Article December 2, 1922 Issue

Truth Unalterable

CLARA S. HARSH

A Number of years ago, in a conversation with a minister of one of the churches in a large city, the subject of Christian Science and its activities was considered, since the one who approached the minister was asking for a letter of fellowship to the Christian Science church from the church to which the minister was then giving his efforts in behalf of mankind. This gentleman remarked that he hoped his church would always think kindly toward any who were following Christ, and gave assurance that the letter would be forthcoming. He also said he had great respect for the author of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and he thought there were lots of good things in Christian Science, but had concluded that if it were modified somewhat it would meet a greater need and be much more universally accepted!

How typical of mortal mind and its beliefs were these remarks! In looking up the definition of the word "modify," we find it means "to change somewhat the form or qualities of." Is not this just what error would like to do, — change somewhat the form or qualities of Truth, so that it would seem that error had as much right to place as Truth?

How frequently do we hear nowadays such remarks as these: "Have you ever read so-and-so? It is just like Christian Science." Perhaps the one so questioned will answer that he has found all he needed in the teachings of Christian Science. Whereupon the other may say, "But this is so much easier and clearer." Ah! how many times have students of Christian Science listened to this false argument, — and wasted their time, — only to find that the straight and narrow way is the only one by which the understanding of spiritual truth can be attained. If all would stop to realize that Jesus taught it was not the easy way which gives man dominion over evil and freedom from sin, but that effort must be put forth by the individual, — that no one can be exempt from doing his own mental work! Mrs. Eddy has told us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 25), "Though demonstrating his control over sin and disease, the great Teacher by no means relieved others from giving requisite proofs of their own piety." It is not exemption from work for which we come to the study of Christian Science, but to gain the right apprehension of man's birthright — to learn how to prove that man is the son of God. There is a joy in this that no other way can possibly give.

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