Editorial January 30, 1915 Issue

Sacraments

Annie M. Knott

Those who attend the Christian Science services will note that the sacrament is observed without the material elements of bread and wine which are used in most of the other Christian churches. Its observance in Christian Science is explained by Mrs. Eddy on page 35 of Science and Health, where she says, "Our Eucharist is spiritual communion with the one God." On the same page she says, "Our baptism is a purification from all error."

These statements will answer, at least in part, the sincere inquirer who may assume that there are no sacraments in the Christian Science church, but he will find a fuller explanation of the subject in the Lesson-Sermon called "Sacrament." Here he will see how human thought has been gently led through the long night of materialism, by various symbolic observances, up to the clearer perception of the truths which these rites were intended to typify. It may be said that other religions than the Christian have had their sacraments, all of which point to the one necessity of all men, namely, to reach out for God, "if haply they might . . . find him, though he be not far from every one of us." Paul said this, and he touched the vital truth which gives the real reason for this reaching out when he added, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being." He did not hesitate to give a further reason for this divine quest, when he quoted the Greek poet who said, "For we are also his offspring."

It does not seem that Christ Jesus intended to establish any outward ritual in place of the ceremonies and sacrifices of the Jewish church which were passing away, because like all law based upon a material sense of things, they "made nothing perfect," as we read in the epistle to the Hebrews, where it is added, "but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." The Christian Scientist has learned by actual experience that it is not enough to draw nigh to God for a few moments of deep religious feeling, inspired largely by the thought of Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion. He finds that he must be baptized of the Holy Spirit, and so guard each thought, word, and deed in daily living that he shall not himself betray his Master for any price that the world or the flesh can offer. To do this he must realize the uplifting influence of silent and ceaseless communion with the infinite Mind, our Father in heaven.

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