Article February 17, 1906 Issue

"We have only as we give."

IRA C. HUBBELL.

THE child who has learned that two times two are four is as well qualified to tell this simple truth to another as is the person who has mastered all the higher branches of mathematics. If, therefore, we remain silent and refrain from telling others of the good that has already come into our lives from the study of Christian Science, simply because we are not yet perfect, because we have not yet attained to the full understanding of Christian Science,—the Science of Christianity, the Science of Life,—our growth is retarded to just the extent that we permit ourselves to be held in the bondage of this belief of a lack of fitness to speak. The child gains a clearer understanding of the multiplication table by telling others what he has learned, and he puts this acquired knowledge into daily use by improving each opportunity to do so. This is true of all that we know concerning any subject, whatever its importance to us, and it is especially applicable when we consider the grand possibilities to the world in the teachings of Christian Science.

One may say, "I am not as good as I should be, but through the help of Christian Science all who are sincere can see daily progress in reaching its high ideal; and with Paul they can say, I am persuaded nothing can separate us from the love of God, for victory is on God's side.

The dearest privilege one can enjoy is the opportunity to say to another, standing where he once stood,—in darkness, in ignorance of God, in doubt and in fear, afraid of this and afraid that, literally a ship on a tempest-tossed sea without a rudder, drifting toward agnosticism,—"Cheer up, brother; through the teachings of Christian Science I have seen an opening through the teachings of Christian Science I have seen an opening through the coulds, and I am on my way out of doubt and fear. The same Love will guide and direct you as well, if you but permit Him to lead you." As we tell to others the helpful experiences through which we have passed, and give grateful acknowledgment to God and His messenger for the good already received, we shall find it literally true that as we learn to give, then and then only do we begin truly to receive. It is also true that we possess only what we actually use. This applies to our understanding of the Science of Life as well as to everything of less importance. Christian Science not only heals the sick and sinful, it also clarifies the student's thoughts and provides for greater activities in every right direction.

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