Editorial April 26, 1924 Issue

Christian Science Practice

Albert F. Gilmore

Christ Jesus was in no doubt as to the purpose and importance of his mission, or of the necessity for those who would gain salvation and eternal life to follow in his footsteps. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," he insisted, adding, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The student of Christian Science, hoping to experience like blessings, accepts these words in their fullest significance, and undertakes so to order his life as to conform precisely with their message. Moreover, he knows that he can never gain his liberation through the works of another, nor make spiritual gain by mere profession. Demonstration alone insures progress; and, accordingly, he sets himself to prove his way into the kingdom of heaven through destroying every phase of error which presents itself for admission into consciousness.

In her characteristically direct style Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 450), "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good." Here our Leader states both the mission of Christian Science and the method of its practice. Christian Scientists have proved this to be the way, the only way, be it said, since it is the way of the Christ, the redeemer of mankind, the way which all must follow.

Perhaps no phase of the Master's character is more impressive than his utter selflessness. So completely had he risen above the gratification of selfish desires that he stands as the great Exemplar of spiritual purity. How greatly does he emphasize both the necessity of rising above mere personal pleasures, that is, the ways of the flesh, and the tremendous spiritual reward which follows such self-abnegation,—even the ability to see man at-one with God. Likewise, the Christian Science practitioner, accepting the Master as the model, undertakes to follow his example, relinquishing the way of the material senses, and turning constantly to God in his effort to gain that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." Moreover, he is assured that his success in destroying sin, sickness, and death will be exactly proportionate to his gaining that Mind. Mrs. Eddy has clearly set before her students the demands in these words in Science and Health (p. 15): "Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers. Practice not profession, understanding not belief, gain the ear and right hand of omnipotence and they assuredly call down infinite blessings." The blessings thus assured are precisely what the Christian Science practitioner wishes to realize, both for himself and for those whom he would benefit. In seeking good for others he partakes of good himself.

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