Article May 21, 1921 Issue

Declaring the Truth

HELEN E. BRIGGS

THE study of Christian Science adds to the store of each of its students a clarified knowledge of the truth which heals, and renews his courage to make a better fight to gain dominion over all evil. To have dominion is not to be in subjection to the errors which constantly tempt man. Beginning on page 517 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy we read: "Man is not made to till the soil. His birthright is dominion, not subjection. He is lord of the belief in earth and heaven,—himself subordinate alone to his Maker." This truth is provable and is being understood and demonstrated by all who are adhering to and living in accord with Principle. Through its study a man finds God to be infinite Life, Mind, substance, intelligence; also, learning that good cannot be gained through the physical senses, one turns from matter to Spirit because he finds matter changing, not dependable, and temporal, while Spirit he finds to be substance, consequently eternal, immortal, and divine.

The law of Mind is unchanging, and when applied properly to any problem brings about healing and harmony. "If God had instituted material laws to govern man, disobedience to which would have made man ill, Jesus would not have disregarded those laws by healing in direct opposition to them and in defiance of all material conditions" (Science and Health, p. 277). Through fear man limits himself continually, believing in some unknown power apart from God which might interfere or disturb the trend of his purpose and living. This fear or worry and its accompanying confusion seem to induce a mesmeric condition which depresses and depletes one's energy and interest, and consequently is a hindrance to his progress. By replacing these discordant beliefs with truth and harmony, which are indestructible and complete, one finds that the way opens for advancement and accomplishment, which is having dominion.

To be wholly satisfied with any human condition is not an indication of progress or working out our problems according to our highest understanding of Christian Science, for progress is right thinking expressed, and whatever seems to be our present condition, be it ever so pleasant to our sense, we find that with the understanding gained in Christian Science we are forced to relinquish material beliefs and go higher. True living is spiritual, and instead of looking to matter for the way out of troubles, if one looks to God, Spirit, he proves every supposed law of matter useless and powerless to disturb his harmony, for harmony is a quality of Mind, while inharmony is disorder and cannot invade his consciousness. God's way is always adequate to meet the needs of mankind, but one in ignorance of the truth of being struggles, on, believing that living, at its best, must be a burden, instead of knowing that right now man is spiritual and perfect, and that the kingdom of heaven is here. In making this truth ours we cease to struggle and are at peace. With our progress we also find that much is required of us, for in Science and Health (p. 450) Mrs. Eddy says, "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good."

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