Article November 9, 1918 Issue

War Relief Work

MABEL ALBERTA SPICER

In these days practically every one is interested in relief work of some sort. Realizing that the process of healing in Christian Science is mental, some have appeared surprised that Christian Scientists are aiding in a material way in such work. The pastor of an evangelical church recently expressed in a sermon his gratification that when it came to the test Christian Scientists were unable to stand by their teachings that suffering was unreal, but that they were as active as any of the other denominations in relieving the world's suffering.

Christian Scientists have not, however, deserted their standard. There never was a time in the history of the organization when they were not active in all good works. One reason why their charitable deeds are little known is that they never solicit funds outside their own membership. On page 442 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes: "Christ, Truth, gives mortals temporary food and clothing until the material, transformed with the ideal, disappears, and man is clothed and fed spiritually." So it would appear that until this transformation is realized, Christian Scientists will consistently reflects the Christ-spirit in giving materially. This, however, is but the shadow of their real giving.

Doubtless to the casual observer the relief work of the committees of Christian Scientists and that of other organizations appears identical in purpose and results; he sees in both the alleviation of human distress, and nothing more. But Christian Science has vastly more to offer than temporary relief from distressing materials conditions, which leaves the beneficiary's thought as material as before. Its work is radical, healing the erroneous mental state that results in beliefs of lack, misery, separation, and devastation, which are phases of the false concept of man as material, of life as resident in matter; and thus helped to his feet the one healed through Christian Science need never again find himself in such a seemingly desperate situation.

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