Article August 5, 1905 Issue

Name and Essence

A. M. P.

MANY years ago a seeker after Truth found much pleasure in the pages of a certain work, and among the thoughts new to the reader was this, that the name and the essence are one. Like a seed awaiting the hour of germination this thought lay in the memory until Christian Science awakened it to vigorous life. It was in studying the Bible in the light of Science and Health that the writer realized, not only how wide was the application of the statement to biblical writers, but also what a deep significance it has for the scientific student of the Scriptures.

The following are a few examples culled from the many which illustrate our subject. In the Master's wonderful prayer, given in John, are these words, "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me;" here, knowing in Science that the Father is no human concept of Deity, localized and vaguely spiritual, but actual Life, Truth, Love, we can see clearly how our Father keeps through His own name—essence—those who cast in their lot with Christ, Truth.

"Hallowed be thy name!" In giving us the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer, to convey the true meaning of these words of Jesus, our Leader has most beautifully confirmed and illustrated the thought that the name of God should be to us the perfect synonym of His essence. In Luke's gospel we find these words, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." What light is thrown upon this passage by Science! Not so much are we to be glad because the devils—special phenomena of sin, sickness, and death—are subject to us, through Christian Science, as because the fixed reason of our dominion is laid bare; namely, that our nature is the reflection of Spirit, and is therefore harmonious throughout. Our names are verily "written in heaven."

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