Article October 19, 1929 Issue

"Fruitage"

JOHN T. GUTTRIDGE

THE student of mathematics finds in his textbook all the necessary rules for the solving of his problems. He may also turn to the back of his textbook on mathematics and there find an answer to each problem; and these answers prove to the student's satisfaction that each one has been solved according to the fundamental rules governing numbers. He further learns through experience that these recorded answers bring him benefit only to the extent of showing him whether or not he has correctly applied the rules. If his answers do not correspond with those in the book, the student of mathematics is obliged to erase the erroneous work, start again more carefully, watch the rules more closely, and work more diligently to solve the problem. If he still is not successful, he may then wisely turn for help to one possessing more advanced understanding. By so doing the pupil will gain not alone the answer to his problem, but a more workable understanding through cooperation with his instructor, whose primary object is to help the pupil to help himself.

In like manner, the student of Christian Science finds in his textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the revelation of Truth and the rules of divine Science whereby he may solve his every problem. Here too one may turn to the last chapter in this textbook and find there answers to problems similar to his own, gained by those who, through the reading and study of the Bible and the textbook, have in a gratifying degree understood and demonstrated the unfailing rules of health and harmony.

One may exclaim, I have read and reread Science and Health, yet my problems are not solved: I still suffer from a physical ill; my business is not at all successful; I do not rise above this or that enslaving habit, and the whole world seems to be against me! Let such a one but stop long enough in his quest for healing to erase from his consciousness this picture of failure and to ask himself the following questions: Have I taken up the reading of Science and Health with the necessary measure of humility and receptivity? Have I studied it with a sufficient degree of faith and obedience? While reading, do I pray with enough fervency of desire for "growth in grace" (Science and Health, p. 4)? Has there been engendered in my heart the fullness of love and gratitude for even the faint glimpse I have gained of the true God and of man's relation to Him? Then let him turn again to this wonderful chapter entitled "Fruitage" and read there the many grateful expressions of childlike faith and spiritual awakening, and he will cease to wonder at the "signs following."

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