Article September 25, 1909 Issue

SEEING AND ACTING

CARL HORTON PIERCE.

To the true Christian Scientist seeing is acting,—one is identical with the other,—and thereby mankind may come to understand the practical nature of Christian Science. It may be that one's "besetting sin" is drowsiness, or laziness, or inaction of any kind, such as procrastination; but do we realize that we have omnipotence at our side to aid us in overcoming the evil propensities of mortal mind?

The Christian Scientist realizes that his first step is to declare the truth. We read that "the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him;" then let us act. If the besetment is drowsiness in the morning, we can declare the truth the night before, affirm that evil of any nature cannot keep us from activity. the manifestation of Life. Mind will then bring it to pass that we shall wake up in due season, and when awake we should get up. If action does not follow, of what avail is the declaration?

We reflect Life when we are active; Truth when we are truthful; Love when we are loving. There is no use in declaring that our brother is God's child, when deep in our consciousness is lurking a sense of vengeance that would cut off his ear. Our revered Leader says, "Faith illumined by works; the spiritual understanding which cannot choose but to labor and love; hope holding steadfastly to good in the midst of seething evil; charity that suffereth long and is kind, but cancels not sin until it be destroyed,—these afford the only rule I have found which demonstrates Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 338).

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