The Optimism of Christian Science

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

There is much comment upon the optimism, courage, and happiness of Christian Scientists, and for that reason it may be worth our while to consider the cause of these manifestations.

Fear is based upon a consciousness of imminent danger or prospective trouble. Said Paul, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." If our hope is placed on material things it is sure to be limited, for we are all well aware of their instability and mutability. Indeed, happiness does not depend upon the things of this world, and a little consideration will reveal the fact that there is quite as much sorrow among the wealthy and well-to-do classes as there is among those in more limited circumstances. Some of those who are rich in this world's goods are quite as unhappy in their anxiety concerning their investments as are the poorer classes on account of their destitution.

While it is thought by some that faith is quite out of the fashion now-a-days, and the more philosophical may scout the idea that confidence in the divine power has aught to do with the arrangement of our present affairs as well as our future destiny, Christian Scientists are demonstrating that one can be contented day by day,—be relieved in a large measure of the strain and anxiety which characterize the lives of most men.

If one is calm, fearless, and wise, he is quite capable of making his way in the world, for he knows how to proceed, and has the strength and courage needed therefor. However much mortal man may claim for himself, it is true that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, that every intelligent idea emanates from the divine Mind, and that man is properly guided and sustained only in proportion as he relies understandingly upon God. Thanks to Christian Science, we are learning what the Prophet meant when he declared, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."

A deep, comprehensive, and definite spiritual consciousness of God, an understanding of what He is to man, why and how He upholds all things, why it is possible and probable that He will care for us under all circumstances,—an understanding of His very nature and essence as we are taught in Christian Science, convinces us of the absolute certainty of what we actually need, dispels all fear and anxiety and effects a sense of peace and harmony which the world cannot possibly give, and this is the secret of the happiness of Christian Scientists.

Alfred Farlow.
Boston Times.

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