STUDENTS of Christian Science would do well to heed the warning contained in our Master's words to his disciples: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."
Often when inquirers come, desiring to know more of the teachings of Christian Science, they are confused and frightened by some unwise remarks made by those who are well acquainted with the letter of Science, but who have not sufficiently imbibed the spirit of love and wisdom to know just how much the beginner is able to bear. We need to be very gentle and patient with the timid thought, and wait until it has gained a clearer understanding of the simpler statements of truth before we startle and confuse it with its deeper metaphysical teaching. Let us give them first of all a sense of the joy of Christian Science, of the peace and happiness which a right understanding of God and our fellow man brings to us, and show how Christian Science transforms and regenerates our lives. We should be most careful not to leave the impression that it means the renunciation of all tender human feelings and simple pleasures, but lovingly point out how each wholesome and unselfish affection will be made deeper, fuller, and infinitely more precious because it will be purified and cleansed of all grosser earthly passions and desires. We can explain how human love which is based on a material concept of God and man, is from its very nature bound to be variable and unsatisfying; but that the true concept of love, which is a reflection of "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," can contain no uncertainty or fear of change and separation.
Let us show how each human relationship will gain a broader, grander, and more practical meaning through the understanding of Christian Science, because that alone can eliminate from our hearts all fear for our loved ones and dread of the future, and teach us how to demonstrate in thought, word, and deed our Master's command to love our neighbor as ourselves. The fear that Christian Science demands the renunciation of all they have held dear, is sometimes very depressing to beginners, and those who are more advanced need to recognize this difficulty and help to destroy the fear by gently leading them step by step out of the old beliefs, taking care that when a wrong belief is torn down the true idea is firmly established in its place. If this is not done, we shall leave the beginner to drift about in a sea of mist and confusion, like a ship without a rudder.
