Article June 19, 1909 Issue

MAGNIFYING GOOD

LEWIS LUDINGTON YOUNG.

One of the most satisfying answers ever given to a hungering world is that of our Leader to the question, "What is God?" God is defined here as "incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love" (Science and Health, p. 465). An experience is recalled where there was an earnest desire to drink from the depths of this well of truth and gain more than a mere perusal of the statement could give. The dictionary was referred to, the definition of each word in this answer was copied on a scrap of paper, and these definitions were studied and dwelt upon until each coincided with the concept of God as revealed in Christian Science. The experience brought such an uplift, such a rousing from dormant conditions, that the water from this well was indeed as "living water," of which, if a man drink, he shall never thirst again.

Being committed to memory, these definitions would recur during unoccupied moments, and on such occasions the magnified mental view gave an inspiration and uplifting something like that experienced on beholding a scene of unusual grandeur. To reflect upon Deity as defined in Science and Health enables one to experience the richness and fulness of the divine Life; it fills the hungry heart with good things, and inspires us, like the psalmist, to "magnify the Lord," and to feel as did Mary when she rapturously exclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."

The experience of magnifying God, good, has been helpful in breaking the habit of unwholesome contemplation of the aspects of evil, and to disarm it of the repulsion and fear instilled. The dictionary alone, however, will not avail to define God satisfactorily, any more than moonbeams will melt a river of ice, the clearer realization of God coming from the conscientious study and practice of Christian Science. Comparing the effect produced by empowering evil and that of magnifying good, it becomes more evident that, as Mrs. Eddy expresses it, "the Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration" (Science and Health, p. 259).

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
THE PERFECTION OF MAN
June 19, 1909
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit