The Real Wine

ETHEL M. MC CANDLESS

On page 123 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" we may read, "Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas." A wonderful statement this! The truth it presents penetrates the mist of materiality and reveals infinite Mind. In this hour of universal need it is the Christian Scientist's inestimable privilege to demonstrate to the world the truth of this statement and to prove that in the process of resolving "things into thoughts" and replacing the "objects of material sense with spiritual ideas" there is no deprivation involved. When an object is replaced by something of surpassing value there can be only gain.

Our Leader gives us the following definition of "wine" (Science and Health, p. 598): "Inspiration; understanding. Error; fornication; temptation; passion." Mortals in deep need are wont to turn for encouragement and inspiration, for that which would bring surcease from sorrow and suffering, to something outside themselves. Throughout the ages the spiritually-minded have turned for help to the Being we call God. Others, seemingly content in materiality and yielding to the lure of false appetite, have sought happiness in the gratification of the senses and the momentary disregard of human obligations and responsibilities.

Mortal mind would have us believe that a majority of people today desire and demand intoxicating liquors in order that thereby they may have a material sense of happiness and ease. This false belief often leads men to think that the effect of liquor is to cheer and strengthen them, and that it exhilarates their mentality. Material belief argues falsely that a more extensive use of intoxicating beverages will help to restore prosperity. Christian Scientists have a mighty work to do in helping to free the world from the bondage of belief that there is either pleasure or profit in indulgence of that which inebriates. What a joyous task it is to demonstrate to those who are blinded by such beliefs that God alone gives prosperity, and provides infinitely better things for His children! "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

In doing this work the Christian Scientist must first clear his own consciousness of the belief in evil as real. Then he will not yield to the temptation to condemn persons or to admit as real that which is unreal. He will learn to replace the erroneous sense of man with the understanding which cognizes man as the blessed child of God, dwelling in Spirit, sinless and satisfied.

Our Leader writes (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 369), "We thirst for inspiring wine from the vine which our Father tends." This wine is the inspiration of the Christ, Truth, which Jesus lived and demonstrated. He said of the Christ, "I am the true vine." And the fruit of this vine, the divine understanding and inspiration which blesses and heals, is the wine for which men thirst, though all may not yet be conscious of this native yearning for the spiritual. This wine inspires the partaker thereof with nobler, purer desire, quickening his perception and broadening his vision. Spiritual understanding strengthens, sustains, uplifts, and enriches all who acquire it. Spiritual inspiration builds up business and blesses families. It prospers, comforts, and heals. In short, the wine of inspiration completely satisfies.

No matter what turn human events may take, the Christian Scientist should be able to remain calm and undisturbed, knowing that divine Mind is the only real consciousness. Even though evil may boastfully parade and arrogantly clamor for recognition, one who is dwelling in this consciousness cannot be misled into accepting it as reality. He will be alert and awake to the subtle propaganda and specious argument that any good can result from lowering our spiritual standard either as individuals or as a nation. Let us "set up the standard toward Zion," refusing to attribute any power or presence to evil, and serenely rest in the understanding that God, good, reigns supreme.

Christian Science is the hope of the world, and its true disciples, like the prophets of old, are spiritual seers, watchers on the walls of Zion. They faithfully warn, cheerfully encourage, and lovingly aid those who seem to have become apathetic, discouraged, or faint in the continued struggle to rise above adverse world conditions. They have no time for self-pity, or self-indulgence. Their lives, as living fountains of love, are reflections of the one Love, inviting all to come and partake of the real wine of heavenly inspiration, which cheers, strengthens, and heals.

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