Article August 22, 1925 Issue

Freedom

ADA MC CONNELL

In defining "Church," in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583), Mrs. Eddy says in part: "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."

A student of Christian Science was awakened to the practical truth of these words when on the way to her work one morning. While she was walking along, her attention was arrested by hearing some one whistling a familiar tune. Pausing, she found herself near the city jail, a window of which was open; and from behind the bars there came the sweet strains of "Shepherd, show me how to go" from Mrs. Eddy's poem, "Feed My Sheep" (Poems, p. 14). For many months Sunday services had been held in that jail under the auspices of the local Christian Science church, a branch of The Mother Church, and thus by obedience to the precept, "Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences" (Science and Health, p. 570), the healing message of the Christ, Truth, was being received.

As the student reflected upon this experience, there came the realization that stone walls are not the only barriers to freedom; that he who is bound by thoughts of malice and fear, by beliefs of pain and pleasure in matter, is also a prisoner, and that his freedom must come through obedience to divine law, through reformation gained by learning to love righteousness,—right thinking and acting. Did not Jesus say, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"?

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