Article June 21, 1924 Issue

The Key to Progress

HATTIE GERTRUDE HOLDEN

As the student of Christian Science progresses in his understanding of the truth of being, and reaches the time when he not only applies this understanding to the solving of his own problems, but is requested to do so for the benefit of others, he may ask himself just what part of his study has helped him most to reach a demonstrable knowledge of Truth. As he looks back over the time which he has devoted to his search for Truth or for the true God, almost invariably he realizes that, of all the channels which our Leader has so wisely provided through which we may learn more of this religion of healing, possibly the study of the Lesson-Sermons, as much as aught else, has brought to him conviction and understanding. And so, when one comes to this student inquiring how he also may acquire the knowledge of God which will heal him of sorrow, or sickness, or sin, he is at once told that one of his first steps to understanding should be the daily study of the Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermons.

Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 456), "A Christian Scientist requires my work Science and Health for his textbook." The possession, therefore, of this book as well as of a Bible becomes a necessity if the student is to learn to know God as taught in Christian Science. In acquiring this textbook the owner comes into possession of a veritable "Key to the Scriptures." But of what value is a key unless it is used to unlock for our use the treasures to which it gives access? Through the study of the Lesson-Sermons the seeker for Truth learns to use this "Key," and the treasures of the Scriptures become his own. He also comes to recognize that there is Scriptural authority for all that Mrs. Eddy teaches, and to realize why she says (Science and Health, p. 126): "The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in 'the straight and narrow way' of Truth." Earth has no riches to compare with this gain of spiritual understanding. Should it be thought surprising if, after the study each day of the Lesson-Sermon from which the student arises peaceful, refreshed, and strengthened, he should breathe forth a prayer of gratitude for the love and wisdom of our beloved Leader in establishing these daily lessons?

Our Master never failed to supply food to meet the need of his followers. Mrs. Eddy, following in his footsteps and realizing that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," wisely provided this daily bread of the Word for students of Christian Science for all time, well knowing that spiritual communion with God brings to consciousness the realization of ever present supply for every present need. By partaking of this spiritual nourishment each day, we shall be enabled to follow the counsel of Peter, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." Thus we shall not only work out our own salvation, but also be enabled to bring tidings of the good news to our brother, for his redemption and healing.

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