Article January 28, 1928 Issue

Study and Service

BURT S. GALE

IN the sacred study of Christian Science it is not enough that one should take a few moments each day to peruse "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, or our Leader's other writings; or yet to give a few brief minutes to the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, and by so doing feel he has contributed his share to the preservation of his own well-being and the growth of the Cause. The times and the hour are requiring much more of everyone who has accepted the privilege of association with this great movement, even demanding a deep and comprehensive study of the Bible and of the writings and teachings of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

The troubled state of thought the world over, the menacing suggestions all about us, the harassing circumstances so often confronting an earnest, sincere purpose, baffle humanity; and will continue so to do as long as men hold to material thinking, and thus continue to smother the cry for spiritual peace and confidence. The struggle for place and power still goes on in terms foreign to the Mosaic Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount; and even matters dear to the human heart and sacred from the hand of the great Way-shower, are dragged down to the level of commercialism and preference, rather than uplifted by true merit and devotion to good. These things should not be. Are we as Christian Scientists doing our part as we should to clarify the atmosphere of human jealousy, hate, greed, covetousness, and the many other falsities that hinder the progress of real spiritual activity?

The example set by loyal students of Christian Science should be such that humanity, with all its eagerness for criticism and domination, would fail to find aught but the broadest intent of brotherly love, instead of a prejudicial sense of personal or social friendship, which affords open channels for dissatisfaction. The forceful example and drastic measures used by our Master in clearing the temple of its worldliness should not be lost sight of in our own day and generation. Error is ever ready with its subtle claims to hide the teachings of the Golden Rule under the cloak of opportunity; to take from earnest, sincere, honest workers whose hearts have sought and struggled to reach the high standard set by the Galilean Prophet and their own Leader, what should be their rights and privileges, and the fruits of their labor. So it becomes necessary to know that the pretender shall not become the master of the trustworthy, and that the propagandist, assuming to judge and condemn, shall fail to impede the watchful intent and determined purpose of the faithful to establish the kingdom of heaven here on earth. It is also well to know God's requirement as set forth in the Church Manual (Article VIII, Sect. 15), which says, "God requires our whole heart, and He supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members."

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