Editorial September 20, 1924 Issue

"In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings"

Albert F. Gilmore

The definiteness of detail with which Mrs. Eddy has pointed out the way of progress in spiritual unfoldment deeply impresses the student of Christian Science. Not only has she laid the broad foundation for growth Spiritward, but she has revealed even the minutiæ of the processes to be observed by the student in frustrating the efforts of evil to present itself in thought as reality.

One of these detailed directions is found in the paragraph entitled "Effectual invocation" on page 15 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Here we read: "In order to pray aright, we must enter into the closet and shut the door. We must close the lips and silence the material senses. In the quiet sancturay of earnest longings, we must deny sin and plead God's allness." How specific the directions our Leader gives us in these blessed words! "The quiet sanctuary of earnest longings" must be the individual consciousness in its desire to become the true reflection of divine Love, reaching out for the light of spiritual Truth, which blesses all who come within the healing effulgence of its holy rays.

In connection with this statement from our Leader, it may be profitable to recall that a Christian Scientist is most receptive of spiritual Truth when realizing that state of peace and quietude of thought which shuts out all that is unlike good; that is, which closes the mental door to the approach of every phase of evil. The Christian Scientist at the church services on Sunday or Wednesday derives the most benefit from the Lesson whose thought is most receptive to the healing truth. Is it not, then, a part of one's duty to prepare for the reception of spiritual Truth through a period of resort to the "quiet sanctuary" of earnest desires, where material beliefs give place to the contemplation of divine ideas? Surely no one can doubt the value of such an experience to the seeker for spiritual enlightenment.

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