Article February 14, 1942 Issue

Dedicating Oneself to God

WILLIAM MATTHEW COTTERILL

Christian Science is the Science of Christianity which Jesus presented to the world. It encourages that vital individual realization of Truth which leads to demonstration. In answer to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" Mary Baker Eddy writes on page 495 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." Obedience to this direction requires individual work, individual spiritual building. The Apostle Paul said, in his first epistle to the Corinthians, "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

As we "Study thoroughly the letter," we find in the Christian Science textbook incontrovertible, logical statements of spiritual law, showing the necessity of living in conformity with the teachings of the Scriptures. Doing this, we naturally "imbibe the spirit" or build the truth in our own consciousness. In working out one's salvation, one must of necessity "adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." Thus does one dedicate oneself to Truth, making the most of every opportunity to do good.

The application of Christian Science helps us wherever we are. It may be that our building needs to be strengthened, or to be reinforced with the cement of love and understanding. Whatever the need, Christian Science enables men to build on a rock rather than on the shifting sands of physical sense testimony, to build better lives by overcoming the errors of sense. The dedicating of oneself to thinking and doing good should commence immediately. On the occasion of the dedication of the Extension of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy made this impressive statement (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 3): "A Christian Scientist verifies his calling."

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