Article November 1, 1922 Issue

"Our sufficient guide"

JEAN S. FREEDLANDER

On page 497 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, appear the religious tenets of Christian Science, the first of which reads, "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life." This tenet explains why Christian Scientists are such consistent students of the Bible. When perplexing doubts arise, and we realize that we can of our own selves do nothing, but that "the Father . . . doeth the works," with this tenet in thought we turn to "the inspired Word of the Bible,"—God's Word,—and He points out that which invariably meets the need.

When one has learned, early in his study of Christian Science, that resentment and desire for revenge must be uprooted and cast out, it may seem confusing to turn to the Psalms and find constant petitions for the destruction of our enemies; at least, so it appeared for a time to the writer. So distasteful did this seeming desire for revenge become, that those psalms which contained any allusion thereto were carefully avoided. As she persisted, however, in her study of Science and Health, she began to see that enemies are the errors or evils which seem to beset one,—false beliefs and wrong practices. With this interpretation of "enemies," the book of Psalms became a very valuable help.

In an article appearing on page 8 of "Miscellaneous Writings," and entitled, "Love Your Enemies," our revered Leader says: "Simply count your enemy to be that which defiles, defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should reflect. Whatever purifies, sanctifies, and consecrates human life, is not an enemy, however much we suffer in the process." So we see that even those circumstances which seem to make us suffer may be angels in disguise; for they should prepare the heart to surrender itself to that infinite divine Love which is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,"—our Father-Mother God, who is ever present, as our Leader so convincingly teaches. Thus, it becomes easy to bless our enemies.

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