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CONCERNING OPTIMISM
One of the distinctive features of the Christian Science movement, and one which has perhaps done a great deal to attract the attention of the world, is the spirit of wholesome optimism which the adherents of this religion radiate. With students who are but just beginning the study of this Science, those who may have just been released from the bondage of some form of sickness or sin, the sense of freedom sometimes amounts to an enthusiasm which is not always well advised, but as the student progresses and is daily called upon to apply and prove the divine Principle of Christian Science, this excess of enthusiasm becomes tempered with consecration to the effort in hand; and it is at this point that true optimism begins.
Joys and gratitude for release from intolerable conditions are wholesome and proper attitudes of thought, but the proving for oneself of the divine Principle of harmony in the handling and right solution of the perplexities of human existence which daily confront us, is the real foundation of that quiet confidence noted in Christian Scientists. This confidence in turn begets confidence, and this is why genuine Christian Scientists are genuine optimists—they are able to prove the reason for the faith that is within them.

August 24, 1912 issue
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DISPELLING EVIL
BLANCHE HERSEY HOGUE.
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THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
EDWARD H. CARMAN.
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"AND YE SHALL KNOW."
MINNIE E. COOK.
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CONCERNING OPTIMISM
W. T. SELLECK.
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"THY TEACHERS."
ERNEST C. MOSES.
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WHAT IS SIN?
COUNTESS FANNY VON MOLTKE.
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SPIRITUAL VISION
JEAN B. WOOD.
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PROTECTION
ROSE HENNIKER HEATON.
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In his list of "twenty greatest women" which appeared...
Clinton B. Burgess
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Christian Science has healed, and does heal, every kind...
William J. Bonnin
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I have read in a recent issue a reference to the letter by...
Algernon Hervey-Bathurst
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John's understanding of Jesus and his teachings did not...
W. C. Williams
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CAUSE FOR COURAGE
GRACE ROBERTA WASSON.
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HEARERS AND DOERS
Archibald McLellan
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UNFAILING TRUTH
Annie M. Knott
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LOVE AND LAW
John B. Willis
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ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE MOTHER CHURCH
John V. Dittemore
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THE LECTURES
with contributions from Mrs. Ward, Charles E. Taylor, Paul A. Harsch, Nehemiah A. Baker, L. N. Mitchell, Ernest Dayton, C. L. McKesson, Avery Coonley
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I wish to express my gratitude, in part at least, for what...
Anna Ruah Higley
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I have a deep sense of gratitude for what Christian Science...
Henry M. Marose
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About three years ago, while diligently pursuing the...
Lois Humphries
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It is over eight years ago that I first had the opportunity...
Louise E. Smith
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It seems almost like ingratitude when we fail to express...
Nellie M. Whiteside
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I have had many experiences of healing in Christian Science,...
Jennie Hering with contributions from Lotta E. Fasken
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It is with the deepest sense of gratitude that I acknowledge ...
Katherine B. Crawford
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About five years ago, my mother, who was suffering from...
Josephine E. Forster
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FROM OUR EXCHANGES
with contributions from A. P. Doyle, R. J. Hutcheon