Every Hour

MARY A. NEWMAN

In studying the teachings of Christian Science, one of the first lessons unfolded to us is that of a new impulsion to activity, and this is clearly set forth in the following sentence from our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, where we read, "Good demands of man every hour, in which to work out the problem of being" (p. 261). In our previous way of thinking it seemed to some of us as though the demand came from evil, that the problems of human experience with their complex entanglements must be adjusted and arranged for by giving them a degree of reality. But this did not solve the question, nor did the way become clear to us, however loyally one might try to face the difficulties from the standpoint of religious education or some philosophy claiming to give a solution. We felt that things were wrong, but that somewhere surely there must be an answer to the heartfelt longing for light and guidance.

When the truth of Christian Science came to us, we saw that not a grim tyrant, not an overshadowing evil, is holding the government of the universe and man, or a God who permits evil or sends it to His children, but the infinite Father-Mother, Love. Then we began to get a glimpse of what our work is, in response to the demand of this Love: not resignation to an arbitrary will that we could not understand, but a childlike, faithful, earnest, trustful obedience to the demands of infinite Love.

The contrast between the true and the false way is graphically portrayed by our Leader's words where she says, "The looms of crime, hidden in the dark recesses of mortal thought, are every hour weaving webs more complicated and subtle."

Then we come to the assurance that "to all mankind and in every hour, divine Love supplies all good" (Science and Health, pp. 102, 494). This is the revelation to human consciousness of man's relation to God, which Christ Jesus the Wayshower exemplified in every act, and practical obedience to this truth is the task which we are to undertake every day. The insistent demands of material sense-testimony and of mortal beliefs may clamor for a hearing, but if we turn humbly to obey the voice "that speaketh from heaven" and let the Christ-spirit rule our thought and daily life, the light will shine upon our way, and every experience will become an opportunity to prove the power of divine Love which at all times overcomes evil with good.

As thought gradually awakens, even in a small degree, to this standpoint of activity, we find new motives, new desires replacing the old habits of trying to put things right. Where before the demand seemed to call for strenuous effort, we begin to glimpse the wonderful truth that God is All-in-all, and that "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." The mists of mortal belief begin to dissolve, and the way becomes clearer every hour. Then, too, we feel a deep and increasing sense of gratitude to our beloved Leader, who so steadfastly and lovingly received the things that are of God and gave them to us.

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