Editorial September 23, 1933 Issue

Observers of Times

W. Stuart Booth

Student of Christian Science early learn that faithful and regular study of the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly is an effectual aid in obtaining a working knowledge of the truth. The Bible becomes more vital to them as they see that the experiences recorded therein prefigure those of the present day, especially as Christian Science has revealed to them the law of God whereby Moses, the prophets, Christ Jesus, and the early Christians healed the sick and wrought wonders. However, in studying the Lesson-Sermon which denounces "ancient and modern necromancy, alias mesmerism and hypnotism," there may be a tendency to regard some of the points therein as unrelated to our own time and needs; this, in spite of the fact that the word "modern" appears in the subject.

This may be the case in connection with the thought expressed in the following verses in Deuteronomy where is recorded Moses' warning to the Israelites against the superstitions and wrong mental methods of their day: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer." Surely no one of the present time would literally put a child into a fire. But fire means fear, according to a definition given by Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 586), and this leads us to see that many parents unwittingly pass their children through a baptism of fiery, devastating fear of sickness because of their belief in personal possession which is associated with the false sense of life in matter. The consistent application of the Christian Science teachings frees both parents and children from the fire of fear.

Likewise it may be that we fail to see that the injunction against being observers of times applies to and is needed by us. Are not the people of today beset by the hypnotic belief in so-called hard times in business? Too many, indeed, are mesmerized by the superstitious belief that business is subject to cycles instead of being steadied and supported by changeless Principle. Are there not many who think that at certain times they are liable to physical depletion and disease, to disability and pain? Are there not others who, because of so-called temperamental tendencies, find themselves observing times of moodiness, irritability, impatience, or sadness?

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