Editorial August 11, 1906 Issue

Readiness

Annie M. Knott

In our text-book we find this statement, "Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks" (Science and Health, p. 570). These words were recalled by a letter from one who attended the recent dedication of the Extension of The Mother Church, and who referred to the great help received from our dear Leader's Message, "Choose Ye." Special reference was made to her playful use of the word justice—"not just ice"—and this Scientist spoke of the many who "lack human sympathy, and who therefore have no true understanding of Divine Love." Then followed a few words taken from the letter of a distant friend who had read and pondered the Message. In speaking of one who greatly needed the help which Christian Science gives, this writer said, "I think I can be a wee bit of comfort to her, 'not just ice,' but loving and warm and tender."

In Christian Science we soon learn that we must be healed of all that is unlike God's perfect idea,—His child,—not merely from our physical aches and pains. Mortals are marred by mental deformities which have greater need of healing than has any physical condition, so called, but divine Love can and does heal all our ills. Of old the Israelites were commanded to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and it should be our chief concern to have and to express this beauty in all we are and in all we do. The hardness and angularity of selfishness and fear must feel the firm, yet tender touch of Truth and Love, and "give place" to that which expresses the One "altogether lovely." We may rejoice in knowing that over and above physical healing this beauty of Spirit is earnestly sought by so many of those who come to Christian Science. In all such there is awakened in wonderful degree the consciousness of spiritual realities and their supreme value. Thus is the true healing realized. This healing meets both mental and physical needs and replaces deformity and weakness with the beauty and strength which come from the divine Mind.

In the process of healing, our consciousness should ever be of the abiding qualities of Spirit, not of the unreal conditions of mortal belief, to which we must not cling if we would get rid of them. The sense of justice which merely chills and repels is not a product of Love, and needs to be healed as much as does any bodily ailment; nay, more, its healing is sure to bring a corresponding change even in physical health which witnesses to the world the regenerative power of Truth. We must be ready for higher and yet higher problems, and give thanks at each step of the way. Christian Scientists who are closely following their beloved and trusted Leader, receive with gladness her every counsel, whether it be a word of warning, of rebuke, or of praise, well knowing that by heeding it added blessings will follow. The important thing is to be ready, both to hear and to heed; this was the Master's warning to his students, "Be ye therefore ready." Thus shall we learn each lesson assigned us, receive the blessing, and give thanks.

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