The Christian Science Bible Lessons more than justify, in actual use, the expression made in the January Journal. Some defects in typographical arrangement will be found corrected in the present monthly issue. The only complaint heard is that the references and the points of interest brought out, are too numerous to be thoroughly dealt with in the hour generally allowed for class. Several hours can be profitably spent in— rather is indispensable to—any proper study of the lesson. Thorough, conscientious preparation, and a few weeks' practice with classes will enable teachers to handle them in a way to bring out the points effectively and expeditiously.
But these are mere details. The Lessons mark, as has been said, an absolutely new departure in biblical study. First in importance is the establishment of the recognized, systematic study of Science and Health in conjunction with the Bible. This study brings home to the sense of everyone that the former complements the latter,—that the thought is one—and that the text-book of Science is well named "the key to the Bible." Next in importance, so far as we ourselves are concerned, is the exercise of individuality secured. Only one who has faithfully gone through all the references of a single lesson, can appreciate the work involved in its preparation. And yet our work has not been done for us; each must bring out the thought for himself; if done faithfully it will bring a conscious uplifting in the One Mind. It is only in doing our own work, freed from the influence of personality, that this consciousness can be reached. These lessons, prepared without reward other than what is found in doing good, or personal recognition, are in themselves messengers of Love; the thought of Love is woven in every line.
Can any one measure the influence this concentrated study, carried on from week to week, will have on the old Christian thought, following as to the letter, in the same lines? Or fail to send the earnest aspiration in Truth, winged by Love, for the millions that are feeding on the husks of the letter, which, the apostle said, killeth. Everyone that studies these lessons faithfully is giving a treatment to the thought of the world. Has there not been a consciousness of this even in the study of the first lesson? Let this mighty wave of inspiration be swelled by every individual thought, consciously. What babes we are in the understanding of the power of Mind, and how to each of us are the words addressed: "Oh, ye of little faith!"
