Article February 29, 1936 Issue

Taking Things Quietly

MAUDE PETTUS

To some of us at times the activities of human life seem to press very hard. We feel that we have a great deal to do and little time in which to do it. We find ourselves in a way breathless, and may suffer a feeling of failure, or even of despair. We may be resentful at the number of tasks piled up and awaiting accomplishment at our hands. Alas, for lack of time or from interruptions and from outside duties, that which we should do—perhaps must do—often appears to be humanly impossible. We proceed then to search the list and find that nothing in it can be omitted; and there are only certain working hours in a day! The human mind is at once feverish, struggling, disordered, and fighting futilely. To those who at this moment turn to Christian Science will come a healing message by which the mortal sense of hurry and strain and weariness is stilled.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, ordained the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," to be pastors of the Christian Science church. As reported in The Christian Science Journal as an extract from one of her sermons (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 170), she declared that the material record of the Bible "is no more important to our well-being than the history of Europe and America," and continued, "but the spiritual application bears upon our eternal life." In order, then, properly to appreciate the Christian Science textbook in its expounding of the true creation, in its revelation of the Christ, and to understand the nature of the healing work effected by Jesus and his disciples, it is necessary that one should read the Bible in the light of its spiritual meaning. Students of Christian Science follow that counsel and are daily receiving the help that the study and application of this Science promises to all.

In the matter of haste, the belief of being driven by the numerous obligations in our lives, we discover that one has only to stop a moment and, despite the pressure, take heed and think of God, who moves not in haste and at no time overburdens one with work. He has everything in order in His kingdom, and He does not oppress His children with tasks. If mortal man is in a hurry and despairs of getting all things done, he is urging himself on witlessly. We have no need to rush from one labor to another, thinking unless we do so we are liable to fail of accomplishment. God, our loving Parent, would not thus afflict His children. Something else, something vague and speculative, something that is unlike God, is trying to deceive us. Mrs. Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook (pp. 82, 83), "In a world of sin and sensuality hastening to a greater development of power, it is wise earnestly to consider whether it is the human mind or the divine Mind which is influencing one."

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