Is there any way in which the Truth could be brought to the notice of more of God's children who are sitting in the darkness? Am I unscientific in feeling dissatisfied, waiting for a greater recognition of this Healing power? We have a little band of ten; all would like to do. I am the oldest in the work in this city, and the students look to me for guidance. I am anxious to spread this work; and sitting idly waiting for people to come in from the highways and byways unsought, does not seem just Christlike to me. Any suggestions from you, or from a brother or sister Scientist, will be gratefully received.—
We are never sitting "idly waiting" when our thoughts are filled with Truth, and we must not undervalue the silent power of the thought that "God's children are not sitting in the darkness." This is the all-potent thought in Truth, and the only attitude to take in Science. But there are methods of activity which are found to be productive of great results, eg: giving "informal talks" either in our own parlor, or in a small hall where the Truth can be made simple in statement and adapted to the comprehension of everyone. Let all be invited freely to come.—
Again comes to us an appeal for advice on the subject referred to on page 603 of March Journal. We can only reiterate the sentiment there expressed, and elaborated upon on page 43 of April issue:—
We have been advised to read nothing that does not come from the pen of Mrs. Eddy. Both Journal and Series are not to be looked at any longer. Our meetings, which were prospering finely, were stopped some months ago, for reasons unknown to the writer: and we were told that Science and Health was all we needed. Now, while we recognize this book as above all except the Bible, we find (Chapter 2, Footsteps of Truth, fortieth edition,) that we cannot hope to get all of the Science from perusing this text-book; yet the normal student here says that teaching classes is a thing of the past, also preaching; that Science and Health alone must be looked to for guidance by all in future.
Are those striving to live by the example of the Divine Teacher, as taught in Science, to refrain from publicly declaring this great Truth? It seems to us we cannot live the life Christlike, and not help our brother. Now our State has thousands of inhabitants, doubtless, who do not know that the book Science and Health is in existence. If it was ever right to teach and preach, is it not so now? and if the Journal was ever fit to read, is it not now?— Augusta, Me.
On page 40 in Science and Health we read: "We are Christian Scientists only as we quit our hold upon material things and grasp the spiritual, until we have left all for Christ." Does all mean material work? Also, on page 80: "There is no excellence without labor in a direct line. One cannot scatter fire and at the same time defeat the enemy." Does not that mean if we expect to heal the sick, we cannot go on year after year doing all kinds of material work? When Jesus said to the fishermen, " follow me," he meant for them to leave their material work as well as their material thoughts—did he not? It seems to me that when we are gaining our bread by the sweat of the brow and at the same time have the understanding that Mind provides all, we are doing contrary to the teachings. Are not the fields already white for the harvest? In "Rudiments and Rules" the author says: "If primary students are still impecunious, it is their own fault." Does this also apply to her students' students who have come with earnest desire for the Truth and have willingly paid the price for instruction? Is it because we are not realizing that Mind provides, and till we do, shall be obliged to keep up our old ways of working? I am not the only one who has not settled this money question. Let us have some more experiences in that line. So far I have had but little encouragement from Scientists who have been in the work some time, to let go my material occupation, though all the time I prefer to study and practice Christian Science healing.—
The above questions can all be answered together and in a word: when the positions referred to are reached, the solutions will present themselves at the same moment. Put in all the work in getting there, and none in discussing whether the manifestation can precede realization.
Should a "Free Mason" (a Scientist) in good standing retain his membership and give his support both in time and money to the Lodge, or would it be as in church-membership: "Come ye out and be ye separate"? I have come to the point where I can see that I can no longer afford to keep up my standing in the Lodge, at the expense of Christian Science. At one time the Masonic Lodge, next to my home, was the dearest place on earth to me; but the more I realize of Christian Science, the more I find it to be only a matter of time. In Science now is the time that we must "leave all and follow Jesus." Then why not now "come out" and give all our support to the cause that makes us free.—
Would not the same time and support devoted to declaring the gospel that makes "every whit whole" yield greater returns?
