"SEA CAPTAINS ON SHORE"

JAMES K. WESTOVER

Mary Baker Eddy , the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, possessed the unique ability to write a sermon in a sentence. Where others might require pages to explain a point, she could deliver the essence of an idea in the fewest of words. In a letter which she wrote to a friend in 1895 our Leader said: "What you and all students need most to advance their growth is practice, healing the sick. Sea captains on shore are of no use" (Christian Science Sentinel, May 16, 1936).

Mrs. Eddy was familiar with the shipping activities along the New England coast, and it is but natural that the figure of "sea captains on shore" should have occurred to her as illustrating the apathetic tendencies which she observed in certain adherents of Christian Science. Her remark quoted above reminds us strongly of her declaration in the first chapter of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 4), "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds." She had learned in the early years of her discovery, in the activities incumbent upon her as the Founder of this world-wide movement, that merely to know a truth is of little value unless what ever is embraced in that truth is lived. The motive power of a recognized truth must be harnessed to a legitimate desire or need before the wheels of progress begin to hum.

A sea captain knows or is assumed to know all about wind and wave, sail and rudder, chart and compass—the varied elements with which he must contend and the numerous instruments to be employed. He knows the methods by which, even in the face of a dilemma, he may confidently sail his course and bring his vessel safe to shore. But though his experience and knowledge of things nautical be most expert, they will serve no useful purpose, either to himself or to the passengers, until he actually takes command and sets sail. Similarly, our wise Leader knew that an understanding of the Science of being, no matter how profound, would avail one nothing unless it were put to active use in the individual life.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

WAKING UP IS THE WAY OUT