Article May 18, 1935 Issue

Completing Our Demonstration

NEVA CORNWELL

How often would we be rid of some annoying false claim, some persistent error, that seems again and again to lift its hydra head, even after we are sure that a problem has been entirely solved! No doubt it was the recognition of this seeming persistence of error which led our great Master, Jesus the Christ, to give to his hearers the parable regarding the unclean spirit, as related in Matthew. The unclean spirit which was cast out "walketh through dry places, seeking rest," and finding none it returneth to its house and "findeth it empty, swept, and garnished." Then it taketh with it "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there." And then Christ Jesus declared plainly that "the last state of that man is worse than the first."

It would appear, therefore, that concern merely to have an error cast out, to have pain stopped, or, as it were, to be satisfied with having the abnormal physical condition—whatever it may be—abated, is not sufficient to complete our demonstration. Regardless of how great the relief from the physical discord may be, we cannot, must not, stop there; for no matter how thoroughly the error is swept out and the "house ... garnished," if it is left "empty"—not rightly filled—our work is not finished, for our Leader tells us on page 210 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" that we must keep our minds "so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them." Here she has given us a rule which, if followed faithfully, will forestall the return of any false belief, and prevent other errors from gaining entrance to our thinking.

And how are we to accomplish this filling of our minds with Truth and Love? Perhaps here a useful hint may be taken from the Psalmist who implored, "O magnify the Lord with me;" and again, "Magnify him with thanksgiving." To "magnify" means to "laud and extol; to increase the importance of; to amplify or to enlarge."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Shadows
May 18, 1935
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit