Article February 16, 1924 Issue

Rest

HAZEL A. WOOD

In order to know how to work, one must also know how to rest. The Christian Scientist is learning the secret of true rest; and out of this knowledge comes his calm, steady, and effective activity. True and scientific rest, which is one of God's gifts to His children, prepares one to give the best service; for it brings a vision of the perfect order and harmony of divine law, in which true work is understood to be divine Mind unceasingly expressing itself, and man perfectly reflecting that Mind. Why should not one rest when he grasps the thought that all that needs to be done or accomplished, all that is necessary for man's true happiness and usefulness, is already a finished part of God's complete creation, and that God Himself maintains and sustains it?

In material belief the true sense of rest is reversed, so much so that sometimes the jarring noises of human experience seem unbearable. Noise always involves materiality, and therefore friction. In the realm of divine Mind there are always the harmonious tones of true activity; but no jarring noise has place there. Therefore there can be no bustle or confusion in God's work; no lack of coordination; no waste or hurry. In "Retrospection and Introspection" (p. 93) Mrs. Eddy says, "The best spiritual type of Christly method for uplifting human thought and imparting divine Truth, is stationary power, stillness, and strength; and when this spiritual ideal is made our own, it becomes the model for human action."

In the definition of Church in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583) occurs the following: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." Here the thought of rest is such a comforting one. The true Church is indeed the restful reflection of our heavenly Father, divine Love; and this truth absolutely destroys among its members such falsities as personal responsibility, desire to rule, self-will, or self-depreciation. God's Church is thus in His care; and every member of it, as he realizes that man is divinely created, fills his own niche, and through expressing divine activity, rests in the harmony of Science.

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