Article January 19, 1929 Issue

Advancing Steps

EDWARD EVERETT NORWOOD

An individual who has become interested in Christian Science finds himself passing through certain phases of progress that, more or less, are experienced by all of his fellow seekers for Truth. He soon awakens to the fact that his consciousness is being liberated from much restrictive bondage. Heretofore, he believed power, energy, force, law—more or less all activity—to be associated with matter. The teachings of the schools had so impressed this upon his thought that the word "limitation" seemed the largest in his vocabulary.

After reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy for some time, and the Bible in the newer light which the former book gives to the Scriptures, he recognizes the stupendous fact that all verities are vested in divine Mind, are ever present, ever active, and entirely available; and that right thinking, or the reflection of this Mind, brings right ideas to the conscious thought, so that they become factors in spiritual growth and in the overcoming of all that is unlike good. As this joyous study is pursued, the liberation of his mental powers gradually merges into a consciousness of dominion, and he is able to say, "This is none other but the house of God." Referring to this mental stage, Mrs. Eddy in her wonderful article "The New Birth" (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 15, 16) speaks of "the sweet revealings of a new and more spiritual Life and Love." And she adds, "These nourish the hungry hope, satisfy more the cravings for immortality, and so comfort, cheer, and bless one, that he saith: In mine infancy, this is enough of heaven to come down to earth."

The seeker thus begins to discern the vast possibilities of this mental power, and begins to use it. This right thinking, the scientific understanding of God's presence and power, is the Christian's prayer, and it reveals the availability of good to save us from every false condition. And the constant exercise of this right thinking gives one an increasing ability to appropriate the host of spiritual qualities, of which God is the Principle, such as honesty, humility, purity, and joy. He also finds that the prayer of the righteous is the way to attain good and to do good, to help and to bless mankind; and to do this in the only way possible, because it is God's way. He is careful not to attempt to misuse this mental power, this ability to pray aright. After liberation comes the next important step, purification. When one is humble enough not to outline, but in all sincerity to say, "Not my will, but thine, be done," and to pray that good may be manifested, he is working correctly in Christian Science. He is declaring for the wisdom to uncover error, and for the understanding of Truth and Love to destroy it; and whatever is just and right will be shown forth. Straightway does he become a channel through which divine good becomes operative, and the words "limitation" and "fear" become less and less a part of his thinking. His understanding of God becomes clearer, because he is getting away from a personal sense of both good and evil.

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