Proving the Truth

JOSEPHINE DEMAS

On page 584 of the Glossary in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy gives the following definition: "Day. The irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love." The Christian Scientist knows that each day he has diligently to realize the truth about "day."

There is no doubt that many a faithful student who follows the behests of the Master in the light of the revelation of Christian Science has experienced some measure of the abundant life he promised, and many have demonstrated the truth that makes free.

Do we sometimes feel that we should strive more earnestly that we do towards enlarging our treasures of Truth? Do we see that our alertness in following the commands of God is only partly what it should be, and that our dependence upon divine Principle is below the mark we have set out to attain? How shall we realize more fully the truth which is the only thing needful?

Whereas we often face with comparative composure, fortitude, and patience the more important events of our lives, in what are considered drab or tiresome occupations we need more of equanimity, poise, and unruffled temper. Some seem to forget that the love which reflects Love is expressed in punctuality, in service in small as well as in big matters, in the cheerful performance of simple tasks. Consideration and unselfishness are expressions of love. Qualities such as these improve the conduct and the character of him who exercises them. Christian Science incites to better and kindlier behavior, and to the habitual expression of that courtesy which is born of love and is not merely perfunctory.

To the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus revealed God as Spirit; and to that searcher, Nicodemus, he said that one must "be born of water and of the Spirit." The truth of perfect God and perfect man must be upheld in thought, that it may be exemplified in daily life. This must mean redemption from the beliefs in matter, the flesh, the world, the devil or error.

Through Mrs. Eddy's discovery of Christian Science, with its healing message, interest in the things of Spirit has been revived to an extent unknown since the time of Jesus and the apostles. Our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 174): "Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practised." Her life exemplified the ennobling teaching of Christian Science, teaching which penetrates deep into the thought of the receptive hearer, kindling enthusiasm, warming the heart, and teaching obedience to the divine will.

The truths of Christian Science have wrung from many the exclamation, "Wonderful!" They are grateful who have accepted the doctrine which acknowledges God as All-in-all and evil as nought, and who see the fruits of this understanding in better and holier living. Time and again have humble prayer and communion with God proved that Love shows the way and strengthens our purpose.

A student had been suffering for some time from a tenacious sense of cold. Anxious to overcome a condition which she felt could be met in Science, she prayed and read much, seeking for the truth that would heal her. One day she read an article in the Christian Science Sentinel which pointed out that careful consideration should be given to the motive governing one's thought when one is dealing with error. Clearly, the spiritual intent should be to show forth God's glory, to know and manifest more of Him, and not to accept error as any part of His creation. "If the Scientist has enough Christly affection to win his own pardon, and such commendation as the Magdalen gained from Jesus," as Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 365), "then he is Christian enough to practise scientifically and deal with his patients compassionately; and the result will correspond with the spiritual intent."

These words brought home to the student that which should have been given first place in her thought. She now gave glory to God for what she knew was her true being, and for what she had already realized of good. In silent prayer and profound humility, she discerned that the false sense of fear and disease she had entertained, was now destroyed. She was healed from that moment, and remained well. In the words of the Psalmist she thanked God, "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."

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The Lighthouse and the Light

September 23, 1939

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