Article May 30, 1908 Issue

REVERSING THE TESTIMONY OF THE SENSES

KATHRINE JONES.

The beginner in Christian Science is often tempted to think that he could progress more rapidly if he were in different atmosphere, surroundings, or circumstances. He thinks that if he were living with Christian Scientists or had more personal help he would be a better Christian Scientist than he is; but this reasoning is false. Let the student become convinced that his present environment is as good as any other for his advancement in the understanding of Truth, and that no outward circumstances can in any way hinder his growth, and all the erroneous conditions of his human experience will gradually disappear. He must realize that improved conditions are the result of improved thought.

Another temptation that besets all mortals is the belief in the reality of sorrow. It is easier to believe that we are in sad and virtuous resignation to "God's will" than to know joyfully that "His will" always means perfect peace and happiness for His children. When a sense of disappointment comes to us, the teachings of our Leader are beautiful and comforting, but do we regard them sufficiently as essential truth? We are apt to think that we know what is necessary for our happiness, and we spend much time and thought in pursuit of personal happiness when really the only thing worth striving for is to know and do the will of God,—and this ultimately brings abiding happiness. When tempted to believe that we have reason for sorrow and depression, let us turn to our Science as Science,—something that is both true and practicable. Mrs. Eddy clearly points out that happiness is not dependent upon material conditions but is an accompaniment of holiness. She says, in "Unity of Good" (p. 47), "Our Master said, "The Kingdom is at hand.' Then God and Heaven, or Life, are present, and death is not the real stepping-stone to Life and happiness. They are now and here; and a change in human consciousness, from sin to holiness, would reveal this wonder of Being." If each Christian Scientist strives to realize this, how much we can do towards lifting the gloom of the world and establishing "the beauty of holiness!"

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