Article June 13, 1914 Issue

I have been a long-time reader of your One-minute Sermons...

Charles D. Reynolds—Manchester, N. H.

The Mirror and American

I have been a long-time reader of your One-minute Sermons, and have admired the idealism that so pervades them. It is this element, no doubt, that leads you to weave into your discourses occasional references to Christian Science, and I have not found it objectionable, the kindly purpose being always evident. Your reference, however, in Wednesday's edition is so incomplete that I am sure it misrepresents Christian Science and misleads the reader. With your statement that it is making people optimistic, I take no exception; but the reason for this success, implied by your comments, places this religion in a wrong light, and I would like the privilege of adding what is missing.

If we associate optimism with Christian Science, it should be made clear that this optimism is merely the fruit of a fixed and universal law perceived and obeyed by the Christian Scientist; otherwise the inference may obtain that this result of cheerfulness of mind has been cultivated by Christian Scientists through the exercise of mere human will. By the Christian Science teaching the human will is subjected to an understood law. Cheerfulness is simply the result of the working of that law, and gloomy pessimism cannot live in its presence, but ceases as an unreality, as darkness disappears when light approaches.

When one is afflicted by some evil, it is a source of encouragement to him to know that there exists a law which, if obeyed, will result in changing the whole situation. To rely upon known and proven laws is the very reverse of working by the changing opinions and surmises and fancies of the human will. Law is victor over random efforts working by will-power. Of course those who are habitually cheerful become so in obedience to an existing law. Although they do not know, perhaps, what that law is, they practise it unconsciously. When one has a gloomy disposition to overcome, however, he should know that he needs a greater power than his own unaided will.

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
If the Rev. Mr.—really believes Christian Science to...
June 13, 1914
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit