"Living water"

CLYDE D. SAMSON

Possibly no metaphor has been more beautifully and effectively used by spiritually-minded teachers in all ages than that of water. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters," cried Isaiah. John beheld the "river of water of life." Jesus said to the Samaritan woman that, had she asked, he would have given her "living water."

Let us picture a traveler athirst in the desert who suddenly finds standing beside him one offering a cup of cold, pure water. Would not his first thought be one of great gratitude both for the water and to the bearer? Then, it is reasonable to assume, he would question: What is the source of this water? Can I get it for myself? Is it free to all? These and many more questions the pilgrim might press upon his benefactor.

Similarly, the Christian Scientist humbly and lovingly offers to the seeker after Truth the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. He takes him by the hand and supports his first faltering footsteps along the way leading out of the desert of mortal beliefs, offering him more of this pure "water of life." He strives to lift the thought of the thirsting one to the divine source of all good, until he finds that "waters break out" in the wilderness "and streams in the desert," and is himself able to give succor to weary and fainting pilgrims.

The Mother Church typifies the open fount. More than we can accept, more even than we can hope for, more than we can comprehend, it holds for us and for all mankind. The periodicals, the lectures, authorized teaching, the church services, the Lesson-Sermons "undivorced from truth, uncontaminated and unfettered by human hypotheses, and divinely authorized" (Explanatory Note, Christian Science Quarterly), the striving of devout members through daily prayer to translate the truth into human experience — these and other activities are "the wide channels of The Mother Church" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 15) through which flow the healing waters, cleansing the sick, purifying the sinner, and refreshing the wayfarer. And the Church Manual protects, directs, and preserves them from contamination.

The Christian Science practitioner or teacher may be likened to the one giving a cup of water to the weary wanderer in the desert. There should be no confusion in the thought of the Christian Scientist as to the proper relationship between teacher and pupil, practitioner and patient. Gratitude and appreciation for Christian Science cannot detract from, but can only purify, the gratitude to the Christian Science worker. The Christian Scientist looks to God alone as the source of all healing, but this in no way limits or stifles his gratitude for the loving hand that holds out to him the cup of cold water.

The claims of the erring material senses may seem to grow more aggressive when challenged; but from the same source whence comes the loving motive to challenge them, come also the understanding of their unreal character and the God-given ability to nullify them. We need never fear that the results of doing good can be aught but good. We must offer our gift in clean vessels, and we must guard against officiousness: purity of motive is essential.

The open fount of Spirit cannot give forth both sweet water and bitter. To the lawless senses, purity may seem bitter, as may obedience and self-abnegation to self-will and self-love; but this bitterness is just as illusory as are the pleasures of self-indulgence.

Our Leader writes (Science and Health, p. 570): "Millions of unprejudiced minds — simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert — are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences." And she adds: "Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks. The waters will be pacified, and Christ will command the wave."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit