"He that seeketh findeth"

Archibald McLellan

One of the very encouraging signs of the times among Christian Scientists is that in the testimonies given in the churches and through the Sentinel and Journal, there occurs again and again some reference to the great good that has come to the persons giving these testimonies, through the study of the Bible and Science and Health. These experiences prove that God is an ever-present help in trouble, and that He is accessible to all who seek Him in sincerity and in truth; that He is not a far-off and vague personality, whose favor must be sought through a vicarious priesthood, but the loving Father-Mother, who has said, "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

On page 494 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy has written: "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need," and this is an inspiration to Christian Scientists not only to turn to God for guidance in all their affairs, but also to expect that He will hear their prayer and guide them into that understanding of Himself which is life eternal. How they may thus turn to God is made clear in Science and Health, and the way to this knowledge is open to all, without fear or favor, who are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to its acquirement. It is a subtle temptation which urges Christian Scientists to get together and listen to the arguments and dissertations of those who set up to have opinions about this book and about their own ability to interpret it to others. This attitude of thought, however, is but another form of the belief that Science and Health is not clear and simple enough in its teachings to be readily understood by any one who takes the trouble really to study it. Such beliefs find a sharp rebuke in the Foreword to "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" in the statements "(1) that Science and Health does not need to be interpreted to those who are earnestly seeking Truth; (2) that it is not possible to state truth absolutely in a simpler or more pleasing form."

One of the things which Mrs. Eddy has sought to impress firmly upon her followers is that Christian Science is an exact Science; that its Yea means yea and its Nay means nay, and that it can be used only in the demonstration of divine Principle. What this divine Principle is,—this is the essential thing that every Christian Scientist needs to know, and this he can learn only through the study of Science and Health. Whatever any one else knows of Christian Science has been acquired primarily from its Discoverer and Founder. Then why not seek the desired information from the authorized exposition of its teaching.

Mrs. Eddy has given those who are desirous of a clearer, more advanced understanding of Christian Science this sound advice: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love. In the Science of Mind, you will soon ascertain that error cannot destroy error. You will also learn that in Science there is no transfer of evil suggestions from one mortal to another, for there is but one Mind, and this ever-present omnipotent Mind is reflected by man and governs the entire universe. You will learn that in Christian Science the first duty is to obey God, to have one Mind, and to love another as yourself" (Science and Health, p. 495).

To the many who are seeking light on their problems, be they personal or church, we would commend this vital statement of truth. In our Leader's writings we have a correct and intelligible statement of Christian Science, and their faithful, prayerful study will bring a solution to the most perplexing problem. The wisest and best teachers can only offer what they have themselves learned in this way, can only refer the inquirer to what Mrs. Eddy has said on the subject. "Seek, and ye shall find," said the greatest teacher of all; and the reward is always commensurate with the endeavor of the seeker.

Archibald McLellan.

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