Article November 30, 1918 Issue

Facing About

CARRO A. BIRD

As soon as a student acquires even a slight understanding of any given subject, he finds it necessary to use that understanding in order to progress. One of the first laws to be recognized in the study of physics is the law of gravitation. In every experiment due allowance must be made for the operation of this law; and each new rule as it is learned must be taken into account in subsequent experiments.

What is true of physical science with regard to the unvarying nature of law is no less true of divine Science; all the spiritual understanding gained has to be kept in constant use. On page 323 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says, "In order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know." The student soon finds that even the most minute detail of his thought must be brought into line with the demands of divine Principle, for error is always seeking admittance at the weakest point and in the most unlooked for ways. The need for alertness is shown by our Leader's choice of the name Sentinel for our weekly periodical, and also in placing on its title page the words, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

The average student of Christian Science probably begins with a more or less clear vision of the "beauty of holiness," to quote the psalmist's words, gained through healing; but he soon discovers that although he has glimpsed the divine law and order, the daily round of living seems to bring many of the same problems as formerly. How to solve them is the question, and right here the application of spiritual understanding must begin; one must endeavor to let Truth guide him in the proper course. Before he had any scientific knowledge of divine law, he accepted as established facts material phenomena, beliefs, and opinions; but now his standpoint has been changed, his face has been turned away from matter toward Spirit, and it becomes necessary to challenge belief in every form. Whatever the problem, it must be translated into mental terms, and the beliefs propounded by error must be separated from the elements of truth.

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November 30, 1918
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