Article July 24, 1909 Issue

FAITH MADE PRACTICAL

F. MAUD TURNER

The Bible has undoubtedly been reverently studied and greatly appreciated by many earnest seekers after truth, but it was a closed book to the writer before she came into contact with Christian Science. In early youth a good many passages had been committed to memory, but the practical use of these passages as capable of being applied in daily life, was as remote a possibility as would have been the suggestion that the study of the multiplication table could teach a child how to walk. To Christian Science, therefore, does she offer a tribute of grateful thanks for her changed attitude toward this book, and none can be more grateful for this awakening than is she. Indeed one can but pause to contemplate the marvelous change that comes over all who have gained a deeper insight into the inspired Word, through the study of Mrs. Eddy's book, Science and Health, and as a result of this study many can now truthfully utter the words of the psalmist when he says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

It is surely obvious that unless the teachings of Christ Jesus are as practical today as they were nineteen centuries ago, the narratives in the four Gospels are shorn of more than half their value. To be told that Jesus opened the eyes of the blind, gave hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, really amounts to mockery if the blind, deaf, and dumb cannot be cured in the same way today. To wonder why this has never been thought of, and universally practised during the past hundreds of years, is not of so much importance as it is to know that over forty years ago one did set herself the task of finding out the truth, and that her clear, unswerving allegiance to the Master's teachings has made it possible for all to avail themselves of the blessings that are awaiting each honest follower of the Master, of whom it was said that "never man spake like this man." The actual words and works of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels would probably occupy the space of but a few pages in a monthly magazine, and yet short as this is compared to the lengthy and numerous text-books of material knowledge, it will be found that no circumstance can arise, no difficulty can assail, no sorrow can oppress, which may not be mastered through some word spoken, some act performed by our loved Master.

If then it is possible that the divine power which guided Jesus is as efficacious as ever it was, what is demanded of his followers in order that they go and do likewise? May it not be that more faith is the great need. Hear what Jesus said: "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Could any blind belief utter such a statement and bring out certain results? No, the faith that is required is spiritual knowledge and a declaration, an assertion, a realization of the attainment of the object desired, that positive assurance which begets success.

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