Article August 6, 1938 Issue

By Our Works

GEORGE H. READ

Much has been said, and rightly, relative to the importance of earnest daily study of the Bible, together with the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and other authorized Christian Science literature, in order that one may progress in the understanding of this Science. But, important as that requirement is, it must be realized that all the studying we may do will accomplish little for us in a practical way unless we put into practice the thoughts which unfold to us through such study.

Christian Science offers no magic formula for health, happiness, and success. Words by themselves will not bring a healing of physical, moral, or business problems. Even the daily reading of the Bible Lessons from the Christian Science Quarterly will accomplish only as much as we realize and utilize of the truth we find therein. In the epistle of James we read, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." In Jesus' parable of the talents, it will be remembered that the servant who buried the one talent given him was rebuked by his master, and the talent was taken away, whereas those servants who wisely used their talents were given more.

All who faithfully study Christian Science are proving that its teachings, properly applied, lead to improved health, enlarged service to one's fellow men, and constantly increasing success in daily activities. If there seems to be a lack of definitely improving conditions following persistent study of Christian Science, careful analysis may reveal the fact that insufficient effort has been made to apply the lessons that have been learned to the problems at hand. No matter how large a sum of money may be placed in a savings bank to meet worthy needs, the deposit cannot serve the practical uses for which it is intended until applied specifically for those purposes. And likewise, the understanding of Christian Science, if not utilized, cannot be expected to accomplish much in a practical way for its possessor. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy says (p. 455): "You must utilize the moral might of Mind in order to walk over the waves of error and support your claims by demonstration. If you are yourself lost in the belief and fear of disease or sin, and if, knowing the remedy, you fail to use the energies of Mind in your own behalf, you can exercise little or no power for others' help."

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