Article December 8, 1923 Issue

Simplicity

JACK TOOGOOD

Before Christian Science commences to clear away the cobwebs of material thinking, many words, whose highest meaning can be conceived of only from the standpoint of spirituality, are accorded a significance which not only often misses the mark, but would also destroy their beauty. Such an example is to be found in the word "simplicity," which is widely accepted as signifying, if not foolishness, at least lack of perception. These meanings are corroborated by the modern dictionary, but contrasted, nevertheless, by others, such as "singleness" and "quality of being not complex." A truly simple-minded person, then, might be likened to a single-minded one; and when those immortal words are recalled, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," the grander and more beautiful significance appears.

It is indeed a matter of great interest to observe the facility with which a child, in comparison to an adult, is often able to accept the Word of Truth; and its import is evidenced by Mrs. Eddy in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 323, 324), where she states, "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea." Also, concerning the "advanced idea" or spiritual perception, on page 505 of our textbook we read: "This understanding is not intellectual, is not the result of scholarly attainments; it is the reality of all things brought to light." And so we must become as little children, attaining that simplicity of thought which can accept the simple verities of being—man in the image and likeness of God, governed by divine Mind. Does this demand strenuous effort then, when Truth in its nature and essence is unalterable? No, but the essentials are trust, faith, and the humble desire to love God supremely and one's neighbor as one's self.

A Christian Scientist was one morning seated in a train journeying to town, when, at a station, a lady and her little girl got in. The lady seated herself in the vacant seat beside the Christian Scientist, while the little girl was left standing for a moment. Evidently concluding she was not in her rightful position, looking up and placing a hand on each, she gently but very firmly wedged herself between them! Such a beautiful spirit of simple trust was manifested that the thought came later, If a child can repose such trust in a stranger, what measure of faith should be manifested by a Christian Scientist in the God whom he is beginning to know aright; and the line from Isaiah was recalled, "And a little child shall lead them."

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