Article September 24, 1910 Issue

UNFOLDMENT

MAGDELANA FRICKEY.

In answer to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" Mrs. Eddy writes: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love" (Science and Health, p. 495). In the Gospel of Luke we read, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Here we learn that, in order to grow individually, we must be obedient, as the first step. When Jesus was sought by his mother, where did she find him? Doing the work that his Father had sent him to do. His reply to his mother's gentle reproach, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" conveys to us a profound meaning. When we are sought of others may they know that we can be found about our Father's business, ever working for the reign of Love to be revealed in each and every consciousness, and preparing it for the appearing and reception of the Christ-idea. In turn, may we always seek and find this idea reflected in others, and so bear true witness of man as God's child. By seeing this true likeness everywhere, the spiritual idea grows in ourselves.

We read further that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Mrs. Eddy says, "To understand all our Master's sayings as recorded in the New Testament, sayings infinitely important, his followers must grow into that stature of manhood in Christ Jesus which enables them to interpret his spiritual meaning" (Ibid., p. 350). Let us "consider the lilies how they grow." With perfect trust we should look to Love to feed and clothe us, so that we may bring to others the holy influence of meekness, purity, righteousness, breathing forth the sweet fragrance of spiritual being. Like the lilies, our lives should exhale an essence which tells of His living presence.

Again, there is a lesson on growth from the vine and the branches: "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." The purging process is most needful for our growth. It will take away whatever would prevent the manifestation of the perfect life, the fruit of Spirit. It is this fruit that feeds the hungry, and in the partaking of it we grow into the knowledge of life everlasting. In the lesson from the vine, wisdom teaches us to "abide," for each branch is to receive the same nutriment if it abides in the vine. How close we shall then grow to each other, so close that each and all share in the divine bestowal.

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