Article May 17, 1947 Issue

Spirit Satisfies; Liquor Does Not

GLADYS ELLA GIBBS

Addressing the woman of Samaria at the well of Jacob, Jesus promised that whosoever drank of the water that he would give would never thirst. "The water that I shall give him," said he (John 4:14), "shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

This satisfying water of which Jesus spoke was none other than the great truth of spiritual being which he, as the Messiah, had come to preach, showing by his healing works his divine commission. Obscured through the centuries by the materialistic worship of an anthropomorphic God, this truth has again been revealed to mankind through the inspired writings of Mary Baker Eddy. Anyone desiring to slake his thirst for happiness and satisfaction may partake of this water as he turns to the Bible, and through the scientific interpretation provided by the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, drinks in the messages of Truth from Genesis to Revelation. "It is this spiritual perception of Scripture," writes our Leader (ibid., p. 547), "which lifts humanity out of disease and death and inspires faith." Following these words, she then extends the invitation which is to be found in Revelation (22:17): "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. ... And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

What a contrast this method is to the general human attempt to find life, happiness, and satisfaction in matter. This quest, so often accompanied by fatigue, disappointment, disillusionment, and grief, seeks material aids to bolster up a fugitive sense of joy and completeness, or to provide a way of escape from limitations. Often it leads to the use of stimulants and alcoholic drinks. Basically, the desire for any stimulant is the mortal sense of incompleteness and dissatisfaction; but when mortals begin to discern that their needs are not material, and that material remedies will never heal or adequately meet the human craving for good, they are ready to learn how Spirit, the source of all good, alone can refresh, cheer, uplift, and satisfy. "Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man," declares Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, pp. 60, 61).

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