About the 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.”

“United We Stand”

Christian Science Sentinel, October 1911

In all ages the great value of unity has been recognized by men of vision, and the illustration of the bundle of sticks, exemplifying the strength which unity confers, may have come to people in more than one nation.

Heroic sacrifices have been made in republics for the maintenance of unity in several historic instances, the most notable of these probably being the valiant struggle of the United States of America in their determination to preserve the Union. There is, nevertheless, much to be learned concerning that which the psalmist sang: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Dwelling in unity is accomplished through the desire for peace and goodwill among men, and consecrating oneself to the service of good for all mankind, thus bringing out the real purpose of man — the reflection of Love. This heals not only dissension, misunderstanding, resentment, and anger, but also their accompanying physical symptoms. And overcoming these tendencies in ourselves will aid in healing them for the world.

The teaching of Christian Science and its glorious apprehension of the true unity found in the one Mind “which was also in Christ Jesus,” is proved daily by the healing it brings into the lives of those who turn to it, for this truth destroys what Jesus said he came to destroy, “the works of the devil,” the one evil.

Science and Health points the way to unity: “One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations: constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’”

Christian Scientists well know that to keep their gaze fixed on Principle and away from personality is the only way to overcome the temptation to allow self-will, resentment, or any other wrong thoughts to assert themselves. Unity as Christian Science demonstrates it is essential to the healing of the world of sin, sickness, sorrow, want, and woe.

Jesus prayed “that they may be one, even as we are one.” Can this ever be, if we are not willing to give up all for Christ — all of self, every claim of spiritual superiority, every expectancy of personal reward, every desire for personal recognition or prominence? Honestly working in this way, we shall be able to do our share toward the realization of unity, the healing not only in individual experience, but of the whole world, — even “the healing of the nations.”

Christian Science Sentinel, September 1907

When I first began to tell others in England of the discovery of Christian Science and of its achievements, I found in some quarters as much opposition to America and her institutions as I did towards Christian Science. This experience taught me many valuable lessons. Having some knowledge of conditions on both sides of the water, I knew it was only a question of time and individual growth when this prejudice would be removed.

A Christian Scientist knows the utter futility of deriding or belittling any nation or anybody, or of comparing one with another. God’s law is justice, and we are learning through Christian Science that we cannot and do not want to escape its demands. The attempt to hide good from anybody reacts most heavily against oneself. The effort to hinder some one’s progress by thinking or saying something derogatory is really putting a stumblingblock in one’s own pathway. Christian Science wants everyone to succeed, and proves that they can do it. A knowledge of the true history of America is useful to Christian Scientists in England, because it better enables us to understand the origin of Christian Science.

It enables us to meet the arguments which would oppose the cause of Truth, — which would oppose peace. Through this Science it is possible to love the people of all nations alike, and thousands are learning to do so. It removes the error that tends to separate people, also the sense of rivalry and jealousy. It takes away the pride of a nation in material power and gives instead a sense of trust in spiritual power. It does not take anything away from any nation. It holds to the divine order. Each nation must fulfil its own mission, and each will rise or fall according to its own deeds.

It does not matter where a person is born in the flesh; he must do right in order to bring out unity and harmony. In Christian Science the student demands this from himself first of all; and as it is with a nation, so it is with the individual. He must get a right sense of God and of his own relation to his fellow-men, and when this is obtained neither sea nor land can longer divide us.

Truth is seen to be omnipresent, and may be applied in the same way in all continents. There has never been any objection in our day to Christianity because Jesus was born in Bethlehem and because the truth came from the East; and there is no more reason why Christian Science should be opposed in Europe because it was discovered by Mrs. Eddy and came from the West. It is always mortal mind that opposes good, not a person. Truth is always true, and truth and error never mix in any country. If, instead of the error, all the good done in the different lands were published and thought about, universal brotherhood would be closer at hand. Through Christian Science, which demands right thinking and right talking, the supposititious history of evil will be destroyed; men and women of all nations will see each other as God sees them, and be at peace.

Mary Baker Eddy, Her Spiritual Precepts, Vol. III, page 6

In a letter dated November 3, 1894, in which Mrs. Eddy directed the church to reinstate two members who had been excommunicated, Mrs. Eddy writes, “love one another even as Christ loveth you.” Why should it be difficult for church members, or practitioners, to love one another? Unity of effort against the common enemy is vital, and the enemy knows this, and so works on the point of disunity more than any other. Jesus was insistent that the workers in the Field love one another. He knew that that, and that alone, would cause the work to be done in unity, and so effectively.

Members must always watch lest they under-estimate the seeming strength of animal magnetism. It is something they never had to meet before they joined the organization, and so often they have to learn by experience and by what they suffer. If coming home each night, one had to cross a small stream, he could easily jump far enough so as not to wet his feet. Then one night the stream is swollen, and his ordinary jump lands him in the water! Such a one should not be excommunicated from the church on that account; he should be helped. Even if his clothes indicate that he has been in the water, the others should consider the fact that the accident happened because he did not properly gauge the claim of error that membership brought down upon him. The work he ordinarily did was not sufficient on this occasion to keep him free from error; so even with the evidence of the wet clothes, he should not be cast out, unless the lack of Christianity in the members makes them feel that they cannot stand to have such a person in their midst. Then it may be necessary to remove him from the weight of this malpractice, in order that he may have the chance to reform.

There is only one basis of unity in mental work, which is divine Mind. Workers in a group do not have to know how the others are working, in order to be in harmony with them; they do not even have to be trained to work the same way; they merely need to work in the one Mind.

Christian Science Sentinel, November 1903

Much has been said and written on the subject of universal brotherhood. Political movements have been organized, various fraternities have been instituted, and, while these have accomplished much toward brotherly interest by reason of compacts and agreements, the general result is not entirely satisfactory. Loyalty to a “brotherhood” is more or less selfish, unless that brotherhood includes all mankind.

When it is known and acknowledged that all men have one Father — and that is God — then it will also be recognized that all men are brethren. Such a brotherhood as this is broad enough to exclude cliques and clans and to set aside the effort to benefit “my society,” “my lodge,” “my church.”

When human conduct is based upon universal brotherhood, the effort to be true to one’s brotherhood will not include any trampling upon another fraternity; strife and contention will cease, and the interests of all men will be identical, and will move in perfect accord. It should be understood that every creature in the divine economy, from the least to the greatest, serves its purpose in the infinite harmony of the universe, each contributing its share toward the blessings of all the rest.

God’s infinite creation, including all men, expresses the perfect harmony of infinite intelligence, and not even the smallest creature could be spared from the universe without marring the completeness of the infinite whole. For this reason no individual can afford to despise any one of God’s creatures, nor set it aside as unnecessary.

Christian Science is an essential in the establishment of universal brotherhood, because it reveals the very nature of God as infinite Spirit and His creation as the infinite manifestation of Spirit, and sets mortals to work in a manner to develop rapidly the universal, spiritual brotherhood governed by divine intelligence.

Christian Science Sentinel, March 1922

When Christ Jesus charged the eleven disciples to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” it is reasonable to conclude that he contemplated the redemption of all mankind without respect to race or nationality, for the words “every creature” scarcely admit of discrimination against, or exclusion of, any race or group of people. And, manifestly, the gospel to be preached was the message of Truth, the redeemer of mankind.

In his letter to the inhabitants of Colosse, Paul likewise sets forth the universality of the Christ, making it clear that God’s perfect ideal is for the redemption of all mankind, of whatsoever race or nationality. To them he declared, “There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” In the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (p. 467), Mrs. Eddy has carried this thought an important step farther, in equally impressive language: “It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established.” Here not only is the fact of brotherhood stated, but the sure results of holding the right concept of God and man are clearly set forth.

As the Christian Scientist gains a larger spiritual vision, it gradually dawns upon him that true brotherhood must be established on the basis that all God’s children are united in His sight; that all are perfect in Him. This understanding will remove the barriers which tend to separate men, individually and collectively. The sense of disunity arising from apparent differences of race, customs, language, education, industries, disappears as the truth of being is revealed, and man is beheld in his true being, in his rightful relation to the Father and to individual man.

Even national boundaries, bristling with hindrances to the expression of unity, become less formidable as the spiritual facts appear. Tolstoi aptly pointed out that patriotism is far too limited in its common application. In its true meaning it signifies something vastly broader than loyalty to the ideals of a single country, however worthy, unless their ultimate aim be to demonstrate the brotherhood of man. Rightly considered, patriotism signifies nothing less than loyalty to infinite Principle, divine Love, and to the perfect ideas which constitute man’s universal brotherhood.

Mrs. Eddy states the case perfectly, beginning on page 469 of Science and Health: “With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.”

The prophet Isaiah foresaw the advent of Christ’s kingdom in a vision of peace and blessedness which has, throughout the ages, stimulated high hopes in those capable of spiritual discernment. He foresaw the happy time when the nations, responding to the appeal of the universal Christ, shall lay aside the implements of warfare, beating “their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks.” War will then be supplanted by the arts of peace, and the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God will appear.

As the leaven of the healing Christ finds its way into the thoughts of men, national ideals will continue to improve; and it will be seen that progress in civilization is not to be found in aggression, self-seeking, or strife, but in obedience to the will of the loving Father, which unites all in Christ. The Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount are not less applicable to the affairs of nations than to individuals; and nations no more than persons can escape Christian responsibility.

Mrs. Eddy, in speaking of the millennium as a state of mental progress going on continuously, says in Miscellany (p. 239): “The millennium is a state and stage of mental advancement, going on since ever time was. Its impetus, accelerated by the advent of Christian Science, is marked, and will increase till all men shall know Him (divine Love) from the least to the greatest, and one God and the brotherhood of man shall be known and acknowledged throughout the earth.”

Christian Science Sentinel, November 1899

Marietta Webb was one of the first African-American Christian Science practitioners listed in the Journal. A testimony of hers was chosen by Mrs. Eddy for the “Fruitage” section of Science and Health.

One Sunday morning a year ago last August, while seated in church, and my head bowed in silent prayer, I had a presentiment of my home being in danger of fire. I took in the situation in a second; we had not had any rain since the early spring, and the excessive heat of the summer had made everything very dry.

For a moment I thought what a terrible loss it would be if such were the case. Then fear began to creep upon me, when suddenly I was confronted with Truth, which said, “I am applicable not only in the treatment of diseases, but in all the difficulties and trying places of life.”

I at once began to demonstrate the Truth. Sweet peace stole over me, and when the silent prayer was ended, and we were repeating the Lord’s Prayer with the spiritual interpretation, I forgot my presentiment for the time being.

When I arrived home from church the first thing that met my sight were signs of fire. Two of my neighbors who had rushed in to assist my husband in putting out the fire met me with frightened looks on their faces, and exclaimed with uplifted hands, “O Mrs. Webb! I don’t know what saved your home, or your husband! Aren’t you frightened?”

To their amazement, and my husband’s, who had his hands and arms bandaged, I calmly answered, no. I then went on to explain why I was not alarmed or even surprised; and they marveled at it, although I had often spoken to them about the wonders that God’s truth will perform.

I did not look at the burns that my husband had received, nor did I bandage them, and in a day or so they were all healed. The fire was caused by the explosion of a bottle of gasoline, which had been left standing in the hot sun.

At first there was a slight explosion which sent the cork flying out, followed by a little flame, which instantly ignited a curtain, and this attracted my husband’s attention. In grabbing the bottle to throw it out of doors it exploded and went to pieces in his hands, the fire from it running up his arms and also igniting the woodwork at his feet.

The damage to our home was very slight. Surely “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” The Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” are my daily guides, the heavenly manna on which I feast and live.

O, glorious Truth that makes us free; that guides us into all the avenues and through all the vicissitudes of life; that is a healing balm for all human complaints; and that protects us from all evil; and which I verily believe is to be the only salvation of my race, the Afro-American, and that it will abolish the prejudice which exists throughout these United States; for, go where we will, we are made to feel our color.

But with the wide and rapid spread of Christian Science, man is not only learning what the true love of God is, by loving all mankind; but he is getting out of his old prejudiced self, into the spiritual sense of man’s union with God.

Christian Science Sentinel, December 1920

No one can view the disturbed condition of the world today and recognize its hidden cause, without realizing that the remedy must come from a higher than human source.

Mortals have been striving from the beginning to overcome the effects of error with error, but have only succeeded in adding discord to discord, until the human mind is hopelessly out of tune. The very evident conclusion is that, what the world needs and must have before its discords can be harmonized, is the spirit of the Christ; that is, not less preaching but better practice; not a setting aside of the letter, but more of the love of God shed abroad in human hearts.

Many years ago a young man sat at a table in a public reading room, feeling somewhat disconsolate, when someone in an adjoining room struck a few chords of such exquisite melody that they fell upon his troubled sense like “the touch of an infinite calm.” The impression was so deep and lasting that he seems to hear these chords again whenever the incident comes to mind. He never knew who played the instrument, but the music came to him as the human refrain of that diviner harmony whose tones are ever sounding to the ears that are listening for them.

Is not our greatest blessing to-day the privilege to send out loving chords to still the discords which seem so insistent around us, — not the chords of a material instrument, but of loving thought? Like the quality of mercy, the outgoing of loving thoughts “blesses him who gives and him who takes.” Our own salvation depends upon them.

In her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 (p. 9) Mrs. Eddy writes, “Loving chords set discords in harmony.” This message of our Leader comes like an echo of that voice which stilled the storm, and called forth the sleeping Lazarus from his tomb. It is the breath of Christian living.

Pray as hard as we may, study as hard as we may, deny error and affirm the truth as frequently as we may, yet we shall not be helped forward a single degree on the way to understand God without a loving spirit. Paul said, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his,” and his words apply particularly to Christian Scientists, for they acknowledge the infinitude of divine Love to an extent which the ordinary religionist does not.

We cannot expect the world to waken to the coming of the Christ if it does not feel the quickening touch of Christ­like love. Human organizations are helpful only as they promote the kingdom of heaven on earth, and unify the thoughts and affections of men.

Mrs. Eddy writes on page 81 of “Retrospection and Introspection,” “The letter of the law of God, separated from its spirit, tends to demoralize mortals, and must be corrected by a diviner sense of liberty and light.” In this demoralized sense, bigotry and fanaticism are easily mistaken for fidelity to a righteous cause. It was an overly zealous obedience to the letter of the Scriptures, without a redeeming touch of the spirit, that executed innocent persons as witches on the free soil of New England; and the same animus is at work today in the intolerance that penalizes another for having a conscience of his own. Such conditions are strongly suggestive of the Inquisition. It is true that Christianity has prospered on persecution, but it has never been guilty of it.

The influence of Christian Science is not human but divine, and it operates only through a loving quality of thought. It has no part nor lot in the ways of the flesh. Is it not time for Christian Scientists to awake to the identity of the secret mental influences which are at work, and to cease carrying out the designs of their worst enemies?

Let us cultivate the get-together not the put-asunder spirit, or we shall not bring out “the natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing.” Let us not become so absorbed with the clamor of the human dream that we neglect to look up and see the wondrous vision of Christian Science, and what it holds for mankind; nor so intent upon the discords around us that we forget to strike the “loving chords” that will set them in harmony.

Christian Science Journal, October 1899

When a small child I used to go into a dark closet and pray. I attended revivals, hoping to attain the change of heart they talked of; I have gone forward and given my hand to the minister, asking for the prayers of the church, but I was not satisfied. It took but one conversation to prove to me that Christian Science was the religion I would love to live, and that the God the Scientists spoke of was a God I could trust. It seemed to me there was more than one God, and that I had been praying to the wrong one.

Being a delicate child from infancy, I had been humored and stuffed with drugs and remedies until I complained of something all the time. One day, as I was dragging myself to the doctor’s office, I stopped in a hotel to see a dear sister, and when I informed her where I was going, and that I was using four medicines and mineral water, she said, “You would be better off if you knew nothing about medicine.” I had heard of Christian Science once before, but had asked no questions. This time I had eyes to see and ears to hear, and could not ask my questions fast enough. That same hour I wrote to a Scientist for treatment. I began reading Science and Health every spare moment, and found I would have to give up that which caused discord if I wanted harmony.

Here let me state I am what the world calls colored.

It has been eight years since I first began to try to live Christian Science, and for five years I have been a member of the Mother Church. I went through class in 1893, and during all this time the strong desire had never come to me to write to the Journal until I visited the Chicago church on Easter Sunday, 1898, and found only five colored faces among such a multitude of people. Later, at the Des Moines, Iowa, church, I only saw three, and my heart yearned to see more of my race seeking the only way that proves each step. At times the desire was so intense that I would find myself planning how I could best help my race, but a still, small voice would say, “Go on as you are, be faithful, and live Christian Science more, and your light will shine and God will do the rest.”

Then began my work. I felt a burden to carry, but I prayed to God to show me what He wanted me to know. One night a sister Scientist came to see me. I told her of the many faults I thought my race had that would have to be overcome. When I finished, I said, “There! a heavy burden is lifted.” Then I confessed that what I had been thinking were only false conceptions of God’s perfect ideas. Man being God’s reflection, no such thoughts came from God, hence did not exist in reality.

“God is no respecter of persons.” The Bible tells us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What difference had I been thinking of? I see that the only way to overcome what mortal man says is a curse is to rise above.

I knew of no other white Sunday School in the United States that had for its leader a colored woman. I have acted as First Reader and Second Reader. Thank God, the true way is for all, and nothing can separate us from God. Thank God, Mrs. Eddy our dear Leader, and all who have put before me things that have helped me to see the true religion. “Bondage is no more.” We are healed if we stick to the word, and the word is God.

Christian Science Journal, April 1948

Leonard Perry, Jr., was an African-American practitioner who was listed in the Christian Science Journal beginning in 1906 and was First Reader in 1908.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) I have gained so much good from reading the Christian Science periodicals that I desire to give in one of them my expression of gratitude for the many blessings which I have received through the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and of the textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.

In 1898 I became deeply interested in Christian Science through reading a copy of the Journal. At that time, I was troubled with a ruptured condition which the physicians said nothing but a surgical operation could relieve. After reading articles and testimonies in the Journal, I felt certain that I too could be healed through the power of God.

The next morning I went to the office of a practitioner, whose address I found in the Journal. He asked me what my “seeming trouble” was. This sounded rather strange to me. I took out the truss I had been wearing and showed it to him. I told him that I had read a Journal the previous evening and was convinced that I could be healed; that I had walked fifty-one blocks to his office without the truss and had not suffered any pain, whereas before this I could not stand for any length of time or walk without suffering severe pains unless I wore a truss. Then he said, “Your faith has made you whole; you do not need any treatments.” I replied, “Oh, yes, I must have some kind of treatments, for the doctors have said I must have an operation, and I have made all arrangements.” So he gave me a present treatment and a week’s absent treatment, and by then I was fully convinced that I was healed and would remain so. From that day until this I have not been troubled with that condition; in fact, I have not been confined to the house one day from sickness, although I have had to battle with some severe attacks of illness.

Recently I have been able to give up the use of glasses, which I had been wearing for about twenty years.

While I am grateful for many physical healings, I am much more grateful for a better understanding of God and His beloved Son, Christ Jesus, and that through the teachings of Christian Science, given us by our inspired Leader, we can at least begin to do the works which Jesus said we should do also.

I am deeply grateful also for class instruction from one of our Leader’s students.

Obedience to Christ Jesus’ greatest two commandments from Matthew 22: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” plus the second, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” must be the perfect guide as to how we live.

Recent world health affairs, fears, economic instability and other unrests, threatening the world’s security impels a togetherness of mankind to recognize sin, sickness and death as a common foe since these affect mankind as a whole.

Instead of the mesmerism of hate arising from false education teaching false concepts of many minds, many peoples because of color, class, race, education, etc., there should be the urgency for the world’s awakening to heed Acts 17:26: “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…..” This teaches what our relationship to God and to each other must be. From Science and Health, p. 467:9-13 we read: “It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established.”

All must claim “the one perfect Mind to guide him,” since only through this Mind can we think of ourselves and see each other correctly as Christ Jesus did. He loved God, our Father, and loved man, his neighbor, by having only the spiritual perfect view of man. Thus He healed sickness, sin and death. Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health, p. 266:18-19: “Universal Love is the divine way in Christian Science.” And the Christian Science hymn 266 says, “None who are truly born of God can live in enmity.”

We should then ask ourselves: Are we not all born of God? And if so instead of the foolish hypnotism of seeing differences in each other, should we not better be on a strong united front defending humanity’s God-given Love and freedom; and overcoming the evil triad of sin, sickness and death, as one forceful band of Love?!

Oh Mother Love! Thou broodest still.

In tenderness divine,

On each dear child who does Thy will,

And finds his strength in Thine.

The feathers of Thy bosom warm,

His covering shall be,

When snare of fowler waits to harm,

And shut him out from Thee.

The angels of Thy watchful care

Are round about Thine own;

They triumph over human fear,

And trust in Thee alone.

When hatred flies its poisoned dart,

And clouds of terror lower,

They nestle closer to Thy heart,

Thy Truth, their shield and power.

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From Mrs. Eddy

Christian Science Series, October 1889

The teaching of Christian Science makes unity of thought with us, as a people, unqualifiedly essential, if we desire success in overcoming even the uneducated forces of mortal mind. There should be the bond of union and sympathy between us that comes from the spiritual sense of our oneness in Christ — a practical Christianity, wherein the Spirit should supersede the letter, and technicalities should give place to the demonstrable.

A veneering of Christianity does not make a man a Christian. Nay, if he is not honest in his profession, it makes him a greater villain. Our motives need looking after, not by each for others, but by each for himself; and we must be positive that the objective point is Truth. If our own motives are pure, then we shall be better able to discuss the worthiness of others, as is sometimes necessary; but we cannot sit in cool judgment upon any, and should extend helpful thoughts to all.

We should have charity, — not the charity that covers sin, but that which gives the brother or sister a chance to work out his or her salvation. If we remember the command of our Master, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” we should have, perhaps, a greater disgust for error, beginning with that in our own thought, and so become more deserving of the appellation, Christian Scientist. The demand upon us as individuals, to meet every emergency with courage and patience, was never greater than now.

The difficulties that beset us seem many; but if we are faithful, we have much to hope for in the result. At times, apparent obstacles block the way, and the dark sea of tribulation seems ready to engulf us. Trust and faith in infinite Love must sustain us, until we realize in some small degree that we cannot be swamped in the dark morass of doubt and fear, which tempts us to swerve from our allegiance to Divine Principle.

What shall be the rules or methods that are to help on this work of unification? First, is hearty recognition and understanding of the Scriptures. Christian Scientists know the rock on which they build; i.e., Christ Jesus. We give a hearty adherence to the letter and the spirit of that article of the tenets of the mother church in Boston which reads, “As adherents of Truth, we take the Scriptures for our guide to Life.” On this plank every Christian Scientist stands squarely.

Inseparably connected with this and growing out of it is, second, the recognition of the sacredness of the teachings of Science and Health, and the relation of sympathy and loyalty that we one and all sustain to our Teacher and Leader. This means that we will listen in the future even more willingly than we have in the past to the voice that comes to us through the personality of her whom God has sent to be our Leader through the “Red Sea” of animal magnetism.

If we have learned anything in the bitter experience of the past it is the danger, the peril there is in not heeding her counsel. On this point, also, all Christian Scientists are a unit. These are the keynotes of Christian Science orthodoxy.

Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow thee.

Naked, poor, despised, forsaken,

Thou from hence my all shalt be.

Perish every fond ambition,

All I’ve sought or hoped or known,

Yet how rich is my condition,

God and heaven are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me,

They have left my Saviour, too;

Human hearts and looks deceive me –

Thou art not like them, untrue.

Oh, while Thou dost smile upon me,

God of wisdom, Love, and might,

Foes may hate and friends disown me,

Show Thy face and all is bright.

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History Corner

Marietta Thomas Webb was one of the first African-American practitioners listed in The Christian Science Journal. An article she wrote for the Journal is reprinted in an earlier section of this issue of the Liberator. Mary Baker Eddy selected for the Fruitage Section of Science and Health a testimony Mrs. Webb submitted, entitled “A Remarkable Case,” about the healing of her four-year-old son by her reading Science and Health, at a time of great need.

As was the case with most churches and religions at the time, churches were segregated by race, and the Christian Science movement participated in racial discrimination. In 1922 the designation “colored” was introduced for the Journal’s listing of black Christian Science practitioners, Christian Science nurses, and branch churches of The Mother Church. It is said that Mrs. Webb was successful in evading this for a while, with the explanation that she was not black but Native American. But this refusal to be marked as a “colored” practitioner resulted in her ouster from a group that she had herself formed in 1933, bringing together black Christian Scientists who held church services. In an article in the Atlanta World, she explained that she saw her identity “as ‘Child of God’ and not a colored ‘Child of God.’” At length, however, she was forced to give in and accept the designation as a part of her Journal listing, which she retained for the rest of her life.

In 1950 Mrs. Webb was included in an Ebony magazine article on black Christian Scientists. An accompanying photograph shows her still reading without glasses, confirming a healing of vision difficulties she had recounted in her 1906 Journal testimony. She passed away in 1951, having spent 40 years in the public practice of healing. Five years later, the Journal ended its practice of requiring the designation “colored.”

Marietta Webb maintained a hope-filled perspective on racial issues. The conclusion of her article “The Protecting Power of Truth” sums this up:

“O, glorious Truth that makes us free; that guides us into all the avenues and through all the vicissitudes of life; that is a healing balm for all human complaints; and that protects us from all evil; and which I verily believe is to be the only salvation of my race, the Afro-American, and that it will abolish the prejudice which exists throughout these United States; for, go where we will, we are made to feel our color.

“But with the wide and rapid spread of Christian Science, man is not only learning what the true love of God is, by loving all mankind; but he is getting out of his old prejudiced self, into the spiritual sense of man’s union with God.”

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Interesting Squibs

Here is an anecdote about a little girl only three years old. Her mamma was a Christian Scientist and she had been healed by this wonderful Truth. One evening last summer she called her mamma out of doors. “Come here, mamma, and listen to what the crickets are saying.” Her mamma went out and listened, but said she could not understand them. Then dear little Margaret told her. “Listen again, mamma,” said she, “don’t you hear them say, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord?”

Verily “of such is the Kingdom of Heaven!”

We need Love’s tender lessons, taught

      As only weakness can;

God hath His small interpreters,

      The child must teach the man.

Birds never light on fluttering or moving objects. So is it with Truth. Truth can find no resting-place in vacillating minds.

If thou hast wit and learning, add to it Wisdom and Modesty.

This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.

When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.

One ought never to turn one’s back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!

“Coming nearer and nearer to Christ,” we say; that does not mean creeping into a refuge where we can be safe. It means becoming better and better men; repeating His character more and more in ours. The only true danger is sin, and so the only true safety is holiness.

Infinite toil would not enable you to sweep away a mist; but by ascending a little, you may often look over it altogether. We wrestle fiercely with vicious habits, which could have no hold on us if we ascended into a higher moral atmosphere.

By perseverance the snail reached the ark.

Let no man claim any nobility of character, until he has risen above the purpose of seeking revenge upon those who offend him.

Forgiveness is God’s command.

The floods may swell and roar, but our ark shall swim above the water. It cannot sink, because the Saviour is in it.

What God made, he never mars.

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In Support of Our Nation, Our World

Christian Science Journal, April 1887

If we are awake to the dangers surrounding us, we may guard against them; but if we are deceived, we are indeed lost. The present age is one in which so much of what purports to be wisdom is forced upon the people, that they are given scarcely time to consider its utility. Nor does this seem to be the result of a demand; but, instead, shows a systematic attempt to limit public opinion to the ideas and interests of a certain few, who hold the same relation to society and morality as the political despot holds to his subjects.

It is argued, that the more we trust our most vital interests to those who claim to devote their exclusive attention to them, the better off we are, for time and eternity. This theory would not serve as a basis for political economy, nor would it insure the businessman success. It is patent to every candid thinker, that our interests in Truth are identical; then, while attending to our own real interests, we are doing the best we can for the interest of others, and vice versa. The action of all who have imbibed the spirit of liberty from oppression, has been aroused by an understanding of this principle of identical interests which must forever be perpetuated. The interest of each in Truth, to make no more of any idea or doctrine than its demonstration upholds, prevents the chance for personal conflict, which always exists under other conditions.

The early Puritans, voyaging from a land of oppression, showed a disposition to flee before tyranny; but our forefathers, in founding an independent republic, did it with the spirit of liberty, yet the disposition for oppression is still rife, and exercises its tyranny. From political servitude, man is plunged into a still deeper gulf of social and moral servitude. But political servitude is as nothing, compared to the servitude to the belief in material law, which is acknowledged in the pulpit, (where the sanctity of Truth should dwell), incorporated into public opinion in our schools, seminaries, and colleges, practiced by graduates of these institutions, and its sentences executed by blind adherents. It is through this belief in material law, that the grossest deception the world ever knew is practiced upon the people.

It is used to paralyze the spirit of the people, while the deceiver plunders them of their birthright, — the knowledge of their true nature in Spirit, — that he may substitute himself as monarch and his laws as immutable.

Despotic government, in all political forms, is fast giving way to the advanced ideas and correct conclusions of the people; yet, while freeing themselves from open bondage, they are being ensnared by those whose cry of liberty is but a mask to hide the most malignant designs. While watching their temporal well-being, they are lost to their eternal. They are made to obey natural laws, which never existed but in the mind of the discoverer, and spiritual law is made secondary to, and dependent upon, materiality. People are sent on a life-chase after intrinsic worth, which only exists in the mind of the sender. They are kept busy computing values which only the deceiver gave, so that opposition to their nefarious designs will not be aroused. The instruments of deceit are indeed carnal. The effort is to substitute vox hominis for vox Dei, and keep the deceived so occupied that they will not suspect the deception. The days of open tyranny are numbered, and, as this secret tyranny is apprehended, its days are numbered also. In effect, it is far more baneful than open coercion, as practiced in savage life.

For centuries, the voice of the nations of the earth pronounced the theory of government by the people impracticable. The experiment has proven successful politically; but this government has not been extended to society and morality; nor can it be, while fictitious laws and values are used to keep the people in subjection.

The cry of those interested in keeping up this farce of materiality is heard, to the effect that a spiritual government is absurd. No wonder they cry aloud against it. They believe it to be their means of support. They think their happiness depends upon the intrinsic worth of possessions which have no more value than a vacuum. How are we to establish spiritual government? By each one establishing that government over himself; by incorporating into public opinion a detestation of tyranny, in its secret as well as in its open forms. Extend civilization beyond its present limits. Let man know he has a birthright, which he can keep. Awaken the world to an understanding of this fact, and the deceiver will become unpopular, and his claims to virtue, above his fellow-man, receive the contempt they deserve.

The cry will be raised, that it will take too much time and effort out of our short lives, to bring about this change. Ah! but effort made in the cause of Truth and Humanity is a never-failing effort to prolong this belief of existence. It is a self-evident fact, that whoever advances Truth, advances his own best interests. Then take heed, ye who anticipate the close of life. Cease to be a barren fig tree. Begin to serve your own and the world’s best interests, by undeceiving yourselves as regards material law. Lay aside the weapons of selfish greed. Know there is no material worth! Proclaim it boldly; and although the enemy may struggle and foam, at the discovery of his teaching, yet “he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Freedom is our inheritance. How foolish to sell it for a mess of pottage. How cowardly to relinquish it without a struggle. How lazy to sit idly by, and see it buried in the slums of error.

It is of no use to expect freedom under material law. Such freedom would mean Free Love, in all its hideous proportions, and anarchy and confusion would reign. But upon the broad basis of Truth, a freedom of spiritual love is established, which is our glorious inheritance.

God’s blessings are forever,

And none can stay his hand;

Whatever road in life we tread

There is the promised land.

Tho’ stormy the horizon,

And dark the mortal view,

The rain of inspiration

Clears thought to see the true.

No separation threatens,

No fear will ever win;

God’s universe is infinite,

And everyone is “IN.”

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From the Early Workers

Christian Science Journal, August 1883

The above scripture was not intended for a rod to hold over the heads of men, or a threat to intimidate them; but on the contrary, a blessed assurance of the unselfish, watchful care of a dear Friend, who has a love prompting the seeking and bringing back every wanderer from the fold of Christ.

Look at the narrative of Hagar in the desert (Gen. 16), and you find a poor woman, alone in a foreign land, away from home, father, mother, and every associate of early days, exalted to a position of honor beyond anything she could have expected. She had not sought this elevation; it had been thrust upon her, and by one whom we would suppose the last person to suggest such a thing.

Soon, however, she by whose suggestion this honor came, turns to be her enemy, torments her, and seeks in every way to make her life bitter. No one interposes in her behalf; not even him from whom she had a right to claim protection. Literally, there was no “eye to pity, no arm to save.” She endures until her poor, tired womanhood is well nigh crushed, and then, all alone, she flees from her persecutor, and starts on a long dangerous journey across the desert, to her far-away home, preferring even to die than to remain longer exposed to such cruel hatred.

She journeys, until coming to a fountain, weary and disconsolate, she pauses to rest. She weeps and moans, but no sweet words of sympathy and hope are breathed into her ear; no loving arm is tenderly thrown around her. Suddenly the angel of the Lord calls her name, and questions are asked by one who seems to know all about her. She had supposed herself utterly alone, and is surprised at being addressed; but answers the questions in a straight-forward way. The message is delivered, and the messenger does her the honor of naming her future son. In doing so, he unfolds a glorious truth; for he names her son Ishmael, “God will hear.” She knows now that her earnest prayers had been heard. She recognizes the messenger as he leaves her, and says: “Have I looked after Him that seeth me?” And in adoration, and the overflowing gratitude of her heart, she called the name of the Lord who spake unto her “Thou God seest me.”

A commentator says, the idea in her mind was, “Thou seest my sorrow and affliction.’’ It was the brightest hope in her life that from that hour this was to be the name by which the great Jehovah was known to her. A star of hope to cheer and encourage; an assurance of the love and watchful care of a more than earthly Friend; and in after years as she would repeat the name of her son Ishmael, her mind absorbed in the signification of that name would say, Yes, I know it is true, He will hear.

Looking at this matter in the light of the real meaning of that beautiful promise is regarding it in its true light, and reflecting the actual of Christian Science. It shows us a motive, an incentive, a power that was a living reality in the heart of that woman, which overcame material things, and made the unseen of her faith a thousand times more real and supporting than any motive of fear could have done. It was an influence and love which lifted the mind above all earthly things and gave it control over the body, enabling a feeble woman to labor and endure, to struggle and overcome, when the motive of fear would have rendered her powerless. It gave her new and more correct ideas of God, His nearness, His care as our father, and a feeling that she was even more dear to Him than a child to his earthly parent.

May the scripture that furnishes our subject, or rather the name of our God, as well as all the other great and glorious truths of the Bible, be understood through the medium of God himself, for “God is love.” Then shall we find they reflect new luster on Christian Science, and help us to understand it; make Christianity more practical, and we, through it, more useful to our fellow-men.

To those who stand knocking, let this word come from one who knows their needs.

God is our Father. Why then should we not trust Him with the Life He has given us, to control it, to care for it, to guide and guard it? Surely He has power and loves His own. Mortal minds, so many of them, take such a weight of care, such anxious thought! In every emergency they must think and plan and do. The result, they think, depends upon them. One might conclude mortals to be the lords of creation, who set the universe in motion, and now hold the responsibility of attending to it in every detail.

I often think how a young girl said to me, “I have lived these last few months as if I had forgotten there was a God to care for me.” Does it ever occur to us why they are such wearisome work, — this care and effort? They are wearisome, simply because we are intrusive. We are entering God’s workshop, and have taken on us labor never meant for us. We are handling, or trying to do so, His tools; and in our interference we are making failures, while we toil and sweat and agonize, and cry out, “How long, oh Lord? “

How long? Till you give your life into the hands that gave it. Till you say, “I trust myself utterly to the Love that is my Life.”

Did you never see a persistent child, who fretted because it could not fix something right? The task is not fit for the child to attempt, and Mother has said: “Mamma will do it. Bring your work here.” But no! Baby shakes itself and says, “I want to do it myself,” and frets and pokes and whimpers. Wearied at last, Baby lays its work in Mother’s lap. The snarl is undone; and the frowns and wrinkles on Baby’s fair brow are also smoothed away.

So waits the living and eternal God, always ready; and when we take our human will, lay it down humbly, leave it with the Divine Will, and trust Immortal Love utterly, then we have done our work oftentimes, and we can go on with our legitimate duties, which we shall find light, while we wait on the Lord in understanding. Care and responsibility belong to Infinite Mind, which, having evolved its idea, man, will rule and develop him.

Lo! living Principle has taken up the snarl. Out of our weariness and defeat we may see wrought beautiful patterns of harmony and strength, each individuality a sight lovely to behold.

Christian Science Journal April 1897

>God, the Eternal Mind, far-reaching, unconfined,

Whose love no thought can comprehend, or goodness has divined;

He who pervades all space, in whom all life exists,

To whom all powers, all heights, all depths, are less than summer mists;

He hath created us, in image like His own—

As from the lofty forest tree a thistle ne’er has grown,

So from the Mind of God nothing unlike Him springs,

For like yields like; God has made us, then are we worthless things?

Are we by nature weak, when He is mighty, strong?

Must we, while knowing well the right, in weakness do the wrong?

Is mind indeed so base? — its source is pure and high;

Must we to brutal instincts fall and every virtue die?

If this indeed were true, then were our birthright fled,

His likeness would be torn away, and all that’s vital, dead;

Then sin could conquer us, but victors now are we,

Knowing that all things shall be ours through Him that made us — free!

Why did you do the wrong, desiring much the right?

Because you understood not God, thought darkness to be light,

Deemed sin a mightier power than was Omnipotence,

Yourself a frail, uncertain thing, helpless, without defense!

The flesh indeed is weak, but ‘tis not flesh that lives,

It is not flesh that to the soul thought and emotion gives,

‘Tis Spirit, boundless, strong, that gives us life and breath;

The flesh may crumble and decay, but Spirit has no death!

Then act, act with thy might! scorn failure and despair,

Remembering he who conquers all, a crown of life shall wear!

No sacrifice is vain that in His Name is done;

Then forward press with steadfast hope until thy goal is won!

And all thy future days one mighty song shall be,

A song wrought by a Master-hand in matchless harmony!

Swelling in sweet refrain, soaring beyond confine,

Until thy life is lost in His, — Eternal and Divine!

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Current Articles

Being in Christian Science and working with my practitioner has helped me to see the world in a different light. I was always so focused on what was wrong. The hate, the mistrust, the anger at my circumstances, seemed legitimate and justified. But I have come to realize over the past few years, that those feelings have no active role in what is true and real. They never could make anything better, heal, or bring peace to anyone.

I am so grateful to have been given the tools to overcome any temptation to turn back to all the bitterness and give up. I have learned that life is not a roller coaster ride of wins and losses. It is fixed, steady, and unmoved. In this I have found an indescribable peace.

Lately, I have heard so many people saying that they wished “things” would just go back to the way they were. Because of everything that God has done for me through Christian Science and the teachings I have received from this church and my practitioner, I can say with all certainty, that is impossible.

I thank God every day for all the love He has given me, for the food He provides, for a safe home to dwell in, my family in Christ, for the strength to never give up in the midst of adversity, and all the changes that have awakened me to His power and presence.

I am so grateful to my practitioner for removing all that has hindered me from knowing and loving God. I am grateful to God for Christ Jesus and Mary Baker Eddy and all that is being done to elevate and illuminate the world.

In the Bible story of the prodigal son, after leaving his father’s house and living riotously, he returns home. His father then gives him gifts and celebrates his return. His elder brother, however, becomes angry, since he had been faithful to his father all this time. So the father then tells his son, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31) This is the word of God to the faithful ones. Whenever this Truth is spoken with love and sincerity, it has power and can touch a heart, and even set a life on the right path.

Here is my own story. I lost my mother at the young age of 11, and my sister and I were raised by my Dad and the nearby neighbors. Dad was raised in the church, so he regularly attended a local church and took us to Sunday school. One day, out of the blue, he spoke the above excerpt to me. I was not yet in high school, but I was deeply touched and never again doubted his love. I now realize that the power of God was what I felt.

The greatest gift anyone can give a child is a knowledge of, and love for, the wonderful truths in the Bible. They will stay with them throughout their lives, and be a guiding light.

The Plainfield Church has many helpful resources available, and one I am very grateful for is the Sunday School webpage. This is a wonderful resource, filled with prayers and materials for children, covering many different topics.

Last week I had the opportunity to spend a few days with my grandchildren. One of my granddaughters took me aside and asked me if I would talk to her about how to not be afraid, as she was going to have to be getting some shots before returning to school, and she was very worried about this. I was so grateful for this opportunity to talk to her about how God loves her and is always with her, protecting and caring for her. I told her that she could talk to God at any time, just like she was talking to me, and that He would always hear her, and He would send her thoughts to comfort and help her. She was so receptive and happy to hear this, and said she felt much better already.

I never asked her when she was going, and didn’t think about our conversation again for a couple of days, when I got a very strong angel thought to check out the Plainfield Sunday School website to see if there was something that I might share with her. I found a beautiful prayer by Mrs. Roberts which reads:

I am God’s child.

Because He is all good, I am all good.

Whenever I become aware of anything that makes me not feel good,

I pray and work to know that it is not really me.

I know that, for example, being fearful is not something from God,

so I will know this until the feeling of fear fades away.

I am compassionate, kind, funny, patient, beautiful, and confident.

God is with me wherever I go and He loves me.

I immediately copied it and sent it to her. A short while later she contacted me to thank me, and told me that, not only did it really help her, but that she received it 15 minutes before she had to go for her appointment. I didn’t know when she was going, but God did! As it states in Hymn #9 “He knows the angels that we need, and sends them to our side, to comfort guard and guide.”

I was guided by His angel thought, to send her that prayer at just the perfect time, and she was guarded and comforted by it. What a wonderful proof of God’s Love and care.

Many years ago, I was doing research at an Ivy League library. The process was laborious. You looked up the papers you needed in their card catalogue, filled out paperwork, presented it to the desk, and then you waited for them to bring it to you from the archives. This all took a really long time— and I quickly fell behind. I had flown across country to do this research and could not change my flight home or arrange to return.

When the library closed for the evening of my last full day there, I was frantic. I had to leave by 1:00 the next afternoon to catch a flight, and I was barely halfway through.

It was Wednesday, so I decided to find a testimony meeting. When I arrived, I found a tiny society in someone’s house. I was needy and disappointed and had hoped for some big-time inspiration. So I stood at the door thinking of skipping the whole thing, when I heard this voice in my ear: “Stop thinking about what you can get and go in and give something.” So I did. After the readings, I stood up and gave a testimony.

Immediately after that, a gentleman right behind stood up and said this: “I’ve been praying a lot about time. Before I retired, it seemed like I never had enough time. Now that I don’t work, it seems like time just drags on. So I’ve been reading everything Mrs. Eddy wrote on time. And last night it suddenly occurred to me that time is the measurement of two supposedly material objects rotating around in space — the earth and the sun. In Christian Science we learn that matter is not real. So then, how can time be real either?”

He went on to share how this idea had helped him. But frankly that was all I needed to hear. His testimony knocked time right off its pedestal! Suddenly, and quite hilariously, I saw time as two random rocks revolving in space like some cheesy 60s TV show, where everything was made of papier mache and chicken wire. I thought, how could two rocks possibly control God’s ideas, or cause them any kind of difficulty or suffering!?

As I walked back to my hotel for the night, I was on cloud nine. I vowed never to be duped into thinking two rocks could have power over any part of my existence.

The next morning I said to myself, today I am going to lean on the sustaining Infinite. I know it will be big with blessings. I’m turning this process over to Mind, and trust that what I need to accomplish will get done. Two rocks have no power!

So I went back to the library and got to work. By noon I realized that in three hours, I had done two days’ worth of work! There was literally nothing left to read. I actually laughed out loud, and then thanking God profusely, I took a walk and had lunch with my free hour.

In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy wrote: “Breaking away from the mutations of time and sense, you will neither lose the solid objects and ends of life nor your own identity.” That’s exactly what that gentleman’s testimony taught me. Since then, whenever time tries to convince me that it’s real — in the form of aging, in the form of being isolated, on a long plane flight, or when I seem to have too much to do in too little time — I have a little chuckle about those two random rocks in space. And then I lean wholeheartedly on the sustaining Infinite.

I am very grateful for all the watching that is done in the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, and especially for the weekly Unity Watches. It has blessed my life in countless ways.

One weekend a couple of protest marches were organized for the city of Plainfield. Around the nation there had already been areas of great unrest and destruction at some of these marches, and now similar groups were coming to our area. One of the protests was a block from the church, and the other was set to be at the other end of town.

The church members were asked to pray for the peace and safety of the folks participating in this activity, and for the city of Plainfield. During the time of the protest and march, we were holding our Bible Study. The march did not disrupt the class nor our needed work and activities afterward. The march was peaceful, quiet, and safe, thanks to the love-filled, consecrated prayers for the community, nation, and world done at this time.

This experience also brought healing for me regarding deep-seated fears and memories from childhood. I had grown up in the 1960s and 1970s during racial unrest that often ended in violence. So it was wonderful to see the results of this prayer! The help I received from my Plainfield practitioner during the week leading up to these planned protests kept my thought focused on God, not people, events, or the past. It was such a powerful experience and lesson witnessing the effect and power of righteous scientific prayer, which brought out the good that was here, and silenced unrest.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in her book, Christian Healing, “If you wish to be happy, argue with yourself on the side of happiness; take the side you wish to carry, and be careful not to talk on both sides, or to argue stronger for sorrow then for joy.”

A Plainfield practitioner gave me this quote during a particularly challenging time, when joy seemed to leave me quite often. She taught me to claim for myself many facts in Christian Science that were the truth about me, including happiness.

A strange thing also happened during this time. There was a task I knew I must complete, and I did not feel I could do it. And then, from within me, came that wonderful voice, “I will do it.” Well, of course. It is God that worketh in me. I am never alone doing anything myself, which is something that I must continually remind myself. So I prayed, “Father, let my hands be Thy hands,” and began the task.

I had done this task many times before, but never in the way it was being completed this time. All was going well, until at one point, there was doubt creeping in about a final step that was going to be taken. I hesitated for quite a long time. Then I said aloud, “God, I hope You know what You’re doing.” And, with that, from within me, came a burst of laughter that could not be contained! I could not stop laughing at what I had said. I could feel the joy within me again. It felt so good!

Things are made right when we put God first. Always! I use this experience now, before I do anything. Not just with putting God first, but also claiming the joy that goes with it.

Two weeks ago, I was blessed with a trip to attend the Sunday services at the Plainfield Christian Science Church. That Sunday I awoke with a song in my heart, unaware of the blessings already unfolding.

It was unusual to be greeted with thick morning fog. A three-hour drive became a four-plus hour journey. Along the way, the GPS lost reception. No internet! Fog! I was so grateful that God is my constant connection, my moment-to-moment guide, my best Friend. With the Covid shutdown, the road services were minimal. I was so grateful to be led to a service station that was open, and to find WiFi in the building.

Taking the directions down by hand on a paper towel, I was off again, aware and grateful that each step of the day was perfectly ordered. Arriving late for the Roundtable at the church, my place at the table was beautifully prepared; a copy of the Lesson Sermon, a refreshing bottle of water, and smiles with quiet acknowledgements I had arrived safely and comfortably. Gratitude filled my heart.

The service was beautiful. The peace was palpable, the light, warm and bright, the joy sang out, love was everywhere! And the welcoming spirit was beyond measure. Being introduced to all attending, it was lovely to see happy, glowing faces enjoying the day, and each other. The strong sense of community was easy to be part of. I was thankful to feel at home, a church home that was most comfortable in all aspects. As I left, I was sent off “on wings of love.” The day was very complete. I am deeply grateful to God for showing me the way “home.” It was certainly worth the trip, and encouraging to see every obstacle error tried to throw in my way, overcome by the love of God.

Have you ever thought about loyalty — what or who are we loyal to, and why? I am learning that loyalty to anyone or anything but God is really detrimental.

All my life before coming to Plainfield Church, I had people in my life I was loyal to; and in the course of trying to do what I felt was the loyal thing to do, it would often conflict with what I felt was the right thing to do — and it always ended poorly.

Once I started studying Christian Science here in Plainfield, I learned that we are to be loyal to God alone. Since the other way obviously wasn’t working, I did my best to see what the benefit of being loyal to God could be.

Over the years it has become very clear that, as He is the one and only power and Truth and Love that exists, God knows exactly why He created each of us. He knows what our purpose and place are, and He knows what makes us the most useful — and the happiest. Living the life God has made for me — and that He has made me for — things work out so much better, and I have never been happier. And I know He will bring all to Him in this same way.

During my studies recently, I was led to read the following articles, all found on our church website: “Business,” by Martha Wilcox; “What is God,” by Herbert W. Eustace; “I Am That I Am,” by Bicknell Young; and “Body,” Second Article, by Martha Wilcox.

I have studied most of these articles before, but this time I understood that the Truth in each article is the same Truth, whether the subject is business, finance, or body. God is All and man is His perfect reflection, created in His own image, as the first chapter of Genesis states. My job is to keep my consciousness filled with Truth, and Mrs. Eddy says that this will keep us busy!

So many times in the Bible God tells us He will not leave us alone. One verse is Genesis 28:15 says, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Additionally, in this verse we see that God always fulfills His promises, including “My grace is sufficient for you” (I Cor. 12:9), and “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33).

Our persistence is also critical in Christian Science. My life has always been filled with blessings, even when what I thought needed to happen, didn’t. I am so grateful that I did not quit when my struggles continued. Another lesson to learn — do not outline the result. The Truth as stated in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt 6:10) Be open and trust that God will provide the correct, blessed outcome. It’s not always easy to do, but the more Truth that is in my consciousness, and the more I trust God’s will, the faster the struggles fade into nothingness, and always blessings appear.

Jesus, the Christ, “who has since been rightfully regarded as the best man that ever trod this planet” (S&H page 364), was the most meek, unselfed, and yet most mighty — he overcame sin, sickness and even death. His is the example we must all strive to emulate!

Someone likened meekness to how water takes the form of everything or anything that it is poured into; in other words, complete conformity, the absence of any resistance. This has given me a vivid understanding of meekness. Through self-immolation, self-abnegation, we allow God to mold us and use us in the way of His choosing.

For so many years I struggled, thinking I had to change something; until I learned that meekness — what Mrs. Eddy talks about a great deal — is needed. Through her work we learn how important it is to yield to what God knows about us, and to be willing to make God our All, and follow His laws as best as we can.

When I finally stopped making so many plans for my life, turned to God frequently for answers and acknowledged His Allness, Omnipotence, Ever-presence, and said, “Father, here I am for whatever you want me to do,” the many fears I had, began to abate.

I also learned to claim that I am the image and likeness of God; that I am nothing of myself, but as God’s reflection, I have the dominion, courage and strength that belongs to us all. This empowering sense of my unity with God affords the meekness that is unmoved, that does not cower nor get frustrated or discouraged in front of challenges.

It is so wonderful to feel free of fear, to know that at all times, no matter what comes up, I should get myself, “Florence,” out of the way, and trust God. We each must come to the Truth empty, be ready and willing to accept, obey, and follow as He directs. Then in our stillness, letting God, we will be blessed with the peace that only God can give.

I learned a valuable lesson in this church; and that lesson is the importance of tithing. I have learned that tithing is a very important sign of spiritual growth. Tithing, of course, is giving ten percent of your income to your church.

For many years I was self-employed and didn’t really know what my income was going to be each year. One year, due to some very bad choices on my part, I almost lost my business. I started losing money at a tremendous rate, and during this difficulty, which lasted almost a year, ten percent of my income was a negative number. So, I had a very difficult decision to make. Was I going to continue giving to the church when I had no income, when I had less than no income; because I was depleting our family savings for quite some time.

We learn in Christian Science that God is the source of all good, and that His good is infinite. I knew I had some big lessons to learn about trusting God with everything in my life. It came very clear to me that, if I was going to trust God, I needed to continue to contribute to the church. So, every week I would take a deep breath and write a check; and every week I would watch our savings become more and more depleted. I trusted God, because I knew that I needed to learn something really important. Just before our savings ran out, the business turned around, and I very quickly earned back everything that I had lost.

I learned a huge lesson about trusting God with everything in my life and showing my gratitude to Him by tithing. I am actually quite grateful for this experience and for the lesson it taught me; and for the practitioner help I had at the time that helped to straighten out my thinking, so that my life would be more in line with what God wanted for us.

Christian Science is a tremendous way of life. I am grateful for Mrs. Eddy for giving us this Science, for fighting the battles before us, winning, and showing how to properly live a Godlike life.

Excerpts from Harriet Beecher Stowe: An Appreciation, by Mary Church Terrell

“In the college church of Brunswick, Maine, in 1850 sat a little woman. As the Lord’s Supper was administered, she was blinded by tears and convulsed with sobs. She had been given a vision of a slave steadfastly refusing to inform on another slave, falling under the blows of a vindictive slave-master, all the while praying for him.

“Almost overcome with the burden which this scene laid on her heart, she rushed from the house of God to her home. Seizing her pen, she painted the vision which had swept her soul with such a tempest of emotion, then gathering her family about her, she read what she had just written. So deeply affected were her two little sons of ten and twelve years that one cried aloud in convulsions of weeping, ‘Oh, Mama, slavery is the most cruel thing in the world.’

“This sketch which so moved the children was the foundation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and she who wrote it was Harriet Beecher Stowe.”

Thus Mrs. Stowe’s Communion vision spread throughout the world and her book became the 19th century’s highest-selling novel. Banned in the South, it woke the North from its complacency more than any other work of that day, so much so that President Lincoln, on meeting Mrs. Stowe in 1863, is reported to have said, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started the great war.”

The final footsteps of history that brought the revelation of Christian Science to earth were:

1.) The exodus of the pilgrims from Europe, “the heroes and heroines who counted not their own lives dear to them, when they sought the New England shores, not as the flying nor as conquerors, but, steadfast in faith and love, to build upon the rock of Christ, the true idea of God the supremacy of Spirit and the nothingness of matter.”

(Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 176, emphasis added.)

2.) The writing of the Declaration of Independence, which led to the Revolutionary War, which led to the creation of America.

3.) The expansion of the liberties spelled out in the Declaration of Independence, which led to the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in America, and also at last created the ideal spiritual climate for the feet of the angel of Christian Science to find rest on the earth. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

It is no accident that Christ Jesus chose the feast of Passover — the feast of liberation from human bondage — as the center of his final teaching to his disciples before his crucifixion.

The urgency that the pilgrims felt was a divine urgency passed on to the writers of America’s founding documents, passed on to the Revolutionary War soldier, passed on to Mrs. Stowe, passed on to the Union soldier, passed on to Mary Baker Eddy, who has passed on this same urgency – only greatly magnified – to you, me, any of us today willing to answer her call. “Will you doff your lavender-kid zeal, and become real and consecrated warriors?” (4th of July remarks by Mrs. Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings, p. 177.)

Mrs. Eddy once said that we could read the Sermon on the Mount every Sunday, because it is so important. What do we learn from the Sermon on the Mount? We do not judge others, and that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. These are rules and laws of the universe, and when we follow them, we are happy, healthy, and well; when we don’t, we’re miserable. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and that is the truth about God’s creation.

In Mrs. Eddy’s article “Taking Offense,” found in Miscellaneous Writings, she said “with a charity broad enough to cover the whole world’s evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it.” I have often asked myself, do I have that charity that is broad enough to cover the whole world’s evil and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it? That’s quite a challenge! Think about it — if we could get into that wonderful state, just to wrap this world in love, it would do tremendous good.

I thought of Gilbert Carpenter, who worked in Mrs. Eddy’s home. He said that in the evenings, Mrs. Eddy would sit out on her porch swing, and she would pray for the world. He said when he would go out to say good night to her, that the love that radiated from her was so overwhelming, it would bring tears to his eyes. He knew what she was doing. She was giving that love that was broad enough to cover the whole world’s evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it.

This is what our watches are about, to neutralize the bitterness in this world so that people feel the love of God. It is a tremendous healing power; and as we do this, it is as if we bring everything back into focus, back to what God has created.

Some of what we see on the news is certainly not what God created; it has no part in it. I am so grateful that there were students in Mrs. Eddy’s home, and that she taught them how to pray, how to watch, how to handle the weather; and they taught others in turn.

When people talk about practitioner help, this is what it’s all about. I learned from my practitioner, and my practitioner learned from her practitioner; it’s an apprenticeship of how to do the healing work. It is an amazing, wonderful thing that God has given to us all, this practice of Christian Science.

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Letters of Gratitude

I am a life-long Christian Scientist. For the last few months, I have been listening to the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, Bible Studies, Roundtables, Wednesday evening services, studying the weekly Watches, and reading the weekly Lessons. What an inspired source of instruction and sustenance! I wanted to express my gratitude to the church and those who lovingly “prepare a table before me,” each week.

I have always prayed (in passing) to receive inspiration from what I read and pass that onto the Sunday School students I teach, and that inspiration comes, sometimes at the last minute, when class is in session, to completely change the course of the teaching. However, since finding the Plainfield Church, I have been learning that I can consciously ask for, and expect, that inspiration now. Reading an article from Mrs. Evans, entitled “Choices,” put me back on track in getting my lesson each morning, before the day starts (instead of at the end of the day), so that my day starts with God and I can more easily affirm His presence throughout the day, as it unfolds.

With love to this special church.

“Today is big with blessings.” (S&H) My heart overflows continually with immense gratitude, joy and love, for Mrs. Eddy with all that she has left for all to “walk this way,” to the early writers who so beautifully left their writings giving more glory to God and lighting the way of the Christ Science. And, I am so very, very grateful to have been drawn to the Plainfield Church and their wondrous website that just has to enlighten all who come to be fed. I am so grateful for a new, real church community, family! All so longed for, right here at the touch of a button. I love attending church, Wednesday night meeting, Roundtable, Bible Study, hearing the hymns, and working with a beautiful practitioner.

Just a note to say I enjoyed the service on June 14, 2020, and although I haven’t been very good in communicating, Plainfield Church is still very near and dear in my heart. I will always be grateful for this church and the help I have received.

These statements have been very helpful to me in praying about world situations:

“Mortal mind is always inept and confused, its conclusions always wrong and its intent is to divide — is never to be trusted! This is the irreversible, unopposed Word of God and it stands forever!” From Unity Watch June 18, 2020.

I’m very thankful for our watches.

Thank you for reprinting the pamphlet by John L. Morgan, “Some Notes on True Vision.” I keep it in a basket of uplifting Christian Science material available at your bookstore.

It has been a great pleasure to have “stumbled” across the Plainfield Christian Science Independent YouTube channel while seeking support for a variety of health issues. Plainfield has opened my eyes to fundamental and practical applications to any and all manmade troubles I may be experiencing. Yes, the feeling of love and an ever-present God are wonderful, but I could not translate that effectively to the hourly onslaught of error in thinking, acting and speaking. The online Roundtables and weekly Bible Lessons have made all the difference in my life. They are my daily “go to” and sustain me as nothing else has. Today I am eager to make as much spiritual progress as I possibly can, and look forward to demonstrating that new learning, as opposed to cringing and fearing at the thought of having to deal with any trouble that arose.

Thank you for making your church’s teachings available to every man, woman, and child seeking a pragmatic approach to understanding who we are (effect) in relationship to God (cause).

I have church and branch membership but do not attend. It’s just not real!! I am so grateful to have found real at the Plainfield Church!

I took a call from a friend who advises people about finance, and with the present situation in the news, he was having a difficult time with his clients. Normally it’s very socially inacceptable to talk about God or religion here, but I know he is a Christian, and I mentioned to him about the 91st Psalm, and he was very receptive. He said he would look it up and would mention it to some of his clients to help them keep calm. I was very grateful!

This contribution comes with much gratitude for this church’s dedication to Mary Baker Eddy’s pure revelation of divine Science and absolute adherence to the Rules and By-laws of the Church Manual as given in her last and final 88th Edition. As she said, “Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.” Miscellany p. 230, by Mary Baker Eddy.

I’ve been working daily for the world during this world crisis. I asked God for a sign that I was effective. The next day I went to a local store. As I waited to be helped, a man smiled at me and said, “I sense a Godly spirit in you.” We talked about God’s care of man in these days. As he left, I told him that Spirit, God, works in him and I was certain a dear, kind, caring God tends to us. That experience was all the proof that I needed that my watching was effective. Thank God for our faithful watching, Mary Baker Eddy, and the simple Christian Science taught in this church.

Thank you so much for my acceptance and your welcoming letter into the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent.

I am so glad I found the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent! I am very grateful for all the wonderful changes this church has made in my life. Mrs. Eddy’s pure Christian Science is taught and practiced here. This church lets God’s love shine through and sends out its light to the world with healing and comfort.

Enclosed please find my monthly donation.

Thank you, Plainfield, for all you are doing to spread the truth of the Gospel to the world. The variety of articles and music that you have made available to teach us the way in Christian Science, as Mrs. Eddy intended, serve as a quiet, holy invitation to come into the presence of God and get to know Him better, and to help us grow closer to Him day by day, and so we are equipped to further our work for God by being obedient to God’s commandments.

In preparing to do my individual watch one evening, I was led to work on the issue of young people being attracted to “spirit boards.” Apparently, it is a board game that draws attention to the occult/spiritualism. As I was preparing for the watch I went to the website and under the archived roundtable section, I was immediately directed to an October 2016 Roundtable, the theme of which was Satan’s lies. The discussion and ideas in this roundtable were very helpful in strengthening my watch to see and know that our youth are not drawn into such indulgences, because God did not lead them there and, therefore, they will not go astray. We hold to the truth for our children and all children.

I am very grateful for all that I am learning through the wonderful teachings. Thank you.

I’d like to say a sincere thank you very much for the recent items which have been posted on the Plainfield website to help with combating fear in the present world situation.

I would also especially like to thank you for the “extract from a letter” by Mrs. Eddy, which talks of the need for watching. I had always understood that, because Jesus told the disciples what would happen at the end of his earthly life, who would betray him, etc., that he knew what was going to happen. But Mrs. Eddy’s letter implies that it was not a “done deal,” and if the disciples could have watched effectively, the crucifixion would not have happened, or maybe not so soon.

This has shed a different light on things for me, and is very interesting, thank you. I know Mrs. Eddy said towards the end of her time here, that, if the students had done as she asked them, she would have lived longer to carry the cause (or words to that effect); but I’ve never heard the thought expressed that Jesus might have been with us for longer. So, thank you very much for this.

With love to you and all at Plainfield.

I would like to express my gratitude for the Bible Study and all the Saturday mornings we can get together and discuss the Bible. The Bible has become such a treasure. Mrs. Eddy says in Miscellaneous Writings, “The Bible is the learned man’s masterpiece, the ignorant man’s dictionary, the wise man’s directory.” I learn so much from these Bible Studies and am so grateful to all those members who are involved in putting these together. I feel like I am back in Sunday School every two weeks and I love it!

Thank you for the Roundtable on Sunday, May 3, 2020. There are so many ideas and points to be grateful for. The one post that mentioned about being called ugly hit a personal note for me and the conclusion about being the image and likeness of God — therefore beautiful — is very comforting.

The article called “There is No Death,” shared about the man who passed and returned to tell his wife about his experience and for her not to grieve or worry about what other people thought of her because if they really knew her they would love her, is a beautiful story.

Also, the idea to sit at the feet of Jesus and be more like Mary and less like Martha is a good lesson for me. There is so much more, and I enjoy listening to it for myself and using many of the ideas in my Watches.

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Testimonies of Healing

from M. T. of France

Last year I received the great news that my office partner and his wife were expecting a baby. In September (on a Monday, if I recall it right) the water of the expectant mother broke and she was rushed to a hospital, since she was only in the 21st week of her pregnancy. Several doctors agreed on a “judgment,” and all told the couple that there is no hope: there is no way of the membranes healing and the water refilling, especially at this stage of the pregnancy. In two days, they were already talking about the baby in past tense. They were told that there will definitely be an operation to remove the baby, but that they will still carry out a few measurements on Friday.

When this happened, I kept on declaring that this verdict is impossible and that the Bible says “let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4), meaning that all material knowledge and diagnoses are lies in the face of God’s Truth about this matter. However, I was not able to cope with the suppressed fear and the personal impact the sorrow of my dear friends made on me.

On Tuesday I called a Plainfield practitioner for support in my prayers. She listened and mentioned the prayer Mary Baker Eddy said (from the Blue Book), “Thank you Father, that there is nothing that can come in between you and this little child!” For two days I received no different news from my friends, only repetitions of earlier statements; however, I knew that God was working His purpose out.

On Thursday, my friend called me to say that he was at that moment driving his wife home from the hospital, and that she only needed to stay in bed and move around very carefully for a few days. They did not even have to wait for Friday’s tests. All was well.

I was so grateful for this wonderful demonstration of divine Love! This is how before God “sorrow turns into joy” in a moment! What cannot God do?!!! I am so grateful to God, for Christian Science and for the practitioner’s support! And I am happy to say that the little baby arrived at the end of January perfectly healthy and on time!

from Leonora in Germany

Three years ago my son and I lived in a valley, and he and his friend rode their bikes uphill to school. One day it was raining; they had just left school and were on their way on a dirt road, besides the main street. My son flew off into a curve and slid into a guardrail. He was safe, but shaken and had a cut bleeding beside his eye.

His friend walked with him back to school where I worked. My son was crying and arguing with his friend while I cleaned his face, because his friend said that he was driving too fast and did not really use his brakes. Then his friend went home.

I kept calm and reassured my son with some comforting truths as I cleaned his face. The suggestion came that he needed stitches. I told myself that there are no accidents in Mind. I knew I had to keep praying.

By the time we got home my son had forgotten everything because he immediately wanted to go to visit the same friend. I continued to pray and to remind myself that since there are no accidents in God’s kingdom, His creation can also have no accidents, therefore nothing could have happened, and that my son was always God’s untouched child, always safe and well.

I also felt to pray that God is in control in the children’s relationship and that none of them could feel prideful in how they rode their bikes — also that there are no mistakes in God’s kingdom. I felt calm, satisfied and free. The next morning when we got up the skin on my son’s eye was completely clean; no scab and no scar.

I am so grateful for this healing, grateful that God led me to Christian Science, and I am really thankful for the Plainfield practitioner’s help.

from B. S. in California

I am very grateful for the Plainfield Church website, services, Roundtables with such wonderful teaching, and for all the opportunities to work for God through church activities.

Some weeks ago, someone shared a testimony of the healing of a painful hip. This helped me to see I needed to deal with an occasional pain in my hip. So, every time it tried to crop up, I would say, “I am ageless, diseaseless, and deathless because God made me so,” and now that pain is completely gone! The sharing of testimonies at our Wednesday evening meetings is a wonderful blessing and encouragement for everyone who hears them.

from L. T. in New York

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this Church and for the life God has given me. Our God is a merciful, loving God who cares deeply for each and every one of His children. I didn’t always believe that. As a child, I was sure God didn’t care about me at all. Night after night my prayers went unanswered. I wondered what kind of God would allow so much suffering. I was not impressed with this, far off, God that I was taught about in church school. I had so many questions and was rightfully confused.

Then a few years ago, God lead me to call a practitioner from this church. I came at her with such certainty that I am the child of an alcoholic, I am abused, I am angry. I was then taught over these few years, that I am not this “I Am.” I was brought out of that mindset, and everything in my life began to change. I was taught that I am the “Daughter of the King” and shown why that is true. I was given the tools, which when used, opened my eyes to the truth of my being, untouched and unashamed.

Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Man is not material, he is spiritual.” I now know as a certainty, I am “that” “I AM.”

I am so deeply grateful for my practitioner’s strength and understanding, which enabled me to overcome this awful way of thinking.

from V. P. in California

Years ago, at 19 years old, living in Arizona and working the night shift at a Country Club/hotel, one day my car was being serviced and the cook, a co-worker, offered to drive me home from work. At the time I was attending Sunday school, and now I am so grateful for those teachings. That night my co-worker took me out in the middle of the desert to rape me. I found myself telling him everything I learned at Sunday school, and he actually sat and listened in amazement. I remember telling him that our Father-Mother God was holding us in the palm of His hand, and I held up my cupped hands to show him.

Just then I saw the headlights of an oncoming car, and right then I made a move as though I was about to throw up and he let go of my hair. I jumped out and flagged down the car. It was a nice couple who said that they decided at the last moment to take a shortcut through the desert. I told them what happened and they safely drove me home. After this incident the cook never showed up for work again.

Two thoughts make me clearly aware of God’s presence at all times with this incident: First, what prompted the move as though I was about to throw up, and what made that couple change direction that night and come to my rescue?

These thoughts make me more aware of how present God is with us at all times to protect us.

from D. V. in YouTube comment

Your church conveys such a sincere, loving, and caring attitude that is changing the world! It has certainly changed mine and those I share my learning with.

Though a student of the Bible since a child of about seven years old, I could not make sense of it. Really. I do now. Because of this church that is based upon its Christian Science teachings by Mrs. Eddy, I now see the Bible as truly alive and all-powerful over all! My friend said just Friday night, “Why couldn’t I get it until now?”

This book, Science and Health, is the key that opens up the Scriptures and teachings of the Word of God! Too, over the years I have experienced healings beyond explanation just by studying Science and Health, but return to other methods and thus set myself back. No more!! I wish to give my testimony and I don’t quite know how because on July 5, 2020 I awakened to full and clear hearing from my right ear. Thank you, God! I had tried everything. We can heal our bodies and the world of hatred with this book and return it to Love, God’s intent!

Thank you all!

from J. F. in Florida

I want to thank God for His incredible protection, and a Plainfield practitioner for her healing prayer. Yesterday I fell down a full flight of stairs, banging my head on the tile floor at the bottom. The whole way down, I continually declared “God, good.” Amazingly, no bones were broken, but I was badly bruised, very dizzy, and shaken up. After my husband helped me up, I immediately emailed a practitioner here for help. Then I sat and studied our textbook Science and Health, by Mary Baker Eddy, pages 390-393, which helped to calm my thought.

Shortly I heard from the practitioner who told me to pray with the 91st Psalm, and know that angels bear me up. Later she told me to study two pages in Science and Health, one being p. 424, where it says, “Accidents are unknown to God, or immortal Mind.” She also told me to handle daily the belief of accidents and age, and to revisit in Watches, Prayers, Arguments by Mary Baker Eddy, all the things that Mrs. Eddy says to handle daily in our thinking. I spent the whole morning doing this, and felt peaceful and inspired.

Later in the day, I still was having a lot of pain and a headache, so I asked the practitioner to continue to pray for me. This morning when I awoke, the headache was completely gone, and I was able to move much more freely, and even take my morning walk comfortably.

I am so grateful for this healing, and the deep lesson in the importance of consistent daily prayer.

Texas

I’m so grateful that Christian Science is available 24/7, for any situation. This morning my little dog Toby injured his leg and was limping. I spoke to him as if he were a person and reminded him that there is no room in all of God’s kingdom for accidents of any kind. Then I prayed during my watch to know that no one can be mesmerized into thinking God is somehow not in control and ever present. I included all of mankind in this prayer.

After my watch was done, I reminded Toby of his perfection as a manifestation of God, as we are taught in Christian Science. Within the hour, Toby jumped down off the bed and ran down the hall, perfect as always.

I am thrilled to be able to practice this marvelous religion, which has a solution for problems of every kind. I am very grateful for the Plainfield Christian Science Church Independent, its website, the dear practitioners who are always willing to help, and especially the Roundtable discussions. And my undying gratitude for Christ Jesus, and Mrs. Eddy who demonstrated her Science in daily life.

from L. S. in New Jersey

I am grateful to be learning the healing power of Christian Science at this church, where it is correctly taught and lived. Since coming to Plainfield Church, working with a practitioner here, and attending their classes, my life has been blessed and transformed. I now take time with God in the morning and use prayers I have learned here during the day.

During a move I was making to a new home, I began to have sore gums. It was painful to chew, and the area was tender. This alerted me to slow down and pay attention to what I was doing and thinking. With gratitude, I recalled a past healing I had here of a gum problem. I remembered a prayer I was taught here, so every time I brushed my teeth I declared, “my teeth are rooted and grounded in Love.” I made an effort to be sure that I was not rushing around, but was keeping a peaceful thought.

During this time, I was getting regular support from my Plainfield practitioner for other things. She continually instructed me not to lose my peace. I had not yet asked her for prayers for this specific problem, but within a couple of days, the condition completely cleared up. This is an example of how the prayerful work reaches all areas of our lives.

It is such a blessing to be witnessing the power of Christian Science prayer when you are giving your life over to God’s care and are learning about Him.

from A. B. in England

I would like to express gratitude for all the articles and books freely provided to all on the Plainfield website. I can recall saying to a Christian Science friend some years ago (before finding Plainfield) that I heard that Mrs. Eddy was prolific in her writings, so it seemed strange to me that there were not other articles available besides the “authorized” books. I am therefore very grateful for the additional material you provide by Mrs. Eddy, and the early workers. The “Things to Handle Daily” article is very helpful and gives us plenty to do!

I would also like to express sincere gratitude for regular practitioner support. A couple of days ago I felt a sore throat starting, and by the evening I felt quite congested too. I declared that I could only experience all that God is — which does not include a cold. I did not speak to my practitioner about this but feel that her support was more than a little contributory to my being free of this problem when I woke up the next morning. I am most grateful.

from B. N. in New Jersey

A few days ago, while at work performing my duty, and as I was trying to go from one floor to another, the stairs were a little dark and I thought I was already at the bottom of the stairs, but I wasn’t; so I twisted my ankle as I stumbled. Happily, I was able to break the fall but had already been hurt badly, and the pain was excruciating.

I managed to get back to my post. I began to declare the truth as I know it about myself and place — that God, the omnipresent, is in this place now and forever, that no pain and suffering can come from doing good. I also knew that I, as always, was doing God’s work and His will, and that it can only bless me and everyone around me.

I paid little to no attention to the pain but directed my thoughts to where they belong, to God. I excused myself from working for a moment. I continued to declare the truth until I started to feel the calmness of the love and presence of God surrounding me, and I suddenly fell asleep. By the time I woke up, my shift was over and the pain was completely gone. My ankle felt like nothing happened. Yes, because nothing happened but good. Nothing else was going on but good.

The healing was very fast. It was another reminder that God is always watching over us, and that error is nothing and has no presence or effect on any activity of man, since God, the omnipresent, fills all space.

Thank God for what I’m learning here in the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent. Thank God for Mary Baker Eddy, for her revolutionary Christian Science, and that we can be able to use it in our everyday activities.

from D. F. in Florida

When I was a kid, I saw many wonderful healings in my family through working with a practitioner in this church. My father was healed of the last stages of cancer. He was a teacher, and that healing was attested to by the school doctor. Several years later, he was completely healed of a stroke in a very short time. There were absolutely no side effects or physical signs that it had ever happened.

This church has always practiced Christian Science the way Mrs. Eddy intended. It is the Truth, it can be applied to anything including all the issues going on in our country and the world… and it works.

from D. F. in Florida

The other day I began experiencing some of the symptoms of the virus, which we are hearing so much about. I won’t go into the details, but a lot of it, I think, was based on fear. We had shut down our club dining facilities because four of the kitchen workers tested positive. Also not helping was all the publicity here in Florida, and the fact that I was paying attention to a lot of it.

As soon as I could I asked my practitioner for help. She said “no plague shall come nigh thy dwelling,” “shut it out!” She told me to study the 91st Psalm, as well as pages 390 to 393 in Science and Health. She also said to really work with the statements on those pages and not just read them. I did just that. Those pages contain very strong command statements, such as, “Blot out the images of mortal thought and its beliefs in sickness and sin.” I made sure I was doing that. This all started late Sunday night and by Tuesday morning I was feeling fine, with no symptoms at all.

I am very grateful for this quick and powerful healing. I am very grateful for Christian Science, the work of the practitioner and to be a member of this church and to know that God is really the only solution for all this nonsense.

From a 1920s Christian Science Sentinel by Chamberlain

Dear Father, Mother God, I come oh teach me how to pray.

I have been longing to heal.

I have been trying to understand and follow You on the way.

I have denied the dream, claimed the real

and yet it seems that I fail.

But now I find that I have to come to You

and leave everything to You.

Oh make me pure as You are, wipe out all mortal error,

that seem so real but are only dreams. Reveal the Christ to me.

I humbly ask you that I may reflect Your Love.

Be still, came the gentle reply, be still, my child

And know that I am God, that I am ALL; you have nothing to do,

only to see man perfect, pure and whole.

You only have to recognize that My work is now perfect,

that I am the divine Love, the only power, presence, Mind,

all substance, Spirit, Life, the Principle of All

and the unchanging boundless good.

In My image and likeness I created man,

immortal, completely free, and I preserve him so perfect.

If truth fills your thoughts,

can anything have room in your thinking,

can it be evil if the good is ALL –

or error where there is Truth?

Awake my child, rise from your sleep and put on the armor.

If you deny the material sense and acknowledge only one Mind,

God, Christ will reveal himself to you.

Forget self in the love of mankind,

then you reflect My Love and love will enable you

to see the perfect man.

Be still, my child, and know that I am Love,

that the work is complete – LOVE – !

Blessing

“I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” (Is 43:1)

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.

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.

Websites in Other Languages

Our missionary work is expanding. We have recently launched websites in the languages of Hungarian, Ukrainian, Russian, Marathi, Nepali, Pashto, Persian, Sindhi, and Tamil, which join with our existing Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu — that makes seventeen languages other than English!

Much gratitude to all of our translators for their individual demonstrations which are working to bless every corner of the world!

We recently received the following email from someone new in Pakistan:

Accept my greetings and salute for the lovely way to produce your unchallenged true teachings about God, as our Mind, we as His ideal creation and making it clear what the Christian Science Church is giving to the spiritual-thirsty like me. The great work you and your Church is dealing regarding foreign languages is amazing and fruitful. I am having great blessings since I have started learning the Word of God through your website and YouTube channels. Especially Pashto, Sindhi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil and Marathi languages are doing great things spiritually in my life when I read and listen to the YouTube lessons.

I greatly appreciate it and ask my Lord for the unstoppable blessings for the whole church worldwide. May you always please my heart and soul by producing these lessons and other great material in all the languages of the world especially for my Pakistani and Indian people. Amen.

I thank you and the whole church again for all of this.

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.

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”