Referring to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the author, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (p. 559): "Read this book from beginning to end. Study it, ponder it." To meditate upon and weigh the great truths contained in the Christian Science textbook is greatly important. Many read the book, a number study it, but how many ponder it in the full meaning of that term?

To reflect upon and express the truths it contains is even more important than to read and study it. The letter of Christian Science is widely known, but to heal by its means it is necessary to gain the spirit. The straight road toward this goal is to ponder deeply the truth in its many aspects. This truth becomes our own through deep and soulful experiences.

There is nothing shallow or flippant in the thought of one who has broken through the crust of materialism. Stupendous truths concerning God and man await our recognition. These truths expound the true idea of Science, theology, and medicine. They reveal our original nature as wholly good. They establish our safety in the unchanging security of Soul.

By pondering the things of God we enter that blessed state which Christ Jesus named the new birth, and of which he said to the doubting ruler, Nicodemus (John 3:7), "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." Through making the truths of Christian Science our own, through reading, studying, and pondering them, we recognize existence to be spiritual, with all law vested in Spirit.

When the shepherds came to pay homage to the babe Jesus and the Wisemen took a long journey to lay their gifts at his feet, the shepherds "made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." "But," we are told (Luke 2:19), "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Mary's affection for the child Jesus was not merely the love of a mother for her babe; it must have included a deepening conviction that a spiritual event had taken place and that her child had a spiritual destiny.

Christian Scientists understand that their textbook reveals the Christ, so long hidden from human understanding. In this age the revelation comes, not as a babe, but in the form promised by Christ Jesus, who said (John 14:16), "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."

The babe Jesus grew to manhood, revealed and practiced Christian healing, was crucified on the cross, and rose again from the dead. The Comforter, on the other hand, is not subject to birth or death. It is not localized or nationalized. It abides in the hearts of those who ponder it, and it abides continually. Mrs. Eddy, speaking of the Comforter, has written (Science and Health, p. 55), "This Comforter I understand to be Divine Science."

Divine Science must be deeply pondered and consistently practiced. For instance, we are required to close our doors to error and open them to Truth. Should a wrong thought stand at the door of consciousness clamoring for admission, we must deny it entrance and refuse it entertainment.

We must dwell upon the need of obedience to God, the unity of man with God, and the bliss of spiritual love. Thus we must study and ponder divine Science and bring our offering to the Christ in order to receive our reward in healing and regeneration. Modern shepherds and present-day wise men are those who, having recognized the coming of Truth as presented in Christian Science, are willing to lay aside their earthly treasures and material beliefs and come with costly gifts of purified character to the feet of the great Saviour.

Divine Science is yet in its infancy. Although the discovery of this Science by Mrs. Eddy is complete and established, the study and practice of it, generally speaking, are as yet immature in the thought of even the advanced student. It needs to be studied, pondered, weighed, lived, and practiced. The lesson most imperatively to be learned is that of love. In proportion as men and women love the great truths of divine Science and its Discoverer, Mrs. Eddy, in that degree they will ponder and practice successfully. Halfhearted affection for the newborn babe of Bethlehem was not the kind of affection Mary and Joseph bestowed on the child. The shepherds and Wisemen came with adoration and costly gifts.

Today we come to the feet of the Comforter, divine Science. Our gifts are mental and spiritual—jewels of character, precious metals of pure desires, the perfume of consecration, and the oil of joy. Cursory acquaintance with divine Science will do no more to advance the Cause of Truth than a casual glimpse by the passer-by who might have looked with curiosity into the stable-cradle at Bethlehem.

Those who ponder divine Science are the Marys and shepherds and wise men of today. Devout Christian Scientists cherish the babe of Christian healing by watching over its advancing footsteps. They guard the organization and, above all, are active in the healing work.

Robert Ellis Key