Article August 29, 1914 Issue

Liberality

PETER B. BIGGINS

A Friend remarked to the writer a short time ago, when arrangements were being made for a Christian Science lecture, "I was just saying to my wife that one thing which characterizes you Christian Scientists is that you do not hesitate to go to considerable expense for the sake of your religion." The writer replied that there was good reason for this, and illustrated his reply as follows.

There was a man who had lost his health, and as a result his financial circumstances had become straitened. Life seemed to hold for him only sickness, poverty, disappointment, and failure. Christian Science came to his assistance after all other means had failed, healed him of his diseases, and restored his shattered fortunes, giving him an abundance beyond what he could have thought of before. Doctors' bills are now remembered only as part of a hideous nightmare; through greater wisdom in management, unnecessary expenditure is reduced to a minimum, so that he is able to give more liberally in proportion to his earnings. Furthermore, his earning power has increased as the result both of increased strength and a higher order of intelligence, a broader mental and spiritual vision. Above all, Christian Science has given him a satisfying concept of God, brightening his pathway through life, and promising him unlimited blessings for the future. Recognizing that Christian Science is the revelation of eternal Truth, and imbued with an all-absorbing love of Truth, such a man does not grudge what it costs financially to help to bring a knowledge of Truth to others through means adapted to present human requirements.

This little explanation was received by his friend with kindly interest, and the writer felt that he too had been helped by it to gain a still better appreciation of the value of Christian Science to all mankind. It is not, however, in a financial way alone that one has opportunity to be liberal, for we can contribute liberally of time and thought whatever needs to be done. The materialist thinks that he must use all his time for himself, either to make money or provide for himself some selfish enjoyment. The attitude of the consecrated Christian is diametrically different. Instead of seeking to gain the most he can, he is constantly seeking to give all he can. As good is infinite, the ability to dispense good is also infinite, and we can demonstrate this in proportion as we understand that man is the reflection of infinite Love, who is the giver of all good. No effort is valueless, and no time wasted, when one is seeking faithfully to do better work for God.

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