Editorial June 22, 1929 Issue

The "chart of life"

Albert F. Gilmore

The student of Christian Science, if he be thorough and sincere, is also an earnest student of the Bible, for the sacred Scriptures contain the truth which is revealed in Christian Science. The Bible is, in fact, the "source book" of Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy with her characteristic aptness of expression writes of the Bible in these words (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 24): "Acquaintance with the original texts, and willingness to give up human beliefs . . . open the way for Christian Science to be understood, and make the Bible the chart of life, where the buoys and healing currents of Truth are pointed out." No statement could more emphatically reveal our Leader's estimate of the Holy Book and of the place it fills in human experience. The "chart of life" shows the way to the understanding of Christian Science, to right living, to freedom and salvation, to lasting joy, even to eternal life.

In these days when the Bible is so frequently attacked, when the spotlight of the so-called higher criticism is turned full upon it, when the skeptic takes it into his laboratory and, dissecting it, denies its authority, there is special need for those to whom has been revealed its priceless message, as a sacred duty defend its integrity and to uphold its authority. When the Bible and Science and Health were installed as the pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist, the place of the Bible in Christian Science was fixed forever. There can be no turning away either from its established authority or from the spiritual import of its message.

There could be no better index of the place the Scriptures filled in the thought of Christ Jesus than the fact of his frequent reference to them. That he was thoroughly conversant with the Old Testament there is ample proof. He saw his own Messiahship as the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies. Of that memorable walk to Emmaus, it is recorded that "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." Jesus is the Way-shower to all mankind out of its enslaving materiality. In seeking the same liberation, can we do better than to make him our Exemplar in all our ways? Should not we as professed followers of the Nazarene be guided by his own estimate of the sacred Book? Denial of the authority of the Bible should rally all Christians to its defense.

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