Article September 13, 1924 Issue

Joy

EDMUND HOGG

Every discerning student of Christian Science comes early into the experience of joy. The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, brings out the great fact in her teachings that joy is spiritual and not material. The recognition of this results in the student's experiencing a greater sense of freedom, as well as joy, in his daily living. And this spiritual joy is the "joy of the Lord," to which the Scriptures refer. When cognized it leads to a greater appreciation of all that is worthy and of good report in human activity, wherever found. Religion and politics, science and art, take on a fuller meaning and significance; the individual taste is refined and purified; while the human capacities are enlarged and strengthened,—all as a result of the experience of the regeneration power of Christian Science, which brings to us holy joy and its twin sister, gratitude.

Thus does the individual gain the joyful experience of the woman who found the piece of silver she had lost and straightway called her neighbors to rejoice with her, as recorded in our Master's parable. Perhaps this may typify one's finding his true being in God, apart from all material selfhood—according to Christ Jesus' words, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Christian Science brings this revelation to human consciousness.

Mrs. Eddy, in a most comforting statement in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 304), points to joy as being real and permanent. "Sorrow is not the master of joy," she says. What a helpful indication of the direction in which to look in order to perceive and realize true joy! How inspiring to remember this passage when the claims of pain and discord are insistent! What joy when come the realization that our life "is hid with Christ in God," high above all material sense evidence! Then there arise those purifying tears of repentance, reforming the sinner, and settles the white dove of peace in spiritual healing, glorifying God's name on earth. Even so doth the Father glorify the Son.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Poem

"The song of Christian Science" *