Article April 24, 1926 Issue

Availing Ourselves of God's Rule

EVA B. SNOWMAN

To the beginner in Christian Science, there arises the question as to the necessity of trials in the journey from sense to Soul. It seems to such a one that trials are unlike God, who made man in His image and likeness, man who, in turn, reflects eternal harmony. It is true that the real man does reflect God only; but until we have worked out our apparent human problems,—in other words, until we have fitted ourselves to see God's creation as He sees it,—we do not recognize the glorious truth that man is the true image of God. The sooner, then, we get to work to accomplish this joyous task, the sooner shall we begin to realize the kingdom of heaven right here.

Now our only need is to know God. If we have a certain trial to meet and are allowing it to hold us in bondage, it is proof that we are not knowing the truth, that we are not discerning clearly the spiritual thought which will solve this particular problem. In the science of numbers it is wise for one to understand its rules before attempting the solution of the problem which they govern. If, however, one undertakes to gain the solution by climbing up "some other way," and fails, he has simply to know that his need is to go back, understand, and apply the rules; then the problem will be taken care of. Moreover, the understanding and application of the rules will continue to bring about the solution of all similar problems whenever they are presented. It is therefore the rules that are primary; and if these be not clear to us, this fact will be brought to light through our unsolved problem, which always requires the correct understanding of the rules governing it. Until the rules of divine Science are understood and practiced, the same problems will continue to appear, leading one finally to seek the divine Principle which reveals the rules perfectly.

Some one may be struggling with a sense of hatred. Since such is the very opposite of divine Love, he needs must reverse his thought in order to gain harmony. The rule in this case is to know the reverse of any discordant condition—to see as God sees. On page 495 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says: "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought." Also, on page 571 of this book she writes, "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." Is not this God's beautiful rule of love? Turning away from a sense of personal hatred, and clinging steadfastly to the understanding of the universal depth, breadth, height of divine Love, will supply the need, through the touching, as it were, of the hem of Christ's garment.

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