Editorial March 11, 1911 Issue

A PRACTICAL RELIGION

Archibald McLellan

Much has been said and written by people quite outside the ranks of Christian Science, in commendation of the optimism and serenity of the followers of this teaching, as shown in their bearing and in their disposition; and to a large degree this commendation has been deserved, although Christian Scientists themselves have been more or less unconscious of the "outward appearance" which has attracted the attention of their friends. What has been more in their thought, and of more importance to them, has been the peace and joy which have come into their lives through better health and better morals; the definiteness of purpose and the effectiveness of effort which have taken the place of uncertainty and inefficiency in all lines of work, and the spiritual quickening and confidence which have supplanted the fear and doubt into which their former beliefs about religion and medicine had plunged them.

As Christian Scientists they have learned that only through patient and persistent effort can they reach that state of consciousness wherein they see the reality of good, and divest themselves of the belief of mind in matter which heretofore has seemed to them the great force of existence. But they are not satisfied with present achievement, no matter how great it may be, and they are still looking for a larger and more perfect understanding of God and of man's relation to Him. To them the vital question is, "How can I, through my study of Christian Science, most quickly attain the desired knowledge of God and His creation?"

On page 495 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy answers this question in a very few words, the pith of which is in the first sentence, namely, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit;" and in line with this is the statement on page 323, that "in order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know. We must recollect that Truth is demonstrable when understood, and that good is not understood until demonstrated. If 'faithful over a few things,' we shall be made rulers over many; but the one unused talent decays and is lost."

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