Editorial October 12, 1912 Issue

UNDERSTANDING

Annie M. Knott

ALL through the Scriptures great emphasis is laid upon the need of understanding, the fervent prayer of the psalmist, "Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart," being specially worthy of our consideration. It is very evident that no one can keep God's law without understanding, even though he may desire to do so, and it is surprising that any should refuse to seek that which will not only enable him to obey God's law, but to realize the infinite protection which that law has to offer. The psalmist tells us of one whose delight is in God's law so that he meditates upon it day and night, and he adds, "Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper," which is surely a very inclusive statement.

There are a good many sincere Christians who do not hesitate to admit that Mrs. Eddy has rendered immeasurable service to the cause of Christianity by throwing a great light upon the words, and works of Christ Jesus and by her insistence that these belong to every period of Christian history; but these same people confess that they are unable to accept her statements as to the unreality of matter. They argue that they do not consider this an essential of Christian teaching, and, as some express it, they consider Jesus' teachings sufficient without raising a contention as to the nonexistence of matter. This is, however, an evasion (though doubtless unintentional) of the main issue. Before Christian Science was brought to the notice of these people, they were no doubt sincerely striving to be followers of Christ Jesus, but they never thought of relying upon divine law to heal either themselves or those dear to them. They simply used the same means as those employed by the most materialistic worldlings, and when these failed to heal, the failure was attributed to the inscrutable decrees of Providence.

A prominent Christian worker once remarked to a student of Christian Science that faith was all very well in its own place, but that he would prefer to trust a good pair of oars on a storm-swept lake. The Scientist replied that she would feel as he did if reliance were limited to the kind of faith which he meant. This led at once to the teaching of Christian Science, which demands the understanding of God as Spirit, and of man as governed by spiritual law, and this as the basis and support of our efforts toward the overcoming of every form of discord, including sin and disease. It was also explained that the belief in matter involves an endless struggle with sin, sickness, and the fear of death. Paul admits this in his epistle to the Romans, and he cries out against the wretched bondage imposed by this belief. He even says that those who are in the flesh, or the belief of life in matter, "cannot please God," but he straightway adds that we "are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit," if the Spirit of God be with us. The Master himself declared that "the flesh [or matter] profiteth nothing," and on the basis of the allness of Spirit and spiritual law he healed the sick and even raised the dead.

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