Article February 24, 1917 Issue

"The spirit giveth life"

WILLIS F. GROSS

In his present state of moral and spiritual development the Christian Scientist has need of both the spirit and the letter of this Science. In Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians we read, "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." We are not to understand from this that the letter has no rightful place in Christian teaching and experience, but one must not be deceived by the belief that he has done all which is necessary when he has acquired the letter. The letter understood and rightly used is a means to an end, but it is not the end. "The spirit giveth life," and it is for the spirit that one must strive if he would accomplish any lasting good for himself and others.

The young student of Christian Science is frequently inclined to one of two extremes: either he is impatient of his progress or else he believes he has already attained that which he has in reality but faintly perceived, and that afar off. In either case he must be awakened to a realization of just how much has been accomplished and to a clear sense of what remains to be done. Without a just appreciation of what he has gained and some definite idea as to what is required of him, his progress must of necessity be slow and uncertain.

In reply to the question as to what the student must do in order to progress as rapidly as possible, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science writes, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit" (Science and Health, p. 495). There can be no question as to the meaning of her words, but the student may not always realize the great importance of giving equal consideration to both these requirements. Elsewhere in the same work Mrs. Eddy writes: "The letter of Science plentifully reaches humanity today, but its spirit comes only in small degrees. The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love" (p. 113).

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Spiritual Resistance