Virtue

MARY B. MEREDITH

Many have loved the familiar and beautiful description of a virtuous woman to be found in the last chapter of the book of Proverbs, but until enlightened by the revelation that Christian Science throws upon the Scriptures the reader fails to comprehend the full import and beauty of the character portrayed by the wise man. "She looketh well to the ways of her household."

With what diligence, wisdom, and patience did our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, so guard her consciousness that it might be a fitting temple to receive the revelation of Trust's immortal idea which came to her waiting thought! With what love, compassion, and tenderness for mankind were all her thoughts and motives imbued; with what untiring devotion of thought and energy did she labor that this revelation might be available for all!

How earnestly did Mrs. Eddy impress upon her students and followers the need for purifying and guarding their consciousness from all erroneous mortal beliefs! In her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she reminds us, on page 235, that no aggressive suggestions of error can find lodgment in a consciousness where "virtue and truth build a strong defence."

One Bible student, prior to taking up the study of Christian Science, was earnestly seeking to understand Christ Jesus' method of healing, and upon a certain occasion found her attention suddenly arrested by his statement that "virtue is gone out of me," when a poor woman, who in faith reached out and touched the hem of his garment, was restored to health. Here, indeed, seemed to be a clue to his healing work; and the true meaning of the word "virtue" was eagerly sought. The dictionary meanings, however, of "manly strength" or "inherent power," derived from the Latin origin virtus, were not sufficient to give a practical basis of thought or demonstration; and it was not until Christian Science elevated consciousness to the understanding of the real man, made in the image and likeness of God, Spirit, and endowed by reflection with spiritual or divinely mental power, that true enlightenment came. Jesus manifested this healing power, and taught his disciples how to heal in like manner, also warning them that a man's foes would be "they of his own household." When the Master asked, "Who touched me?" he knew that all erroneous mortal suggestions, presenting themselves physically, had to be met and overcome by the truth of being.

As one begins to gain an understanding of the true status of man and finds that "virtue," or spiritual strength, is an attribute of each child of God, there comes the ability to say, as did Christ Jesus, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me."

Christian Scientists endeavor to entertain in thought only the pure, perfect ideas of Spirit, for thereby, as it is written in the Church Manual (Art. III, Sect. 1), "the mental atmosphere they exhale shall promote health and holiness, even that spiritual animus so universally needed."

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Wednesday Evening Testimony Meetings

September 12, 1936

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