Article January 10, 1920 Issue

"Let your light so shine"

LOUIS J. LEWIS

"He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world," wrote Benjamin Franklin. Upon careful investigation of the Christian Science religion it is easily distinguishable as the reinstatement of primitive Christianity as practiced by the early Christians. This new-old religion is something entirely apart from any other religion. It is not just another Christian denomination but a distinct religion. The honest investigator soon sees that it is practicable and intelligible to all. While its followers respect the good in other religious denominations and admire the other man's faith and ideals, they are endeavoring to raise their own thinking to a higher idealism, which is nothing other than the ideals that were taught by the humble Nazarene, in the synagogue, by the wayside, or in a fishing ship.

Christian Science is free of age-worn dogma, superstition, and fear. The Christ, or Truth, demonstrated by Jesus of Nazareth, that awakened some of the people of his time stupefied by Pharisaism, is the very same Christ, Truth, that is awakening the people who are being dulled by the mesmeric influence of the material beliefs of scholasticism and of materia medica to-day. The teachings of Christian Science disclose the mistaken basis of these systems, exposing their tendencies, showing humanity that it need never fear evil, since evil is powerless. The clear teachings of scientific Christianity unfold the Christ at work in human consciousness, acting as an alterative, transforming the modes of the human mind with the leaven of Truth.

The faithful followers of the religion of Christ Jesus are endeavoring to follow him in all his ways. Like their Master they are unselfish. They recognize their positions as representatives of Principle, as servants of Christ, without an element of personal ambition or self-aggrandizement; but the purpose and willingness to serve Principle and to do good are always in evidence when they are called upon for assistance. As reflections of Love or as instruments of Principle there is always a ready disposition to work in any capacity in the Church of Christ, Scientist. Standing as minutemen, ever at attention, they wait for the call to the front at any moment. With a grateful heart for blessings received the faithful student is obedient to the demands of Love, ever knowing that this same Love is the only guide and protector, who alone can fight the battle against the supposititious enemy. When the battle is fought and won, the right thinker never allows the error called personal accomplishment to enter, but rather rejoices in spiritual unfoldment. All power and glory are given to Him who really does the work. Like Paul and Barnabas they turn the people's thoughts away from persons to the living God, who confers the healing and receives the glory. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 464) Mrs. Eddy says she "has labored to expound divine Principle, and not to exalt personality."

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