Article February 13, 1915 Issue

Conservation

IRVING C. TOMLINSON, M.A.

Much is said today, and well said, upon the subject of conservation. Careful thought is being given in many directions to what is called the conservation of natural resources. Active societies are at work to prevent waste of power, to save American forests, to preserve abundant water-supply, and to care for the best interests of our wide-spread farming lands, as well as the mineral deposits which are so essential to the temporal well-being of our people.

Attention thus given to the preservation of physical resources, is symbolical of that spiritual conservation which Christian Science is accomplishing for those who are its earnest students. The text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is making it plain that all the resources of man are in his Maker, divine Mind, the one infinite God. This spiritual teaching shows that children of the heavenly Father may always rely upon Him to maintain their highest interests. The origin of all spiritual blessings is infinite Love, and man, if he will but rely upon this source of supply, has abundance for every need. He will waste no time in regretting or delaying, but will persistently strive to lay hold of the truth taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus, till it so abides in his consciousness that he knows himself victorious.

In the conservation of so-called natural resources it is found necessary to guard against damage and decay. Rightly to preserve the forests, the trees must be protected from fire and pest. So Christian Science teaches one how to conserve his spiritual interests, to cultivate spiritual receptivity, that he may be free from lassitude and decadence. The teachings of Jesus show that man has dominion over all things; that he is not the slave, but the master, of sin and sickness. In confident acceptance of this Mrs. Eddy writes: "Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs," and "hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true" (Science and Health, pp. 393, 261). It should never be forgotten that God always does His part. The infinite creator never forgets His creation, and if loss or destruction seems to occur anywhere, it only goes to show that men are not availing themselves of divine protection. In the book of Deuteronomy we read that blasting mildew and destructive insects would come upon the land when the people forgot God,—when they separated themselves, as it were, from divine aid.

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