THE STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES

Annie M. Knott

One of the most important religious movements of all time was inaugurated when in 1894 our revered Leader ordained the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as pastor of The Mother Church, and the intervening years have witnessed a study of the Bible by Christian Scientists such as was never before known. While it is true that there have been in the past many earnest and prayerful students of the Bible, the study of the Lesson-Sermons used in all Christian Science churches is quite unique. All Christian Scientists the world over are engaged upon the study of the same passages of Scripture at the same time, and these are illuminated for them by the selections from Science and Health. They are all "of one accord" and "in one mind," if not in one place, in their desire to know the truth. Our Leader has expressed the wish that the Bible from Genesis to Revelation shall be used in these Sermons, and a close study reveals the fact that new passages are constantly being used, although many which most clearly point to the life-giving Truth will ever be the more frequently employed, especially those passages which give the words and works of Christ Jesus.

Those who have had the great privilege of hearing Mrs. Eddy speak on the Bible, either in her public addresses or to her students, can but be grateful for the illumination which her words brought to them, and this illumination is shared in greater or less degree by all students of her works. On one occasion she said to some students that every part of the Bible contained wonderful spiritual lessons if we were ready to understand them, and she added, "It might almost be said of the Bible, that the most 'uncomely parts have have abundant comeliness.' " This was recalled not long after, in reading the story of Lot, which has a tragic lesson of the price to be paid for choosing the material before the spiritual.

In the study of the Lesson-Sermons we should remember that while certain passages which may seem obscure or even contradictory cannot and need not be separated from the context, it does not follow that at this stage of our growth we can understand the whole. Our Leader says that "scarcely a moiety, compared with the whole of the Scriptures and the Christian Science text-book, is yet assimilated spiritually by the most faithful seekers" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 317). This only shows what treasures of truth yet await the faithful seeker, but it is also well to remember that "mere speculation or superstition appropriates no part of the divine vesture" (Science and Health, p. 242); spiritual growth is what really unfolds the power of the Word to heal and save. In reading any passage which is not readily understood, it is well to ask ourselves whether it has any relation to the working out of our present problems. If it has, the lesson will appear in some degree; while greater growth will unfold more of the truth contained in the same text.

A most interesting letter, received not long since, told of a remarkable case of healing through the study of the Lesson-Sermon. A lady had for sixteen years been totally blind in one eye. She became interested in Christian Science a few months ago, and took up the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon from a deep desire to be benefited spiritually. On the evening of Nov. 14 her eyesight was suddenly restored. The Lesson for the week was on "Soul and Body," and the fourth section, read on that day, showed the difference between the material sense of sight and the spiritual. Thousands of Christian Scientists the world over were at the same time seeking the spiritual illumination and finding it, and this was doubtless but one demonstration among the many of the power of Truth and Love as understood in Christian Science. Well did the Master say of the Church founded upon the recognition of the Christ, that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The living Word, illumined by Spirit and obeyed by every member, is the power which nothing can withstand.

Annie M. Knott.

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LETTERS TO OUR LEADER

April 18, 1908

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