Article February 1, 1913 Issue

TEXT AND CONTEXT

MABEL IRMA LEES.

An article in the Sentinel which revealed broadly the relationship between the words text and context, impressed me greatly. The writer called attention to the fact that "to get at the meaning of the text, it is imperative to consider the context," the article as a whole encouraging careful study and emphasizing its great value. Heretofore even the similarity of the words text and context had never been observed, although both are very familiar to any student of Christian Science. Take, for instance, the expression "golden text," which viewed in this light meant more than its repeated use had ever before brought out. I was impressed that if all in the Sunday school would, as they repeated the words, pause so that it could be mentally weighed in the balance of values, there would be a gladsome, heartfelt emphasis on "golden;" it would shine more brightly in its setting, and as we followed farther the context of the Lesson, its "golden text" would be like the name on the entrance gate to a beautiful land of joy.

As the "golden text" is learned and repeated, and in turn we follow through careful class study the subject of the Lesson, or context, more light is gained, and inside this gate we find more beautiful unknown things than had ever been thought of, things which we cannot forget and bring out with us through the same entrance. Before going farther, it is well to read again the "golden text" in the light of the context, or Lesson study. So doing, we find it contains much more than was at first apparent. The words are the same and are few, but the thought has grown, and it means to each individual just what he has learned from close attention and obedience. This text has a value all its own, and we should always be sure to note this value all its own, and we should always be sure to note this value before leaving it. Thus it will prove a passport to that realm of wealth which the diligent searching of the context revealed.

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