SYSTEMATIC STUDY

Annie M. Knott

The many thousands who study our Lesson-Sermons from week to week may gain a useful hint from the experiences of those who are engaged in gold-mining. A few years back it was known that large quantities of the precious metal were near the surface in some of our goldfields, but even after the ore had been taken out, crushed, and subjected to intense heat, the gold could not be separated from certain chemicals which clung tenaciously to it. After years of patient and costly experimentation, however, a process was discovered by which the separation was made and a larger percentage of the gold secured. Today greater care and improved methods of treating the ore yield yet better results.

In a similar way the great treasures of the Bible have for long years been practically unavailable for human need. It is true that here and there some one would find that the truth about God is more to be desired than gold, "yea, than much fine gold," but in general experience many sincere seekers after the truth admitted that while it seemed to lie at their very feet they did not possess it as did Christ Jesus and those whom he instructed,—they were unable to lay hold upon the "hid treasure," as did Peter when he said to the lame man, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." Then he gave him his healing from the treasure-depths of divine Truth. Now, however, thanks to the tireless research of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, the Bible is yielding up its treasures; the pure gold is being separated from the dross of human sense, the clinging errors of material belief which have made even the fine gold of the sanctuary "become dim."

Too long have sickness and sin, want and woe held sway in mortal experience, although all the while the infinite supply for every human need was within reach of all humanity did they but know how to "take forth the precious from the vile," as it is phrased in Jeremiah. This the study of our text-book enables us to do, and at each reading we find more and more of the treasure which awaits all those who seek diligently for it.

"Seek, and ye shall find." said the great Teacher, and in our study of the Lesson-Sermons we shall be aided by looking up in the Glossary of Science and Health the definitions of words used in the Lesson, when these do not appear in any of the sections, for by gaining the spiritual sense of one word, perchance, much light is thrown upon others. It is also surprising how much useful information is to be found in the "Teacher's helps," including a concordance, supplied as an appendix in most Bibles. In addition to this, an ordinary English dictionary within reach is invaluable, for it is simply astonishing how many well educated people there are who have very vague ideas as to the actual meaning of words. Too much cannot be said for the concordance to Science and Health. It is so well arranged that any passage may be found without delay by looking up the word which comes most readily to thought.

In this study our quest should not be for the letter only, but for the spirit which giveth life, and our actual gains will be manifest in an enriched sense of being, in the good which we embody and do. God's Word is an inexhaustible source of wealth, and its treasures are being found and utilized in Christian Science as never before in human history. At each sifting of the word of Truth greater values are found, and surely yet more remain if our spiritual city is to be paved with "pure gold" as St. John tells us. Well said the wise man, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Annie M. Knott.

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"BLESSED ARE THE PURE."

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