Article March 9, 1912 Issue

SIMPLICITY

WILLIAM E. BROWN

One of the results of Christian Science manifested in the consciousness of the beginner is an appreciation of simplicity in all departments of life. The natural outcome of conformity to Principle is seen in the simplicity of mental operations, for adherence to Principle necessarily inculcates direct, positive, and accurate thinking, which of itself excludes useless psychologic paraphernalia hitherto considered necessary.

Before knowing of Christian Science, the average mortal does not think from the basis of fixed Principle, and consequently is compelled to do much floundering in his efforts to reach satisfactory conclusions. He is like a rudderless ship—at the mercy of every wind that blows. The student of Christian Science, however, soon begins to realize that his thinking processes are becoming more satisfactory and that successful results are more readily obtained. Following the simplification of thought methods, the student's attention is called to the fact that many of his material possessions are not as important or essential as he once considered them. Many of the books, for instance, which he deemed absolutely necessary in acquiring wisdom, are now recognized as valueless, as they are at variance in their teaching with that of the Bible, and especially the precepts of the only true Master, Christ Jesus. As illustrative of this point, Mrs. Eddy says, on page 18 of "No and Yes," "If the schoolmaster is not Christ, the school gets things wrong, and knows it not."

Christian Science so enhances one's mental faculties, so sharpens perception and perspicacity, so intensifies power of analysis, that he is enabled to pass correct judgment and properly classify all things that enter consciousness as useful or useless, necessary or unnecessary. This fine discrimination in matters pertaining to the material side of existence, such as food, clothing, and shelter, avoids much useless expenditure of time and money. Some one has wisely said that "our affluence is not determined by what we earn, but by what we spend." A philosopher who, after looking through an art and bric-a-brac shop, was asked how he liked the display, said, "I spent a very enjoyable hour, but my greatest pleasure in looking at so many beautiful and novel articles, lay in the realization that I did not need them."

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