Article May 4, 1935 Issue

One's Claim

HYLDA SWINBANKS

In the chapter entitled "Glossary" in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy gives us definitions of certain words, and, in some instances, both the spiritual and the material meaning. For example, "sword" is defined thus (p. 595): "The idea of Truth; justice. Revenge; anger." Studying these definitions, we learn how important it is to understand them, and also what a debt of gratitude we owe to our beloved Leader for her careful choice of words with which to convey her teaching. And so the student of Christian Science learns to study words in order to gain more and more of their spiritual meaning.

When the writer was very young in the study of Christian Science, and unfamiliar with the meaning of certain words, her attention was arrested one day, in the course of conversation, by her friend's use of the word "claim," as applied to a condition of physical inharmony. It was explained to her that error tries to claim reality in human consciousness, and that it is our work to prove its suggestion worthless and unreal. After some pondering over the meaning of this word, a somewhat fuller light was shed on the question, and this light has often illumined dark moments which have occurred in later days.

The child's claim upon his parents for food, clothing, protection, love, and all things necessary for his welfare is accepted without question. When he lacks any of these things, how naturally and spontaneously he claims them! If danger, sickness, or any other trouble threatens, how quickly he runs to his parents for protection, instinctively turning to them for comfort and relief! It is then that he feels he has a special claim on their love.

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