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WHAT DO WE MEET?
The newcomer in the Christian Science church is often heard to remark upon the happy faces of those who attend the services, and this comment is well deserved, for surely no body of persons have greater reason to rejoice than have Christian Scientists. It might fittingly be said of them, in the words of the Apocalypse, "These are they which have come out of great tribulation," for in these large congregations there can hardly be found one person who has not left behind him some burden of physical or mental discord. No wonder, then, that their eyes shine, that their lips break into a ready smile, that their hand-clasp is cordial and sincere. A long-faced Christian Scientist would be an anomaly.
Occasionally, however, one comes across a student of Christian Science to whom this description would not apply. He is a regular attendant at the services, is possibly a church-member, and cases have been known where he even holds some official position among the various activities of the church organization; yet his face habitually wears a look which seems strangely out of keeping with all that his lips profess. Asked a reason for his general air of gloom, his answer, nine times out of ten, is this: "I have so much to meet." And having thus spoken, he continues with a sigh his joyless way, evidently satisfied that this brief explanation has been sufficient. This expression is familiar to most of us; in fact, it is quite possible that we ourselves have been known to make use of it in moments of depression, when we seemed to forget that "the government shall be upon his shoulder," but evidently believed that it was resting all too heavily upon our own. Before we employ this term again, however, let us analyze its meaning somewhat.
"So much to meet." So much what? So much truth or so much error? Each Sunday we stand in church while the scientific statement of being is read, and silently acquiesce to the fact that "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all" (Science and Health, p. 468), because we know that upon this tremendous verity rests the entire superstructure of the Christian Science religion. This being true, it must follow that God and His infinite manifestation is all that we have to meet. Is this what we mean? If our face is long or our eyes refuse to smile, is it because we have "so much to meet" of Life, Truth, and Love, with all the varied expressions of infinite and unfailing goodness?
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
June 28, 1913 issue
View Issue-
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE LECTURE
WILLIAM D. MCCRACKAN, M.A.
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FUNDAMENTAL RELIGIOUS RIGHTS
ERNEST C. MOSES.
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WHAT DO WE MEET?
LOUISE KNIGHT WHEATLEY.
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OUR DAILY FOOD
HARRY WOOTTON.
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SPIRITUAL SUPPLY
LILIAN GALARNEAU.
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LESSON FROM NATURE
GERTRUDE A. COWLES.
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REALITY OF GOD
F. M. BROWN.
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"DUST TO DUST."
MARY HICKS VAN DER BURGH.
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Writing in the Tenterden Parish Magazine, the Vicar of...
Frederick Dixon
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In a recent article upholding Dr. Osler's position on the...
W. C. Williams
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The very ably written article entitled "Old Ills and New...
Algernon Hervey-Bathurst
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Christian Science is essentially a religion
Royal D. Stearns
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In an item in a recent issue the statement is made that the...
George Shaw Cook
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"Everything good is on the highway," said Emerson; and...
Lilian Whiting
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF LECTURESHIP
Mary Baker Eddy
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THE LECTURE SERVICE
Archibald McLellan
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"WHAT SHALL I RENDER?"
Annie M. Knott
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REMAINING SHADOWS
John B. Willis
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THE LECTURES
with contributions from William Blakemore, Brigman C. Odom , George R. Smith, J. C. Hamilton , Irving C. Johnson, Frederick R. Bates
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In October, 1911, I had occasion to have my arms in...
Bernetta Gearhart
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I want to express my gratitude for the many benefits...
Belle M. Pugh with contributions from Georgie M. Pugh
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It is with great pleasure and happiness that I wish to...
ZoÉ J. Muller with contributions from L. T. Smith
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In Christian Science we are taught that we should daily...
Charles A. Bradley
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FROM OUR EXCHANGES
with contributions from Stanley A. Mellor, G. Campbell Morgan, Frank J. Goodwin, John E. White