Authorized Literature Is Sufficient
In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 98) it is stated by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, that "beyond the frail premises of human beliefs, above the loosening grasp of creeds, the demonstration of Christian Mind-healing stands a revealed and practical Science." It is true that since its inception in 1866, as it has unfolded into further and wider usefulness, its organization, including its periodicals, has been proved sufficient, quite sufficient, for the purposes intended. This fact cannot be reiterated too often, whether to the one merely looking into Christian Science with a casual interest, to the beginner, or to the more davanced student. For the sound and right advancement in the study of Christian Science, its own authorized literature, its churches and Sunday schools, its lectures, its practitioners and teachers, constitute means which are quite sufficient whereby one may learn the Science correctly, advance in it, and amply and happily satisfy every earnest aspiration for light.
Certainly if one were learning aviation one would not take up the study of a submarine. He would wish at once to seek headquarters so far as the understanding of aviation is concerned, would demand qualified and authorized instructors and a textbook written by one who had mastered the work, and he would eschew other systems as vague, useless, untried, or empirical. He would neither care to waste time on such vagaries nor be willing to becloud or confuse his thoughts on the subject or mystify his apprehension with foolish or devious rules which might some day be his undoing.
Considering, then, the fact that foolishness is never wisdom nor the way of wisdom, it would seem strange that there are some who think it worth while to essay to prop up, as it were, the true and worthy revelation and practice of genuine Christian Science, as known through its regular channels. Various rambling philosophies with high-sounding names, false, useless, or actually erroneous sophistries, vapory speculations and casuistry about Christian Science or to some extent in line with it, will neither teach nor satisfy the one seeking divine Principle which heals. It is surprising to see on some occasions those who should know better, occupying themselves in reading and thinking about more or less mystical "times and seasons," dates past or present which claim to be vastly significant, or watching and speculating upon phenomena which are frankly material and therefore never anything else than erroneous; or perhaps going out of their way to twist Scriptural stories into weird signs and imagery which are far afield from that which is genuinely spiritual,—in other words, yielding their thoughts to a mesmerism which in many cases is not half so innocent as it pretends to be.
The teachings of Christian Science are straightforward and understandable, so that "the wayfaring men" spoken of in the Old Testament, "though fools, shall not err therein." That God is All and that God is Spirit; that this same God is good and is infinite—these foundation stones are surely of a definite character and of an unmistakable quality. The one who builds upon them in thought up to the universe, including man, as a manifestation of good and of Spirit, need not stray or waver in his reasoning. The further work of the application of these truths to everyday life means the priceless demonstration of their value and trustworthiness.
The Bible, the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," together with the other works of Mrs. Eddy and the authorized Christian Science periodicals, which are prepared designedly to teach and help all, whether the veriest child in Science or the thought which is more mature—in these and in the church activities before mentioned there are ample scope and fullest provision for every seeker who would know spiritual truth without adulteration, thereby making possible a progress as sure and as speedy as each individual is fitted to accomplish.
If one does not realize this, it may be because of the innate mental laziness of the human mind, which continually lapses and slips away from accuracy and persevering effort; or it may be that unseen arguments of evil too readily seduce the though which is not wide awake enough nor wise enough to protect itself in its daily walk. Whether the suggestion comes through friend or strange, whether it is audibly or inaudibly whispered that some other way or some added way might be pleasant or easy, whether the claim is made that some method will help the student to get Science or to get it more quickly, one has only to remember Christian in "Pilgrim's Progress." When he listened to these misleading guides, he found himself later in the Slough of Despond, in Vanity Fair, or in Doubting Castle, to his great hurt and detriment and waste of precious time. Cannot the child of God affirm his rightful intelligence, whereby he can know that the tried right way is the best way, and that those he finds walking steadfastly therein are the most helpful company with whom to travel.
Concerning these things there is the individual right to choose, and indeed each day, each hour, and each minute we choose whom we will serve. Therein we are our own judges, our own executioners. Paul has likened it to the one who would build upon a foundation, "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble." Later that which is substantial remains, while the dissolving vanishes, the builder having or not having something to show for his labor. Certainly to build mentally that which shall stand is all that is worth while, all that will help us in the hour of need.
If after considering these facts earnestly error still hints that something else is just as good, or that it is more enjoyable, the lie can be recognized for what it is, a tempter and deceiver. The wise mother knowing what is best for the child gives it nourishing food,—not that which is merely sweet and pleasant. Mrs. Eddy, for those who with childlike spirit are seeking to grow in Christian Science, has provided rightful nutriment; and nothing can prevent or seduce them from seeking and gaining it. For it is at once sufficient and adequate.
Copyright, 1920, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Falmouth and St. Paul Streets, Boston, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.
