Article May 31, 1913 Issue

A correspondent whose letter appeared in the Oregonian...

Paul Stark Seeley—Portland, Ore.

Oregonian

A correspondent whose letter appeared in the Oregonian concludes his discussion upon the cost of living with the statement that people may be happy "if they will but will it so and put in practise the teachings of Christian Science." The gentleman quoted has proposed the impossible, for no person can at the same time make use of the human will and practise the teachings of Christian Science any more than darkness and light can be present together. May I be permitted briefly to point out the clear-cut distinction between these two systems of thought, which are not infrequently confused?

Those who have actually put into practise the teachings of Christian Science know that happiness has come to them as the natural and normal result of their realization that God is the only Life there is; that He is loving, perfect, and good; that man and the universe created by Him and expressing Him cannot manifest in reality any condition that is not happy, peaceful, and contented. It must be evident that the happiness so attained is not secured simply by willing to be happy, regardless of the basic law of existence. Many people regard the human will as a buffer to resist the forces of evil, despair, sickness, or other earthly woes. Closer analysis, however, shows it to be capricious and uncertain. No immutable Principle directs its action, no fixed law is known to govern it. Its whims are more varied and devious than the persons employing it. The happiness one would will to possess, another would curse and despise. Its nature is to be double-faced, now good and again evil. Unity and brotherhood it does not know, but only selfishness and separation.

According to the teachings of Christian Science happiness must rather be secured by finding man's life in agreement or unity with divine Mind, the one Principle of being. Dependence upon the human will must give way to a recognition of man's unity with God and the working out of this relationship in life practise, thereby proving happiness to be man's inalienable right, divinely natural, indestructible, and eternal.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
In an article in your paper by a clergyman I am glad to...
May 31, 1913
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit