Article December 16, 1911 Issue

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

A. COPE STONE.

The thought has come to the writer on many occasions as to whether Christian Scientists are awake to realize what a rich legacy their revered Leader has bequeathed to humanity in her published works. Do we, as students of Christian Science, sufficiently recognize our duty to God and to our cause in regard to our part in this matter? We know, of course, that "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" comes first; it is the text-book of Christian Science; we find stated therein the absolute Science of being, also the rules whereby we may demonstrate the Principle of Christian Science. This book, together with the Bible, is no doubt the companion and guide of all students of Christian Science; but are we awake to the necessity of a regular and systematic study of her other writings? The writer would here refer particularly to "Miscellaneous Writings," in the introductory page of which Mrs. Eddy says: "To loyal Christian Scientists in this and every land, I lovingly dedicate these practical teachings, indispensable to the culture and achievements which constitute the success of a student and demonstrate the ethics of Christian Science." The use of the word "indispensable" in the above quotation is very significant. Webster thus defines its meaning: "Impossible to be dispensed with," "absolutely necessary."

"Miscellaneous Writings" gives the reader a true and beautiful insight into our Leader's life and her love for all mankind; it is also a never-failing guide in all questions that pertain to our progress in Christian Science. The first healing in Christian Science that was experienced in the writer's family came through the reading of this book. Our little boy, aged sixteen months, was seriously ill. He had been under the care of the family physician for a long period, but continued to grow worse. We then heard of Christian Science as a remedial agent through one who had visited Chicago. We were unable to procure a copy of the Christian Science text-book, but succeeded in obtaining a copy of "Miscellaneous Writings," and through the realization of the truth which came to us during the reading of that book, and without the aid of a practitioner, as none was within our reach, our little son was immediately relieved. He was very soon in perfect health, and has remained so ever since, which is now nearly fourteen years.

As Science and Health unlocks the treasures of the Bible, in like manner the faithful and obedient study of "Miscellaneous Writings" so illumines the human understanding that one is able to take up anew the text-book and to enter into the inspired thought of its writer; as indicated in the article "Pond and Purpose" (p. 207), where our Leader says: "Drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science." Is it not imperative, at this juncture in the history of Christian Science, that we should be on the alert and wide awake to our duty and privilege? Our Leader's words on pages 176 and 177 of this book should be as a bugle-call to all workers in our beloved cause.

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