In the July number of our Journal, and in each subsequent issue, will appear Notes on the International Sunday-school Lessons, written from a Christian Science standpoint, by Frank E. Mason, C. S. B., assistant pastor of the Church of Christ (Scientist), Boston.
These notes are issued at the request of our beloved Teacher and Pastor, Rev. M. B. G. Eddy. The object is to avoid conflict of ideas, and establish unity of thought.
These lessons have been carefully prepared, and much time given to them; still, the writer does not deem them perfect.
It has been thought best to commence with Jesus birth; and as only two lessons per month can be conveniently issued at present, the Gospel of Matthew will be first considered. The Infant Jesus will be the theme for the first lesson, and The Flight into Egypt, of the second.
The full interpretation of the lessons will not be attempted; but a general line of thought will be indicated, which can be enlarged by each reader for himself. Space and time will not permit extended remarks on these lessons; neither indeed would such an exposition be admissible. We must think for ourselves. The first lesson in the New Testament sets forth this important precept. Joseph was about to divorce Mary, his espoused wife; but "while he thought on these things, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, and said, Fear not to take into thee Mary, thy wife." Joseph heeded the angelic message. The right thought, the true idea of God appeared,—Jesus was born. We must think for ourselves, and the angelic messenger will appear to us in the dream of mortal sense, and Christ Truth, will dawn upon the understanding. Let us not too hastily divorce ourselves from thoughts which at first sight seem vague. Let us think.
Again, our Teacher sets forth this very important sentiment, that thought is the keystone of Truth. On page 16 of Science and Health, she says:
Mind and thought comprise the whole of God, expressed in the universe and man.
This is a sweeping declaration. We must think for ourselves. A few moments of solid thought will work wonders toward unfolding the spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures.
We must exercise personal effort, and must sacrifice time and patience, if we would discern the deep things of God. The sacrificial altar stood directly in front of the Holy of Holies. None could enter the Holy Place without passing this altar. We can not enter the Holy Place of the Most High without sacrifice.
These notes on the International Lessons are the open sesame to the secret place of the Most High. The treasures, the gems, the priceless jewels, must be seen by the wonderful lamp of Spirit. This light you must keep trimmed and burning. Science and Health is the light whereby all may interpret Holy Writ. A careful perusal of this book will explain all the Bible narratives, and prepare the way for the coming Lord.
Jesus saw Simeon by the seashore and entered his boat, commanding him to thrust out a little from the land. After this command was obeyed, Jesus ordered Simeon to launch out further into the deep, and let down his net. Simeon obeyed, and the net was filled to overflowing.
Thus will it be with these lesson-notes. The central thoughts suggested will assist you in thrusting out a little from the old and more material way of thinking. Thence you must launch out into the deep; you must learn more of the deep things of God. If you will search and strive to unfold the deeper truths which these notes anticipate, your nets will burst with the multitude of pure thoughts which you will be able to bring forth from the deep places of God.
