Article July 20, 1929 Issue

Seeking and Finding and Keeping

H. HOLLAND HENDRICKS

To Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, the Sermon on the Mount was one of the most important parts of the Bible. Study of her various writings shows that she considered this sermon, with obedience to its precepts, a prime necessity for spiritual growth. In her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she writes (p. 271), "The Sermon on the Mount is the essence of this Science." It is interesting to note that the first definition of "essence" in Webster's Dictionary is, "That by which a thing is what it is." We may well ponder and put into practice these scientific truths uttered by the great Way-shower, truths which can surely be applied to our everyday human needs.

Probably no better rule for use under all circumstances could be found in Jesus' teachings than a statement made by him in the above-mentioned sermon. The Master had been explaining the true method of prayer—that prayer which the Father rewards; he had pointed out the necessity of keeping one's eye single, or being single-hearted, for one cannot progress while trying to serve two masters. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," he said. Then he illustrated that all needs will be cared for, and that one should not dwell in thought upon material things; that as God cares for the birds and flowers, even so He will care for each one at all times; for are not we "much better than they," and does not the Father know man's every need? Then followed the declaration which has rung down through the centuries, and which is a rule for the solution of every problem: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Until we become students of Christian Science, we perhaps do not know how to go about this spiritual seeking which will bring these "added" things. While our thoughts are on a material basis, we cannot discern "the kingdom of God." "As thy days, so shall thy strength be;" that is, as we are thinking in our daily walk and conversation, so shall we see our thoughts manifested outwardly in our experiences, in our home life, our health, and in all our affairs. For instance, when beset by any sense of lack or limitation whether the suggestion of so-called mortal mind be with regard to the need of perfect health, abundant supply, a happy home, or an harmonious position, we must persistently see and know at all times that every need is spiritual. We need to know more about God, Spirit, His allness and oneness, and His perfect spiritual creation; to "know the truth" about ourselves and others as God's children; to know that the real man, the only man there is, is spiritual and perfect; that he can never lack any good thing, for it is our Father's "good pleasure" to give him the kingdom, and that this kingdom includes the power to think rightly, scientifically, at all times and upon all subjects.

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