Article September 8, 1945 Issue

"A bright outlook"

JACK-DART RICHARDS

In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," under the marginal heading "A bright outlook." Mary Baker Eddy has written (p. 323), "Through the wholesome chastisements of Love, we are helped onward in the march towards righteousness, peace, and purity, which are the landmarks of Science." Mrs. Eddy is speaking of chastisements, and yet we note, with comforting reassurance, that she calls them "the wholesome chastisements of Love." Let us consider for a moment the import of her statement, for there are many weary ones, tired by the world's difficult problems, who are beset with the fear of punishment or frustrated by the suggestions of unrighteousness, discord, and impurity. We should be ready to help lift from ourselves and others these earth weights. It is the strength of God that removes even the heaviest burdens of sickness, sin, and discord, of whatever name or nature.

Christian Science teaches us how to utilize, by reflection, the strength of God to overcome our trials and difficulties. It stresses a God of love, a tender, merciful, compassionate God—the all-loving One who is utterly gracious, yet who demands perfection, righteousness, and justice.

Christ Jesus illustrated the manner in which divine Love heals and forgives. Always compassionate, he was firm in his instructions that false beliefs and practices were to be completely forsaken. On one occasion he displeased an angry and demanding crowd, including scribes and Pharisees, and prevented them from stoning "a woman taken in adultery." What loving concern can be seen in his words as we read the account of their conversation as recorded in St. John's Gospel (8:10, 11): "When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." How joyfully she must have gone on her way! Today we also can perceive the lesson that woman must have gained from Christ Jesus on the day of her healing. We, too, must learn that since man is the image and likeness of God, man's relationship to man must be as sinless as his relationship to God.

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