Article June 30, 1923 Issue

From the Directors

The Christian Science Board of Directors

Students of Christian Science should be watchful not to accept partial views of the truth found in our Leader's teachings, all of which are based upon the Scriptures. Christian Scientists often have special illuminations in which they gain new views of Truth; and if faithful they will continue to have more and more of such experiences. It should not, however, be forgotten that while some phase of truth may be seen more clearly from a new viewpoint, this does not mean that it must necessarily become the experience of others; and if it be given out as a new revelation without which our Leader's teachings would be incomplete, it is apt to work much harm.

When one gains a new view of Truth, he should remember that others, doubtless, have similar experiences. Those who are wise subject their new sense of reality to the test of actual demonstration, and continue to do so until its relation to divine Principle is clearly established. Even then it should not be offered as a new teaching; for if it is true it will be found that it is already established in Mrs. Eddy's writings, which include in themselves the steps needed in the advancement of our great Cause.

Christian Science unquestionably brings a great change of thought to all students of Mrs. Eddy's writings in respect to God, man, and the mission and character of Christ Jesus. The old sense begins to disappear, and perhaps Jesus may be less talked of than formerly, for the simple reason that the student has found that his former beliefs about the Master must have been incorrect, since they did little or nothing for him in the way of the healing of sickness or the overcoming of the many other ills of mortal experience. False views or beliefs, therefore, begin to fade out as the truth of man's being takes their place. This may be regarded as one stage of the student's progress. Another stage brings the understanding voiced by our Leader on page 26 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where we read: "While we adore Jesus, and the heart overflows with gratitude for what he did for mortals,—treading alone his loving pathway up to the throne of glory, in speechless agony exploring the way for us,—yet Jesus spares us not one individual experience, if we follow his commands faithfully; and all have the cup of sorrowful effort to drink in proportion to their demonstration of his love, till all are redeemed through divine Love."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

From the Directors

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access