corner
“The Years that the Locust Hath Eaten” |
Mike Pupko |
The year 1875 is very important to Christian Scientists. It was a time when Christian Science was booming and Mrs. Eddy’s students were being well-trained to handle evil — and it’s the year Mary Baker Eddy published the first edition of Science and Health, in spite of tremendous opposition and resistance. The press and pulpit severely opposed this momentous event, lawsuits were threatened, Mrs. Eddy was accused of plagiarism and of not having discovered this Science, and at one time her printer stopped production of the book. Animal magnetism was using every method it could to prevent it from being published. It even caused a swarm of locusts!
The Bible says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” (Joel 2:25) This quote struck a chord with me, and I did some research on locusts. Locusts are normally solitary, but, under certain circumstances, can develop into enormous swarms, consuming all vegetation in its path. It’s rather like a mass mesmerism that changes their behavior from benign and solitary into a swarm — just like the mass mesmerism that affected the people at that time who opposed her and her discovery, and still happens today.
The year 1875 saw the largest swarm of the Rocky Mountain locust ever recorded — and the last. They have completely disappeared from North America, but still exist in other parts of the world. The locusts disappeared before the discovery of effective insecticides, so it was not due to any man-made causes. Certainly not a coincidence!
And the years have been restored, as the Bible promises. Christian Science flourished, and our website is now spreading across the globe in its pure form, reaching people in far-off lands, bringing healing and freedom. God’s promises are kept!
Image by Carl Miller
Painting by Luanne Tucker
Father, Lead Me Day by Day |
John Page Hopps |
FATHER, lead me day by day,
Ever in thine own sweet way;
Teach me to be pure and true,
Show me what I ought to do.
Keep me safe by thy dear side,
Let me in thy love abide;
When in danger make me brave,
Make me know that thou canst save.
When I’m tempted to do wrong,
Make me steadfast, wise and strong;
And when all alone I stand,
Shield me with thy mighty hand.
When my heart is full of glee,
Help me to remember thee;
Happy most of all to know
That my Father loves me so.
When my work seems hard and dry,
May I press on cheerily;
Help me patiently to bear
Pain and hardship, toil and care.
May I do the good I know,
Be thy loving child below;
Then at last go home to thee,
Evermore thy child to be.
Back to the top of the page
In Support of Our Nation, Our World
“Are You Faithful? Do You Love?” |
John Randall Dunn |
Christian Science Sentinel 1918
We are, without doubt, living in one of the most momentous periods in human history. Mrs. Eddy wrote years ago in the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (p. 96): “This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace.” Then a little farther along we read: “During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”
This significant statement emphasizes two important thoughts: first, that it is the province and privilege of the Christian Scientist to aid in shortening the period of violent chemicalization—to “hold crime in check” and “aid in the ejection of error;” and second, that he shall not be dismayed nor overwhelmed by the seeming awfulness of the situation, but “cheerfully await” the sure triumph of good and right.
This is no time for the student of Christian Science to classify himself as democrat or republican, as a disapprover of the administration, or as an upholder and justifier of our nation’s enemies. The hour has struck when, if we would “hold crime in check,” we must realize that we are Christian Scientists, or metaphysicians; we must see and cope with this great international crisis metaphysically.
The coming to earth in this age of that “Spirit of truth” spoken of by Jesus, is without doubt throwing into a mighty ferment nations as well as individuals. The coming of truth means the coming of justice, the advent of freedom; and the advent of freedom means the death knell of autocracy, tyranny, and the oppression of the many by the few. Our Leader has stated as part of her political faith that she believes in supporting a righteous government; and a government actuated by more righteous motives than this, would be difficult to find. But when a Christian Scientist, being a loyal citizen, has done his material “bit” in the necessary business of restraining the militaristic evil—or aiding in “the ejection of error”—is his work ended? Has he healed the case? Far from it! There is still the victim neighbor needing his love and compassion and his earnest metaphysical work; and nothing short of metaphysics, or clear spiritual thinking, can save the race.
Equally as important, therefore, as the sending of material troops, is the daily sending into the distressed human consciousness hosts of exalted thoughts, declarations of the all-power of Love and of the operation and might of divine law. The Christian Scientist then has mapped out for him a high and holy task. In supporting a righteous government he shall do his share in maintaining law and order; and, he shall do his part in making the world safe for democracy by metaphysically healing the argument of autocracy; and he shall go at his work joyfully, vigorously, undismayed and unafraid, cheerfully awaiting “the certainty of ultimate perfection.”
Christian Scientists, we who have been privileged to touch the hem of the garment of the reappearing Christ, with us today rests the task of healing stricken humanity. To us today again resounds our Leader’s ringing question, as found on page 238 of her “Miscellaneous Writings”: “Are you faithful? Do you love?”
A Call to Prayer |
Benjamin Franklin |
When, after the representatives who had met in 1787 to write the Constitution of the United States struggled for several weeks making little or no progress, eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin rose and addressed the troubled and disagreeing convention that was about to adjourn in confusion. It seemed that their attempt to form a lasting union had apparently failed.
Benjamin Franklin said, “In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor…. And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?”
“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: ‘that God governs in the affairs of man.’ And 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, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this.”
“I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little partial local interest; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war or conquest. I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”
Benjamin Franklin then proposed that the Congress adjourn for two days to seek divine guidance. When they returned they began each of their sessions with prayer. The stirring speech of Benjamin Franklin marked a turning point in the writing of the Constitution, complete with a Bill of Rights.
Prayer for Those in Authority |
Bicknell Young |
Anybody who is familiar with the conditions which beset legislative bodies in the world knows that such bodies are constantly subject to mental suggestion of all kinds. This is particularly true with the Congress of the United States, due to the belief of a vast country with innumerable and varied interests which appear to conflict with each other.
If these are the beliefs, and if we admit that they are contrary to the welfare of mankind, Christian Scientists should do something about them, and happily they are able to do much. They know that anything coming within the range of their consciousness can be dealt with, and they should know that the seeming magnitude of the claim has no terrors for them.
In every instance where you find Congress being influenced in such ways as are apparently unwise and absurd, you will sometimes find that if you recognize that, “Here is a false claim of a will apart from God, and a desire to accomplish the will of greed, and envy, and perhaps mad ambition and pride, in operation hypnotically,” and you make a denial of that, you will find that you are helpful.
You are not required to treat all the Congressmen. The fact that is important is that you handle your own sense of the thing that you have read about, or hear about, and begin to establish for yourself the fact, that the Infinite Mind is governing even your Congress, your city if you like, your country, your world.
It should not be an effort on your part to impose your own opinion upon anybody. It is your divine understanding, the Christ redeeming the world, overcoming evil, bringing to light the naturalness of Good in behalf even of those who at present do not know there is any Good.
Back to the top of the page
A Watch to Work with Often
September 3, 2015
In this watch we are to know that God guards, guides and governs our police officers and service men, who unselfishly give of themselves in the line of duty.
“There never was a moment when evil was real. There are no mortals who can reflect evil upon the earth and you must disown the claim of personality to make room for the dear Love which destroys malpractice. There is no mortal you that can be touched by malicious minds. ... God is all.”
from Collectanea of Items By and About Mary Baker Eddy, page 75
All mankind has the mind of Christ and cannot be manipulated by evil to become deranged and want to harm another. God’s children are “obedient to the Mind that makes them”!
“The only power of evil is to destroy itself. It can never destroy one iota of good. Every attempt of evil to destroy good is a failure, and only aids in peremptorily punishing the evil-doer.”
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 186
“Hold the ground: Life, Truth, Love reign this and every hour.”
from Watches, Prayers, and Arguments, given by Mary Baker Eddy, page 68
February 15, 2018
“Knowledge obtained from the senses makes man believe that cause and effect exist in matter; this unchristianizes thought, for it deflects from God, Spirit. If this knowledge includes human ruling powers — the minds of men — it is indeed diabolism ….”
Red Book p. 93
No evil element can enter any school, house of worship, or any place at all to harm any one of God’s precious children! Even though mankind would try to legislate God out of the picture, the all-encompassing love of God is present everywhere. As civilization becomes more and more secular, evil finds less and less resistance — but the Christ Truth is ever-present to awaken people to their great need for God. Every man, woman, and child has the God-given courage to defy evil, stand for and with God, and do right! Evil has no existence, and is obliterated by the power of the Lord God Almighty!
“At no time and in no place, can there occur a break in the divine control. God cannot for an instant be separated from His creation, and His laws are established for eternity. Their every activity is preserved, without opposition, resistance, or delay. The majesty of spiritual law forever pursues its glorious way.”
Julia M. Johnston, “From Zone to Zone”
July 18, 2019
“Intelligence is not mute before non-intelligence.”
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 191
The non-intelligent claims being broadcast by the news media are forever refuted and muted by ever-present, omnipotent divine Intelligence. “Let the lying lips be put to silence.” (Ps.31:18)
Back to the top of the page
From the Early Workers
Christian Science Journal, 1884
It is generally admitted that the mind or spirit controls the hands, arms, legs, feet, etc. As we understand that power and use it, there seems hardly a limit to that control. The athlete, through that knowledge, acquires a wonderful strength and agility, and the arm of the blacksmith becomes more and more strengthened, as mind employs them, and recognizes its power.
Since everyone agrees with this proposition, we offer another proposition: why cannot mind also control the internal organs of the body, as well as the external portion? It is the spirit that quickeneth, even if we do not recognize the fact; but how much would be gained if this was recognized! To depend on a drug to heal diseases is like a well, strong man, asking another to help him walk.
An acquired habit is difficult to break. The more mankind depends on drugs or doctors, the more fixed the belief, and the greater the courage required to awake from the dream, and stand forth bravely to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
How shall we acquire that knowledge so we may work out our salvation? It is acquired as anything is attained — by a desire to have it, and then working for it. If we value peace of mind, joy of soul, health of body, we should be willing to sacrifice everything, to sell all we have, in order to buy the pearl of great price.
Christian Science Journal, 1885
The beauty and power of Christian Science is best shown through little children. A boy of five years was taken suddenly ill with chills and fever, in a most violent form. His sister was playing in the yard with another little girl, the daughter of Christian Scientists, when the mother of the sick boy asked the little Scientist to go for her mother to come and treat her boy. The little girl answered, “My mother is not at home; but I can do just as well.” Somewhat surprised and amused, the anxious woman, more for a diversion than anything else, said it should be done.
Gladly the little Scientist entered the room, and did not even tremble, or become disturbed at the sight of the sick boy, who lay in a belief of spasm. She sat down by the bedside, perfectly still, and remained so for nearly fifteen minutes. The troubled mother saw that there was a quiet change in the boy. His eyes ceased rolling, every symptom of pain left him, and in less time than it takes to tell it, he was peacefully sleeping.
Afterward, on being questioned as to how she did it, the little child answered, “Why I just remembered for him that God loved him dearly, and when we forget it, it always makes us sick; and all you have to do when you see anybody sick, just sit right down and remember that they are all Love, and it cures everybody.”
Christian Science Journal, 1887
We who profess to be Christians may too often be found sitting with folded hands, saying with long-drawn sighs, when sickness and misfortune seem to come upon us, “It is the Lord’s will.” When, if we will only be up and doing the Lord’s work as He has given us power to do, walking in the Light, we would find the ideas of sickness and sorrow to be nothing but dark shadows, which will flee before the marvelous Light of God.
Peace, happiness and Love will cause Divine melody to flow continually through our lives; and the way will grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Christians should reflect nothing but the true, the beautiful and good. Oh! that the Christian world would awake to the grand, noble mission of the Life hid in Christ! If we would realize the eternal Truth of His promises made to us, then would Christianity assume its rightful position and power in the world. Mortality would soon be lost in Immortality; the sway of sensualistic life, with its attendant evils, give way to the higher spiritual Life; and the kingdoms of this earth become the kingdoms of our Lord.
As we understand it, this is the object to be attained by Christian Science, and we pray God, speed this great work!
A Lesson from the Street |
Lydia G. Worth |
Christian Science Journal, 1887
Sitting at my window one evening, my thoughts busily contrasting the things that seem to be with the things that are, my attention was attracted to the passers-by on a near cross-walk. The streetlight being on the opposite side, I could not see beyond them; but I noticed that each passer-by, going toward the light, left the shadow behind him; but in going away from the light, the shadow lengthened out before him.
Brothers and sisters, let us ever keep our faces toward the Light, so that we may not only see clearly the way that lies before us, but leave the shadows of sin, sickness, and death behind us.
Forgiveness |
Isabella Lamont |
Christian Science Journal, 1894
We have all prayed a thousand times, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” But how do you forgive your debtors? If another has wronged you, do you say, yes, I forgive you, and then keep thinking of it, having it recur again and again to your thought? As long as you think of it as an offence, it is not forgiven.
The Bible speaks of God’s method of forgiving sins. “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions, for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”
Then, to truly forgive a transgression is to blot it out of your memory, or your consciousness; to destroy it; to make it cease to exist. Have you done that? You must see that your brother’s real Being cannot commit an offence, and your real Being is not susceptible of receiving offence.
Your own forgiveness will be attained only when your own consciousness is so purified, that evil of any sort will find no response, no lodgment or abiding place — when the “prince of this world shall come and find nothing” in you.
Good will become more real to you as error becomes unreal.
There Remaineth a Rest |
Agnes Chalmers |
Christian Science Journal 1919
A rest remaineth on earth’s battle fields
To every son of man, a Sabbath rest,—
Progressive states of peace to him who yields
His all to Principle, — unfoldment, blest
With true enlightenment. There is, indeed.
The shadow of a rock, a peaceful place,
A Sabbath rest to-day. The world’s great need
Of seeing Mind, man’s Maker, face to face
Is now supplied. This hour the truest rest
Is striking from the human mind, unrest.”
Back to the top of the page
Current Articles
Lessons from the Mockingbird |
Joanne Fritz |
The state bird of Florida is the mockingbird. Where I live, you see them everywhere, and hear their varied songs all day long — imitating the sweet song of the cardinal, to even a cell phone ring. I love them, and have learned two great life lessons from them.
When they fly, they always settle to the highest point and perch — whether it’s a treetop or a street light. They rise to the heights and then sing their heart out. When I am faced with a difficult situation, and am tempted to be saddened and discouraged, do I always rise to spiritual heights, and sing praises for all God’s good? Doing that will lift my thought and heal me like nothing else can.
The other thing I love about mockingbirds is their fearlessness. Nothing frightens them. Should a large blackbird invade their space and annoy them, these small birds will fly after it with a screeching vengeance even though the blackbirds are more than three times their size. I’ve seen them chase that enemy, even in flight, until it flew far away. Such feistiness! So I ask myself, do I always confidently face and fiercely drive off any error that would try to rob me of my space — my consciousness of God’s allness? If God enables the little mockingbird to do this, surely He’s there for me.
I’m so grateful for these lessons, and to be learning more and more about God’s goodness that is all around us. Christian Science, as taught in Plainfield Church, has opened my eyes to this heaven that is here and now.
In Service to God |
Diana Jacklin |
During a recent Plainfield Church Roundtable, a movie was discussed about George Müller, called, “Robber of the Cruel Streets,” which I was able to find on YouTube. George Müller was an evangelist who lived his life completely relying on God, and he relied on prayer to start an orphanage in Bristol, England, in the 1830’s. He told people that he wanted to start the orphanage, but he wouldn’t ask anyone for the necessary funds, space, staff, etc. Instead, he relied completely on prayer to God.
His story is a deeply inspiring one of faith and committed service to God. His steadfast reliance on God really reflects to me the point made in Science and Health in the first sentence in the preface, “To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings.”
In the first few years that he had this orphanage, the orphanage had more than they needed; but after a few years, they went through a time of trials. He continued to pray and trust and rely on God. God always provided what was needed; sometimes at the last moment.
This story made me think a lot about what it means to be in service to God, and is wonderful proof that God takes care of those who truly want to serve Him.
While this inspiration was still fresh in my thought, I had a chance to prove my own trust in God. I was to sing in a recital in Vienna; and about a week before the concert, I started to lose my voice and feel very weak. I rested, and I prayed, but it appeared that I had the flu. I started to feel better and decided to try to do the concert. I was trying to work this out on my own, but I realized I needed help, so I contacted a practitioner in the Plainfield Church. She told me my voice is to be used to sing praises to God and nothing can interrupt His power. I went to the rehearsal, but felt a bit foggy and my voice was not quite there yet. When it was time for the concert, the fog cleared, my voice was fine, and I was able to give, knowing that my voice is there for healing and that my voice is in service to God.
I am learning so much in this church, that everything we do must be to glorify God and to bless His children. I’m so grateful for practitioner help, the support that I’m getting from everybody’s contributions in all of the discussions, all of the testimony meetings, all of the Bible Studies, and everything that you provide on the website. I’m finding a whole new life.
Giving Our Lives to God |
Betty Simpson |
The Roundtable discussion on Sunday, May 19, 2019, struck a chord with me. One of the practitioners said that our life is in God not in matter, that God is our life, and that we are “the temple of the living God.”
Luanne spoke about the difference it made for her to have God in her life, and that she gives her life to God each morning. She said that things flow so well when she does.
I had been thinking a lot lately about what I wanted to do and things I thought I needed to get done. During the Roundtable I saw that this was a lot of self-will and had nothing to do with giving my life to God, or knowing that God is my life. I laughed when I realized that God already has a perfect plan for me and for everyone, and that I just need to let Him unfold it to me. I saw that what I needed to do was to just listen for His direction and let go of my own personal sense of things.
This has made an enormous difference in my life. When I shut out what I think I should be doing each day, and let God direct my tasks, things go so much more smoothly, and I get so much more done! God certainly does have a much better plan.
It had been my desire for a long time to open a pottery shop. I always felt at peace when I worked at the wheel, turning a lump of clay into something useful, and I wanted others to experience that, too. I didn’t understand at the time why that was so important and never gave it much thought, until I came into Christian Science and discovered the spiritual meaning of the idea. It makes me smile when I think about how it was right there in front of me all the time. God was shaping me into something useful!
When I started out to build the shop, I had very little money, but I took a leap of faith and began the foundation. At the same time, God led me to call a practitioner from this church, who began preparing my own foundation, in Truth. She helped me to gain victory over my demons, strengthening my trust in God and softening my heart, enabling me to be receptive to all that God has to give. I learned to turn to God for all my needs, and day by day my needs were met, both financially and emotionally, as I pressed on. The money to build came in various and unexpected ways, and it was always enough to keep the project moving forward.
It has been over three years now since I opened the shop to the public. Without advertising, this small shop on a back country road on the border of Canada, has drawn in over thirty steady customers a week, and outside orders from others who have seen my work. I have also had to open an additional day of the week to accommodate a large group of people who would like to start coming on a regular basis. With the business expanding and the large number of ceramic molds I have acquired, there is a need to make more room in the shop.
Today, after speaking to my practitioner about the business, and gaining insight into God’s ability and faithfulness to prosper His children, and being assured that it is God who provides the increase, I went to a place that builds storage barns, to check out the prices. When I got to the driveway, there was a sign on the mailbox that read, “God is the giver of eternal life.” I thought, I must be in the right place, as there are many other places that sell storage barns in my area. When I got inside, there was another sign that read, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3.”
I found the perfect storage barn to meet my needs and when the salesman told me how much it cost, I knew God was prospering it, because it came to the exact amount I had been able to set aside for this project.
I am very grateful to God for the life He has given me and for prospering every aspect of it. God has mercifully brought so many blessings into my life and helped me to discover His lovingkindness.
Angels’ Food |
Lynda Spencer |
“Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.” (Psalm 78:25) This quote from Psalms made me wonder, just what is angels’ food?
Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health that angels are “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality.” And food is “something that sustains, nourishes and augments.” (1828 Webster’s Dictionary)
I read an article the other day that helped me understand. It talked about hungering for God; and said if we aren’t hungry, something is wrong. Perhaps we are finding ourselves filling up on other things and dulling our appetite for God. The writer points out that many try to snack their way through the day on “junk-food” activities and have no time to “feast” with God. We do make a choice!
We are continually warned to be aware of what we take into our consciousness, and chew on. We are so greatly blessed with all the real nourishment contained in the Bible, Science and Health, and the extensive collection of inspiring, uplifting, and really worthwhile “food” on the Plainfield website. What a beautiful thought to “eat angels’ food”!
God’s Angel Messages |
Luba Lacusky |
The teachings at Plainfield Church are giving me a deeper understanding of Christian Science, of God, and of man’s relationship to Him. The Bible Studies and Roundtables are very enlightening. We are taught that God is always speaking to us — sending His angel messages to us — and it is our responsibility to listen to them.
Recently I felt God’s ongoing protection. I was getting ready to go to bed when I had a strong urge to check things in the kitchen. I’ve been learning not to ignore these messages, so I went to the kitchen. To my surprise, I found that one of the burners on the stove was not completely turned off! There was no flame, but the smell of gas was quite evident. I immediately turned the burner off and expressed a prayer of gratitude to God. I am so grateful for this protection, and for all the good that God continues to bring into my life.
“Trials Are Proofs of God’s Care” |
Gary Singleterry |
There is a statement in Science and Health which quickly became a favorite of mine many years ago. It reads, “Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers.”
As a youth I attended several Boston-affiliated Christian Science Sunday Schools and learned very early that God cares for us. But by the time I attended Plainfield Church as a young adult, I thought that the primary purpose of Christian Science was to enable us to live a life without problems, or in other words, to live a path of flowers.
When I first came to this church, I had some wonderful healings of health issues, business issues, and family problems, through the work of a practitioner here. I knew I had found the right practice of Christian Science when I came here; but in the back of my mind there was always this nagging question, “Why did I have these problems in the first place?” I thought that a good Christian Scientist was not supposed to have problems. The teacher in this church then provided me with the answer, and I am so grateful that she did. She taught me that the primary purpose of Christian Science is not to make our lives free of problems, but to destroy the beliefs of sickness and sin for all mankind.
If a problem comes, it is a steppingstone in our spiritual growth. It is to strengthen our understanding that God heals. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, “Trials are proofs of God’s care.” I learned that facing and overcoming problems each day is not something to be avoided, but an essential part of our spiritual growth. In fact, we can’t grow without it. Once this revelation sank in, it made a huge difference in my life. I stopped condemning myself and stopped getting annoyed when I experienced problems.
I thank God for the help of that teacher and practitioner. I thank Mrs. Eddy for giving us this clear and complete explanation of what life is all about.
Giving Our Children to God |
Jeremy Palmer |
My son just graduated from high school, and I can’t be grateful enough to God that he had the opportunity to attend the Sunday School in this church for the past six years.
Every other week I would drive to Connecticut to pick him up at his mother’s house and bring him to Plainfield for the weekend. He has been able to see how much I have gained from this church, and he has been able to take part in the Sunday School here to learn what he needs. He has many times said that he really enjoys coming to the church. The teaching and instruction he received here, along with the example of the church members, has definitely had a positive impact on him.
I am very grateful to have learned here about giving our kids to God, and knowing He is their real Father and Mother. This has taken so much stress and pressure away. I now see my kids more clearly, and know that just as I have a purpose and place in God’s plan, so do they. How wonderful to know there can be no separation between them and God, and that all God’s children will be led to where He wants them to be.
At the graduation, I received such a great blessing to see my son’s love for all his teachers and classmates. He told them all that he loved them, and so many said it back to him. What a different man he will be than I was at that age. I am so grateful to God for showing me His protecting power in action over all those graduates. What a blessing!
Coming Into the Light |
Mary Beth Singleterry |
“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3)
I found an interesting article entitled “Organization” by Bicknell Young, in which he states, “The mission of the church is to challenge and vanquish sin and hell. Without the church organization, there is nothing with which to challenge and overcome sin. When one turns aside from this organization, claiming for himself an advanced revelation, or that organization is no longer necessary, he is being blinded to his own disobedience and unwillingness to observe the discipline essential to his own spiritual growth in the organization.”
The excommunication of our church from the central organization has proved to be a great blessing. It has resulted in what we feel is a “spiritual organization” which steers sharply away from any one central control and allows everyone to progress, and to demonstrate with God. This also results in spiritualization of thought and great growth individually as well as collectively.
I have always felt the divine idea of “church” is so important. It allows for accountability. When left alone, it would be very easy to drift away from God without even knowing that this was happening. It would be easy to cherish “hidden sins” without them ever being brought into the Light, to be challenged, rebuked and so destroyed. How important it is that we have each other, for how can you love God if you can’t love your brother as the Bible teaches us? Being part of “church” enables us to do this. And as we have been taught here from the beginning, “one stick you can break, a bundle you cannot”!
Back to the top of the page
Letters of Gratitude
Thank you so much for a recent Roundtable, with the advice about not mourning. The article “There Is No Death,” a letter from one of Mr. Eustace’s students sent to him, which was read, was amazing and so encouraging and comforting. I have listened to the recording again and also found and read the article on your website, thank you. I feel it would be a most helpful thing I could perhaps share with others if they are having a hard time with this sort of experience.
Thank you again.
England
I’m very grateful to be a member of this church — the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent. This church has always been a beacon shining out God’s love to the world!
California
Thank you for this God family and the warm welcome you extend to everyone!
Thank you for the discussion about the prodigal son recently; it brought out to me more truth in this story. The insight about the elder son sent me a wakeup zinger regarding a seemingly difficult sense of entitlement and resentment that I needed to ask God’s help with, expose to the Light, confess, and repent of.
I got a little closer to the Christ robe through the crowd of mortal thoughts. Thank you, God, for the despair, inspiration, admonition, and patience I experienced in this Bible Study.
Virginia
I am grateful for the audio rendition of the hymns that can be heard on the church website. For me, they provide a glorious opportunity, not only to listen and sing along, but also to learn those I am not too familiar with, and so be able to join in later when they are sung during a service. The lyrics of the hymns not only are a blessing to us, but we can use them in our prayers for our family, our friends, our community, and for the whole world. The hymns are holy and they bring us healing comfort, joy, gladness, and above all, a peaceful sense of closeness and nearness to the great heart of God.
Canada
The topics and readings for the Wednesday evening meetings have been so excellent, so well thought out, and in such perfect order to form a perfect plan for comfort and teaching to the struggling hearts.
I want to express my gratitude to those who have done such a wonderful job. They are truly providing the inspiration needed to all those listening. As Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health, “Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love — be it song, sermon or Science — blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ’s table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.” These sermons are blessing all mankind bountifully. The hand of God is clearly on this work — it could not be done otherwise!
Virginia
Thank you for a beautiful Sunday Service. The Lesson readings were read with such inspired strength and understanding; and the singing of the solo “There Is No Law of Sin and Death” was absolutely glorious! Thank you all.
Florida
I am so grateful for your true teaching of Christian Science and for the informative Bible Studies and Roundtable discussions.
Ohio
It is a joy to participate in and contribute to the activities of this church and its strong stand for Mary Baker Eddy’s pure revelation of divine Science, and for her place as the Revelator, giving us the Comforter promised by Christ Jesus.
Virginia
I found your online resources back in March 2019. What a blessing! Thank you for maintaining these free resources for the public. I know the web resources do not really come “free” to Plainfield so I have decided to send you a check whenever possible to perpetuate these resources. Thank all of you involved. I especially like and use the audio version of the weekly Lesson. I download it and listen to it in the car at lunch.
New Jersey
I am most grateful for the Bible Studies and the Roundtables, especially the discussion of “honour thy father and thy mother.” I have been trying to follow the advice about thinking that my parents “did the best they could at the time.” It has relieved me of some negative thinking. I have also been trying to devote time to “be still and know that I am God.”
I am very grateful for Plainfield’s services and study sessions, and for all the information provided, and all the efforts and dedication of your church members.
England
Thank you for the beautiful and inspiring Wednesday services. The readings, so comforting; the testimonies, heartfelt and instructive; the singing like an angel throng. I couldn’t help but think of this church when hymn No. 179 was sung: “Love now is dawning over every nation; Showing true brotherhood and publishing salvation.” Plainfield Church is truly showing true brotherhood and publishing through your website, Lessons, magazine, and broadcasts. Thank you for all of this.
Florida
Once again, I feel tremendous appreciation for all the good you are doing daily. Enclosed please find a check to put toward purchasing the original Carpenter books.
Pennsylvania
I am working on changing my mental habit from one of accepting erroneous thoughts to admitting only such conclusions as I wish realized on my body and in my life. I never thought about ruminating on wrong thoughts as a bad habit. Once my practitioner pointed this out, it seemed possible to change the habit. During a Roundtable, another participant talked about her habit of thinking as a positive habit. I smiled when I heard this and said, I want this habit!!
This morning my thoughts went to the fact that God created man for His purpose and in His image and likeness. Man therefore is filled with God’s good, and there is no room for even the smallest amount of anything unlike God — pain, disease, irritation, confusion, unhappiness, lack. I want to constantly be the child of God, knowing that God controls every aspect of my life and the life of all!
Illinois
Back to the top of the page
Testimonies of Healing
From C. G. in Wisconsin
For several years I had been unable to raise my right arm over my head. I never spent much time dealing with this; but the other day when dressing, I realized that my right arm was outstretched above my head and there was no pain!
When I discussed this with my practitioner, she told me that she prayed for me with this statement from Psalm 138: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.” She also said that she is always upholding me with Truth. This healing is one of the glorious examples of how, when we ask for help from a Plainfield practitioner, every area of our lives is healed and blessed.
I am so grateful for all the help I have received since working with this practitioner.
From D. W. in Virginia
I am very grateful to be learning of the allness of God’s love and power in this independent church.
Recently my husband and I spent a week at our son’s home, a wonderful time of being together (as he lives far away), fun activities, and quiet study time.
In the morning of the day before we were to leave, our son visited a local medical clinic, because he was in such discomfort. He was diagnosed and treated for an infection, and told among other things, that if he wasn’t better in three days, to come back. When he was at the clinic, I spoke with a practitioner from this church and told of the problem.
Our son is not a practicing Christian Scientist, but was raised in Science, and always keeps the daily calendar from this church on his desk, and uses it. That afternoon, when he returned from the clinic, he said to me, “there is no spot where God is not, right?” Then we talked about God’s perfect, complete creation, as is stated in the first chapter of Genesis. The practitioner had said that there has to be receptivity, and I was very grateful to see it.
The next morning, our son, who could barely swallow liquids the day before, was up and about, drinking his coffee, and ready to drive us to the airport for an early morning flight. I texted him in the afternoon and found that he was eating normally, and he said he was 100% better.
I am very grateful to God for this quick healing, and for the practitioner’s clear, calm grasp of the situation.
From C. H. in Pennsylvania
I would like to share my gratitude for a tremendous healing.
Several weeks ago I experienced a great deal of pain in my abdomen, so intense that I could barely move. It was so painful that I couldn’t even pray for myself, so I contacted a Plainfield practitioner.
Upon the response the healing was instant! I couldn’t believe it at first. I have never experienced anything like it — that severe pain just dissolved!
Isn’t God wonderful! I am so grateful for the prayers of the practitioner, and for this wonderful Science.
From J. F. in Florida
All my life I’ve suffered from frequent constipation. I would often go two or three days without a normal bowel movement, and had to take laxative pills for relief.
Over a month ago, I started working with a practitioner here in Plainfield Church who is helping me get rid of a lot of accumulated wrong thinking — bottled up resentment, regret and remorse over things done or not done, and the big one, self-condemnation.
One of the things practitioner told me is to just love more, not humanly, but divinely. I was to not only love people divinely, but all nature, all that is around me. She reminded me that Mrs. Eddy once said she loved even the blade of grass beneath her feet.
I’ve taken this to heart. Whenever I go outside for a walk, I notice the beauty of all nature, and I love it as an expression of God. Whenever I can, I smile and greet strangers warmly and find that they respond in kind. And daily, I claim that my bowels are bowels of mercy and kindness, as the Bible says. As a result, I find that I’m not getting irritated as often with people or stupid little things.
I feel a deep healing within me. My bowel movements have been normal and natural for over a month now. But more importantly, I’m feeling more love and joy and a sense of God’s good promise than I’ve felt in a long time. I owe this to the healing Christian Science work of the practitioner here, and to my return to Plainfield Church.
For the past few days, a verse from Hymn 115 has been running through my head: “When we wandered, Thou hast found us; When we doubted, sent us light; Still Thine arm has been around us, All our paths were in Thy sight.” I’m so grateful for God’s love and to be back in this church’s fold.
From L. S. in Pennsylvania
I am grateful for the classes and practitioner support at Plainfield Independent Church that provides correct and clear practical teaching of Christian Science and the Bible. It is helping me to pray correctly, discipline my thinking, and live a God-centered life.
The other day while taking something out of the oven I burned myself. In the past I would get ice, experience discomfort for days, and it would leave marks. But I’ve been learning here that, whenever anything unfortunate happens, to use passages from the Lesson Sermon, instructions from the Roundtable and Bible Study classes, and prior Watches to keep my thought centered on God and His care, and off the problem. I pray for the world, for our soldiers, our government, children, weather, etc.; whatever comes to thought at the time.
The pain left very quickly, and when I looked, there was no evidence that anything had happened. I only remembered it when I was going over things to be grateful for.
I am grateful for Christ Jesus, all Mrs. Eddy sacrificed so we could have this Science of the Christ, and the Plainfield Church Independent that practices Mrs. Eddy’s pure Science.
From D. F. in Florida
Several weeks ago, I banged my foot very badly. For a couple of weeks I worked with a practitioner from a Christian Science branch church, but my need just wasn’t being met. I was actually thinking of going for an X-ray, when my wife suggested I call a practitioner from the Plainfield Church, which I did.
I was greeted with love, and the first thing she told me was to work with Hymn No. 324. The second verse starts, “Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee.” She said my feet are meant for doing God’s work, whatever that may be.
After the first day, all the sharp pain was gone, but I still had a need for more work. I called my practitioner, and she said to work with something from the book, Teaching and Addresses, by Edward A. Kimball, “I know what you are. This is not pain or a belief of pain. It is a belief of mind in matter; a lie of belief without a believer, nothingness claiming to be something.” She also told me any problem is an attack on my Christ. It wasn’t very long before the healing was entirely complete. I am very grateful for this healing, and grateful to God for His loving care.
From France
Recently I faced a situation where, after weeks of extreme workload, I had to make a business trip. The trip involved multiple flights and an amount of work and meetings that I could not conceive how to possibly manage without immediately hiring someone to help out. I asked my practitioner to support me with prayer through the travel and the week ahead.
She shared with me some comforting ideas about God, Mind, including all work and that I can do whatever is my duty without harm to myself because, in reality, God, Mind, is doing the work. My travels were uneventful, I submitted my work on time, and from my five scheduled projects, three got postponed, while the rest evened out nicely for the next two weeks. I even had time to enjoy the company of family and friends.
As an extra, after weeks of rain at my destination, I received the warmth and sunshine I am accustomed to having, carrying around my own atmosphere. I am grateful to God, for Christian Science and the help of the loving practitioner.
From F. M. in Maryland
A couple of days ago I was sitting and working, and when I got up, I suffered a pain in my lower back that was quite troubling to me. So I called my practitioner at Plainfield, who said she would support me. She referred me to a passage in Science and Health, “Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, … Christian Science acts as an alterative, neutralizing error with Truth. … relaxes rigid muscles.” I found that very helpful, and felt better; but I needed a little more help the next day. I called my practitioner again, and within an hour the problem had totally dissolved.
I am very grateful for Christian Science always, to God, to Mrs. Eddy, to Christ Jesus, and to my practitioner who is so faithfully available to offer help whenever it is needed.
God’s Protection in Traffic |
From B. N. in New Jersey
A few days ago, as I was coming home from an appointment, I had to drive through a town not far from ours. As I stopped at the traffic light, I suddenly realized I was at the same spot where my life was saved and protected by God a few years back. It was a thrilling moment for me as I recalled the incident that took place. I was happy God brought me through this road again, to remind me of His loving care, that is ever present and all around us. Even when we don’t see it, it’s always here with us.
The incident took place about three years ago when I was coming home from work. It was very dark and raining heavily. I recalled how difficult it was driving home that night, and as I approached the traffic lights, I start to slow down. There was one vehicle in front of mine and no one behind me when I stopped to wait for the green light. Then about five seconds later, I heard a very loud crashing noise just behind me. I looked over to my left, and there was another vehicle crashing into an electric pole.
Immediately I realized that God had just saved me from a disastrous accident. The car just missed my car. The driver in front of me and I rushed to the aid of the operator of the vehicle. We were able to help her get out of the vehicle, give first aid, and we stayed with her until emergency personnel arrived and took over.
On my way home, my mouth was full of praise to God for what He has done. Only He could have done it. There was no other explanation for what just happened, other than God’s hand was upon me. It was a comforting feeling to know even in the middle of the storm, His dear presence is leading us.
Back to the top of the page
Christ Jesus
Painting by Eric Burfeind
Announcements
When Plainfield Church first became independent, we were asked, “How will you survive? What will you read?” As you can see below, through the grace of God, we have survived very well, thank you — and flourished!
We began by writing our own Bible Lessons, and then Independent Christian Scientists from all over the world began sending us writings by early Christian Science workers that were not available anywhere else. And we grew from there — and continue to grow.
Websites in Other Languages
Our missionary work is expanding. We have recently launched websites in the languages of Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi — that makes nine different languages! Our newest translator writes, “your Lessons are really faith strengthening and they enlighten the truths of the real message of the Gospel for me personally.” Someone in India writes, “This is amazing and very nice work you have done. Keep it up to reach plenty of Christians in India and other areas of the world.”
Lectures on Christian Science,
by Peter V. Ross
And, our church book store is growing! We have just published a book of Lectures on Christian Science given by Peter V. Ross. This version is accurate and true to the original, just as Mr. Ross first published it. These lectures are wonderfully inspiring, and cover a variety of subjects. His wonderful “plain talking” reaches people at every level, encouraging and healing. This book is available in paperback version from Plainfield Church for $18.00, postage included.
Our Website
Our church website, plainfieldcs.com, has a wealth of inspiring and healing items to read and listen to, including recordings of past services, Bible Studies, and Roundtable discussions.
You will also find a treasure trove of articles and other literature by early workers in Christian Science, including Bicknell Young, Martha Wilcox, Herbert W. Eustace, and many others. There are also audio recordings of many of these articles and books. Audio recordings of the current week’s Bible Lesson, and a Forum to post comments relating to the Lesson are available, and also a Bulletin Board where you can post comments of a more general nature.
YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel has over 3,000 videos of church services, classes, readings of books and articles, hymns, and music from our services, which are visited regularly by people from all over the world.
Check out all that we have to offer by going to:
YouTube.com/PlainfieldCS
Our Church Publications
Our church publications are available free on our church website, but sometimes it’s nice to have a copy in your hand to refer back to at your leisure, or during the night when there might be a need for comfort. Descriptions and subscription prices are included below.
Newsletter
In alternate months, our church publishes our church Newsletter, “Plainfield Independent.” This publication contains news about church activities, miscellaneous writings, and other fun things that will make you smile, laugh — and think.
Books by Early Workers in Christian Science
Plainfield Church is the source for many books and writings by early workers in the Christian Science movement, many of whom worked in Mrs. Eddy’s home and were taught by Mrs. Eddy herself. These priceless writings are available for purchase at very reasonable prices, and are listed, along with ordering information, on our church website, plainfieldcs.com. Many articles on our church website are excerpts taken from these books, so to have the complete works is a real privilege!
You can find a list of books we have available for purchase by clicking “Store” on the top menu of our website.
Church Membership
“When one sees that Christian Science is the only way, he is ready for church membership, and there is no other requirement.” — Mary Baker Eddy
This is the only requirement for membership in Plainfield Church. We welcome everyone who wishes to become a member and work for God to send in an application, which you can find under the “Members” tab on our website. Or send an email to our clerk at: clerk@plainfieldcs.com.
Our goal was, and still is, to get the Word of God out to people all over the world who need this pure, unadulterated Science, as we did, and still do. So you will see that much of what we provide on our website, plainfieldcs.com, is free. Please feel free to browse through all that we have there. You don’t even have to tell us who you are — we warmly welcome everyone!
But there are expenses involved in maintaining a website, and in maintaining our church home and our church services. So if you are helped by what you find here, and you wish to show your gratitude, please use the “donate” button on the website. It would be greatly appreciated!
Tenets of Christian Science
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,
by Mary Baker Eddy, pages 496-497
The following is a brief exposition of the important points, or religious tenets, of Christian Science:—
1. As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.
2. We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God’s image and likeness.
3. We acknowledge God’s forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts.
4. We acknowledge Jesus’ atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man’s unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower; and we acknowledge that man is saved through Christ, through Truth, Life, and Love as demonstrated by the Galilean Prophet in healing the sick and overcoming sin and death.
5. We acknowledge that the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection served to uplift faith to understand eternal Life, even the allness of Soul, Spirit, and the nothingness of matter.
6. And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.
Back to the top of the page
A note about the lighthouse sketch by Luanne:
Boston Light — little Brewster Island (outer Boston Harbor), Massachusetts
Boston Light was the first light station in North America and is the country’s oldest continuously used lighthouse site. The original structure, built in 1716, was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. Rebuilt in 1783, it has been called “the ideal American lighthouse.” Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, it is the only manned lighthouse in the United States.
“Publish the Word”
Broadcast the Truth
“Freely ye have received, freely give”
Back to the top of the page
