Article September 20, 1913 Issue

Childhood and Christian Science

HARMON I. LEE

As one who was grown up before he embraced Christian Science, and who has experienced the severe mental conflicts which accompany the overthrow of stubborn false beliefs and habits, I was pleased to observe, while engaged in Christian Science Sunday school work, the ease with which the children grasp the deeper meanings of spiritual truth. Those with similar experiences will appreciate what Mrs. Eddy says on pages 236, 237, and 130 of Science and Health; and I am of the opinion that in no better way can we as Christian Scientists aid in bringing to pass those "greater works" mentioned by Christ Jesus, than by training the children how to apply his teachings, logically, practically, and scientifically, to their daily needs.

This work is being done in Christian Science Sunday schools all over the world, by those who are endeavoring to implant in the child consciousness the Bible truths which the great Wayshower came to teach. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." It is not fair and reasonable, however, to expect that the Sunday school will accomplish in one hour, once a week, the work that it should be the duty and privilege of all Christian Scientists to have a part in, particularly those who have children under their care. Too many ignore their duty by thinking that they do not know how to do this work. It would seem that no better rule could apply than that each individual should study the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, and the Lesson-Sermons from The Christian Science Quarterly in such manner as will enable him to impart their spiritual meanings in a simple and practical way to the little ones.

Now that Mrs. Eddy has awakened the spiritual apprehension by which the promises of the Bible are being fulfiled, shall we be satisfied to leave its attainment to the future, and thus incur Christ Jesus' rebuke to the men of Sychar, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." Indeed, the fields are white for the harvest, and nowhere in his teachings does Jesus more clearly point out this fact, and show us where to reap, than when he says, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Are we not forbidding the little ones when we fail to teach them how to apply the truth logically and practically to aid them in making their demonstrations? Do we not rather interpose doubt and fear, and place limitations on their faith and understanding? Do we not leave to the Sunday school exclusively the work in which we should share?

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