Article August 10, 1912 Issue

SIMPLICITY

WILLIAM E. BROWN.

One of the first results of Christian Science which is 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 that direct, positive, and accurate thinking which of itself excludes useless psychologic paraphernalia hitherto considered necessary. 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, begins to realize that his thinking processes are much 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 so 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, inasmuch as they are at variance in their teaching with that of the Bible, and especially with the precepts of the only true Master, Christ Jesus. As illustrative of this point, Mrs. Eddy says, in "No and Yes" (p. 18), "If the schoolmaster is not Christ, the school gets things wrong, and knows it not."

Christian Science so enhances the mental faculties, so sharpens perception and perspicuity, so intensifies power of analysis, that one is enabled to pass correct judgment and to classify properly all things which enter consciousness as useful or useless, necessary or unnecessary. The exercise of 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-à-brac shop, was asked how he liked the display, said: "I spent a very enjoyable hour; but my greates pleasure in looking at so many beautiful and novel articles, lay in the realization that I did not need them."

The history of the human family shows mainly that its quest has been for happiness and contentment, but not knowing wherein these conditions were to be found, it has sought them in materiality at an enormous expenditure of time and money, only to say with the wise man, "All is vanity and vexation of spirit." In Christian Science the student quickly learns what it is that constitutes true happiness, and is shown a simple, direct method of obtaining it. From this point of awakening, the student's life and existence assume a much more hopeful outlook. He knows exactly what he desires; where it is, and how to get it. In place of being overwhelmed with the herculean task of wading through vast arrays of books in his search for truth, he realizes with gratitude that the grand old Bible contains all essential truth, and that the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," points out how this truth may be utilized in every circumstance of life. With this realization comes an appreciation of Solomon's saying that "of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." With the simplicity that accompanies the growth in Christian Science, time is saved which enables one to devote more attention to spiritual study and advancement, and like the sister of Lazarus he chooses "that good part, which shall not be taken away." True simplicity lifts the burden of life in every direction. It lessens the work of the patient housekeeper, who no longer is compelled to devote time and energy to concocting new dishes to tempt jaded appetites. It simplifies in the matter of dress and adornment, thus lessening the burden of the wage-earner, and all begin to realize what it means to come "out of the house of bondage" and to say with the Master, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

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