It is not possible to estimate at this time the great results for good which must follow the study of the Scriptures by Christian Scientists. Never before has the Bible been read as at the present time; and what is more, its moral and spiritual teachings are being applied to the problems of each hour both individually and collectively. A number of years ago Mrs. Eddy wrote (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 363):"I foresee and foresee that every advancing epoch of Truth will be characterized by a more spiritual apprehension of the Scriptures, that will show their marked consonance with the text-book of Christian Science Mind-healing, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." On page 365 she adds, "Good health and a more spiritual religion form the common want, and . . . mortal mind is calling for what immortal Mind alone can supply." We therefore study the Scriptures in order to know God better and to understand man's relation to the infinite Father.
Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life;" and he was undoubtedly well acquainted with them, but there is distinct evidence that his interpretation of the sacred writings was very different from that of the learned men of his time. What offended them was his insistence that the teaching of the prophets should be applied to present-day conditions. Luke tells us that on one occasion, when Jesus read in the synagogue from the prophecy of Isaiah, and cited cases of healing in other parts of the Old Testament, his hearers became enraged and thrust him out of the synagogue—even attempting to cast him down from a precipice on the outskirts of their city. In spite, however, of this resistance to the truth, we lead that others "were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power."
There are some students of Christian Science who are very eager to have the more obscure portions of the Bible explained to them exhaustively, but this is neither possible nor desirable. We are coming to see that the best results are gained by the steady unfoldment of the truth which is attained by the systematic study of our Lesson-Sermons. This both requires and provides for our individual moral and spiritual unfoldment, which is surely needed before we can fully avail ourselves of the treasures contained in the Bible. Thus we may read a few verses from one of the prophets, followed possibly by the great Teacher's illuminating thought; then we have correlative passages from Science and Health which point to the universal applicability of the truth presented in the Bible texts, reminding us of Jesus' promise, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." The prophecy may seem obscure at the first reading, but some degree of illumination must come as it is earnestly pondered, and especially when we endeavor to apply the truth which is within the range of our thought. If we wait patiently, we may find the same verses used with another subject, and it often happens that in this way the whole chapter will unfold to us, with a new and wonderfully rich meaning, proportionate to our growth in spirituality; and for this growth we must be content to work, watch, and wait.
