Our Periodicals

VIRGINIA MACFARLANE

In Christian Science we learn that thought, good or bad, influences our environment, our opportunity, our circumstances, our business.

The thought of publishing the Christian Science periodicals found lodgment in the consciousness of Mary Baker Eddy. The giving of these treasures of spiritual truth greatly enriched the Cause of Christian Science.

On page 353 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," Mrs. Eddy gives us the names of the periodicals, together with their clearly defined purpose. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 262) she refers to The Christian Science Journal as "this white-winged messenger." It is good to think of all our periodicals as bearing the inspired messages of Truth and Love.

Our Reading Rooms are places of sweet refreshment, for there we can rest "beside the still waters." Many times a seeker who is heavy laden or newly interested in Christian Science opens a Journal or a Sentinel to see if it has a message for him. Or maybe he turns to the Monitor, to glean from the religious article the scientific thought that enables him to see the way out of some difficulty.

The spiritual ideas contained in our periodicals are taken into our consciousness, and the right thinking that follows manifests itself in health and harmonious environment. Intelligent reading of our literature broadens the vision, develops the understanding, brings peace, poise, and harmony, and reveals the kingdom of heaven within.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 288): "The lightnings and thunderbolts of error may burst and flash till the cloud is cleared and the tumult dies away in the distance. Then the raindrops of divinity refresh the earth." Surely our publications refresh the earth—the parched desert of mortal thought. This literature, which our Leader gave us, enables us to forsake material attractions and distractions for the attraction and unity of Spirit.

A student of Christian Science, through the faithful contemplation of the words and works of Christ Jesus and the Christian Science publications, has often been so uplifted that she has to a great extent lost sight of the false evidence of the material senses, and the trouble with which she was faced has become nonexistent to her. When standing thus on the mountaintop she has been able to glimpse clearly the allness of God and the nothingness of evil; also the perfection of God and man.

Our authorized literature does missionary and healing work. It carries the inspired Word to those hungering and thirsting for spiritual understanding, and brings healing to the sick and sinning. It emphasizes the power of God and proves it to be demonstrable.

Should not our heartfelt, silent gratitude be expressed in subscribing to these organs of our beloved Cause? Such active gratitude is more than lip service. And it goes far towards providing the necessary support of our Publishing Society.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit