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To Realize
TWO definitions of the verb "realize," which seem to express most clearly the scientific viewpoint are, "To comprehend completely," and, "To bring home to one's own experience." The latter especially is the "open sesame" by which we enter the kingdom of God on earth and perceive, though faintly at first, "the ability and power divinely bestowed on man" (Science and Health, p. 393). One is seldom willing to profit from another's experience, probably thinking that the fruit he gathers for himself will be of a better flavor. In the end, however, one finds that all mortal experiences are about the same. Then tired, weary, and heartsick, one turns to divine Love, and begins to see that the most valuable experience one can have is to bring home to one's own self the realization of God's goodness, and prove it conclusively in overcoming the woes and trials of mortal existence.
Suppose we should be told of great wealth unexpectedly inherited, or of rare talents unknowingly possessed; of what avail would they be, unless we were brought to realize the truth of the statements, and to use the wealth or develop the talents? Some one, for instance, realized the possibilities of arid land under irrigation, put thought into action, and lo! the once sterile sands blossomed like the rose. So it is with the treasures of Truth given to us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, which reveal and make available our inheritance to "every good gift and every perfect gift" which divine Love has always for His children. We may read of them, talk of them, think of them, and believe in them, but unless we absolutely realize their truth by incorporating them into our daily lives,—learning through a right understanding of God and His law how to put out the erroneous thought and replace it with the true, just "here a little, and there a little," striving patiently each day to prove what we have been taught—we are still echoing that centuries-old cry of inability to realize the Christ, Truth, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
Had the rich man in the parable realized the true nature of substance, no fear of exhausted supply, no thought of hoarding in bigger barns, would have been entertained; rather, the desire would have been to share with the less fortunate. So, too, with the young man of many possessions who came to Jesus inquiring about eternal life. In reply to Jesus he said that he had kept the commandments from his youth up; yet when he was told to sell all that he had and give to the poor, he went away sorrowing. Jesus perceived that his thought of substance was wholly material and must change to the realization of God, Spirit, as the only source of supply and substance. In thus acknowledging a source of good apart from God this young man was all unwittingly breaking the first and fundamental commandment.
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September 6, 1919 issue
View Issue-
Understanding
LLOYD EDMUND WHITNEY
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The Unfolding of God's Purposes
HENRIETTA A. FIELD
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To Realize
MARY MEXIA FORD
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The Little One
JESSIE L. REMINGTON
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"Peace, be still"
R. C. MC CLAY
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Relief
FREDERICK R. RHODES
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Uprooting Error
ELIZABETH H. MURPHY
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Alone, Yet Not Alone
CASSIUS M. LOOMIS
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Thousands of Christian Scientists will unhesitatingly say...
Aaron E. Brandt
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It is just as impossible for our clerical critic to render...
Willis D. McKinstry
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My attention is called to the report of a sermon in which...
Ernest C. Moses
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Divine Good Will
William P. McKenzie
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Obedience
Ella W. Hoag
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The Christian Science Benevolent Association
The Christian Science Board of Directors
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Among the Churches
with contributions from Charles E. Jarvis
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The Lectures
with contributions from Franklin H. Dewart, Howard M. Hopkins, Harry C. Goddard, Joseph C. Lewis, Isabella Sanders, Walter Lockwood Stevens, Berton Einstein, Clinton Baum Weamer, Ruth Schilling
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Over six years ago I took up the study of Christian Science,...
Gertrude Sherman
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Christian Science has helped me spiritually, morally,...
Katherine Grey
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With a heart filled with gratitude to God and also to our...
Alice Ambjohnson
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With the deepest love and gratitude to God I give this...
Nettie Clark Thimyan
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I consider it a great privilege to testify to the working...
Ada M. Waymire
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I would like to tell just a few of the things that Christian Science...
Millicent Foresman with contributions from Edward Foresman
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Christian Science has healed me of false appetites, an...
Frank S. Miller with contributions from Selesa B. Miller
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I wish to express my gratitude to Christian Science for...
Frances Myers Cooper
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Until about five years ago I was a great sufferer from...
Katharine E. Dutt
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Signs of the Times
with contributions from W. H. Hopkins