"God governs the weather"

NANA WOLAVER

The world believes that sickness and sin can be controlled or healed by material means, but that the weather is uncontrollable and man is at the mercy of the capricious elements. In Christian Science we rejoice that sickness and sin are being wiped out by the understanding of the allness of God and of His power. This Science teaches that there are no uncontrollable, destructive elements of mortal mind, for there is in reality no mortal mind. In Lyman P. Powell's biography of Mary Baker Eddy (p. 223) our Leader is reported to have stated, "A Christian Scientist has no business attempting to control or govern the weather any more than he has a right to attempt to control or govern sickness, but he does know, and must know, that God governs the weather and no other influence can be brought to bear upon it."

Since earliest times, there have been those who, communing with God, proved His control of the weather. Elijah proved this when, as the result of his prayers, rain ended a great drought in the land. Jesus demonstrated God's control over the weather when he calmed the storm. It is plain that he expected his followers to do likewise, for, after he had rebuked the wind and "the raging of the water," he said, "Where is your faith?" His promise, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also," is not restricted to the healing of the sick, but applies to all the ways in which he reflected Spirit's control.

A Church of Christ, Scientist, had arranged for an outdoor lecture to be held. The day of the lecture was dark and gloomy. Intermittent showers occurred throughout the morning and afternoon. But the loyal members of that church were not discouraged. They knew that God governs all in complete harmony, and that therefore He governs the weather. Then they went cheerfully forward, having full faith in God's ability and willingness to care for this as well as every other problem. About half past six, the rain ceased and the clouds began to drift away. At eight o'clock the lecture was held as scheduled under a clear, starlit sky, and many of those who attended felt added gratitude for another proof of the power of Truth.

Such experiences are not mere coincidences, but proof beyond cavil of God's power to govern all circumstances.

Christian Scientists know that God's work and man's right activity cannot be interfered with or obstructed by abnormal weather or any other phase of mortal mind. Through understanding God's harmonious control over the weather, farmers have proved that their crops need not be at the mercy of drought or flood. Travelers have found that transportation cannot be hindered by the so-called elements of nature. Aviators, using these truths, have been protected from storms or misadventure. Sailors have proved their dominion over wind and wave. Many have rejoiced in the proof that their rightful activities cannot be hampered, knowing their day is under God's control.

Members of our churches in their silent prayer for the Sunday services and Wednesday meetings, for the Christian Science Sunday School, the lectures, and members' meetings, deny any power of mortal mind to limit the attendance by bad weather. They know that man's comfort is not at the mercy of matter and that one cannot be kept from his rightful place through any suggestion of error.

At times when the argument presents itself that there should be curtailment of our church services and activities because of lack of fuel, Christian Scientists joyously prepare to keep on with their regular schedules. They know that man's comfort is not dependent upon the vagaries of the weather, but is in God's keeping.

On page 106 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" Mrs. Eddy says, "Human mentality, expressed in disease, sin, and death, in tempest and in flood, the divine Mind calms and limits with a word." Storms and drought indicate the acceptance in consciousness of the violent and confusing outbursts of mortal mind. Turning from the evidence of this mind and entertaining the peaceful, spiritual ideas with which God is supplying us constantly, ensures our deliverance from these evils.

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