Article July 9, 1921 Issue

Need

W. D. BOND

While it is true that there is direction in the Bible which if used or applied will solve every human problem, yet we have no record in modern times where any individual was able to apply the Bible teachings to his problems with sufficient thoroughness to enable him to formulate a method whereby any one might demonstrate the truth, until Mrs. Eddy wrote the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." This book may therefore be considered as the response to the great need of mankind for that which would open the treasures of the Bible and permit us to use the instruction contained therein, that our needs may be supplied.

The word "need" is frequently used in the Bible and also in Science and Health. On page 16 of the textbook, speaking of the Lord's Prayer Mrs. Eddy says, "Our Master said, 'After this manner therefore pray ye,' and then he gave that prayer which covers all human needs." This prayer begins, "Our Father;" therefore the need is that we may address God with our petition. All the way this prayer defines God as the self-containing allness of good, and our daily need is to know this. Mrs. Eddy gives further light on this on page 490 of Science and Health, where she says: "Human theories are helpless to make man harmonious or immortal, since he is so already, according to Christian Science. Our only need is to know this and reduce to practice the real man's divine Principle, Love." We are thus shown that a man needs to know God. The natural inquiry then is, How is this to be done?

Mortal mind argues insistently that we need to know matter, that we need more of it, and should keep all we can get. But this so-called mortal mind has in reality no argument and cannot keep telling us this if we stop and realize that the divine Mind is all that can have real intelligence. If we refuse to listen to the error, it will soon quit trying to argue with us. Here again our need is so to watch our own thinking that we allow only spiritual good to find lodgment there. Thus we are shown that, as Mrs. Eddy says on page 4 of Science and Health, "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds." The story of the good Samaritan well illustrates this. The need was met when the ministration of divine Love took place not only for one but for both individuals connected with the transaction. The Samaritan had need to apply his love and the other the need to receive. As we open the thought to give, we unlock the closed door and are thereby able to receive, because the more love we give out the more we are enabled to receive, and vice versa.

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