Article January 25, 1908 Issue

VALUE OF THE LESSON-SERMONS

EMMA MAC GREGOR

When I first began the study of Christian Science its demands upon my time seemed more than I could fulfil. In going through the Lesson-Sermon each day I found it required so much time that I neglected numerous domestic duties which, to me, seemed of paramount importance at that time. I had a great sense of personal and was holding myself up to a righteous obligation from a human standpoint, so I continued to put that first in my daily routine. As I struggled along the new way, following light I saw, I gradually grew to see that it was only error which prevented me from gaining all I might from a careful study of the Lessons, as they were designed to teach us the Knowledge of God, which is the whole duty of man. I therefore made greater effort to take the time for this study and began to make it first instead of last in my day's program. I then found my work grew more harmonious and more easily accomplished. The more I studied and pondered the truths I found in each section of the week's Lesson the lighter grew the burden of my material cares. This was quite a slow process, as mortals count time, but after ten years it has worked wonders in my material surroundings and adjustments.

From a sense of being burdened and a sense of responsibility to retrieve losses and misfortunes, Christian Science has rolled the whole load off by showing me that "the government shall be upon his shoulder." Instead of cherishing a sense of self-pity and self-righteousness, it has shown me that these mental states are the deepest selfishness and Pharisaism, which Jesus denounced as "whited sepulchres." I also found I was wrong in condemning and judging my neighbors' faults and virtues. I have also learned by patient study of the Lesson-Sermons that they are our daily bread for our daily needs, and now, if error manifests itself in my domestic affairs, I immediately stop work and take up the current Lessons, which puts me in a frame of mind to meet and overcome whatever of discord would interfere with our harmony. I do likewise if any physical ill presents itself, as was the case recently, when a severe attack of illness appeared. I took my books and retired to my room, there to agree with my "adversary quickly;" and as the subject was "Unreality," by the time I had reached the third reference in Science and Health (see p. 488 1. 17), and had studied thoroughly that paragraph, and the Bible references, I knew the demonstration of the power of the World of God was accomplished, and within three hours all manifestations of the aliment were entirely gone. That this would not have happened without the aid of Truth, I am fully convinced. My experience for thirty years previous to gaining this understanding was a long and tedious battle with material means, as such attacks usually lasted from three to five weeks. Our Leader says, "When the omnipotence of God is preached and His absoluteness is set fourth, Christian sermons will heal the sick" (Science and Health, p. 345).

My appreciation, gratitude, and deep love for our dear Leader, who has made this truth applicable to our every need, and who is still devoting her whole time to gaining clearer spiritual insight for our benefit and guidance, grows in proportion as I try to walk in her footsteps.

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