"The bugle-call"

FRANCIS ROWLAND BALL

On page 2 of "Rudimental Divine Science" by Mary Baker Eddy, following the question, "Is healing the sick the whole of Science?" we find the clear statement: "Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science. It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness." To those who have come to Christian Science for the healing of physical sickness, this shows that the gaining of freedom from illness is but "the smallest part" of the blessing which may accrue from Christian Science. Those who are healed in Christian Science know that their thought is cleansed of much that is unlike God, good; and as they are lifted out of erroneous beliefs, and ideas of Truth gain ground in their consciousness, this produces change of action. One in consequence becomes more loving, has a greater desire for purity, and also becomes more useful. One's life, one's activities, express more of good, and one begins to discern "the higher range of infinite goodness."

In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says on page 492: "Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character;" and a little farther on in the same paragraph she says, "New thoughts are constantly obtaining the floor."

When "the bugle-call" is once heeded by a mortal, the consequent striving to gain the understanding of Truth and the practice of this new knowledge bring to consciousness many new thoughts, which are "constantly obtaining the floor." When one sees, through these revelations, the truth about any individual place or condition, this knowledge cannot be altered or robbed of its right fruitage; and it is only material sense that would testify oppositely. The student of Christian Science soon learns that to gain Truth, all material evidence must be reversed. And when the temptation comes to believe that the good one has learned and knows can be altered or reversed by some untoward circumstance, then is the time to turn to the spiritual sense of things and declare for the allness of God, good, when a higher manifestation will be reached.

All is in and of God, divine Mind. It therefore follows that the experiences leading up to that through which we say comes "the bugle-call" and the gaining of much good in one's experience through the understanding which produces these higher manifestations, are mental processes, and are the direct results of a desire for "holiness, harmony, immortality;" a desire to prove man's unity with God, good.

Mrs. Eddy says in her work, "Christian Healing" (p. 3), "The primitive privilege of Christianity was to make men better, to cast out error, and heal the sick." To those of to-day who desire to be made better, whether they come to Christian Science for physical, mental, or moral healing, the process is the same. As in Jesus' time, so to-day, in order to gain wholeness, error must first be cast out to make room for the new thoughts which divine Love always has for those who are seeking Truth.

The soldier knows what is required of him when he hears "the bugle-call." It first of all arrests his attention; whatever he may have been engaged in, it brings him to a state of alertness and prepares him for the order which is sure to follow the call. He also knows that when that order is given, obedience is required of him, and that he must fulfill his duties at the prescribed time, and in a right order, cooperating with his brother soldiers and being faithful to the command that is given. In all these things the soldier learns discipline; and in so far as he learns the value of right qualities he is benefited and able, when the opportunity comes, to rise from the ranks.

So it is with the one who hears "the bugle-call" of Spirit. It engages his attention; and if true to the "still small voice," he soon learns something of the commands of Spirit. To gain more understanding, and to be a true disciple (or student), he must be obedient and faithful to what he is learning day by day. One of the earliest and greatest lessons one learns is that "God is love;" and a knowledge of this enables one to work side by side with those who also have heard the call. This cooperation of rightful activity in the ranks of Christian Scientists must follow, if each one is honestly obedient to the demands of Spirit. Then, in due time, as one puts into practice what one daily learns through "the bugle-call,"—for the call is sounded each day, and often many times a day,—one is prepared and fitted to rise from the ranks. But this can come about only through implicit obedience to each and every call of Spirit.

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