THE inheritance of a Christian consists of the legacy which Christ Jesus left for all; and those who are willing to take possession of this inheritance may do so. When the Master was preparing his disciples for the time when he would no longer be with them, he said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Could any parting words have been sweeter? They gave proof of the tender concern which he cherished for those who were his companions during his earthly mission of preparing for mankind those treasures which culminated in an inheritance of inestimable value. His disciples were the only ones who could record and pass along this legacy to those who would come after; and minute and clear was the charge he left.
In worldly affairs, when a person is notified that a legacy has been left him, he immediately sets about to find out how this legacy may be secured, and how it is to be established. To this end he consults those who are authorities and are able to give him the required information. It would show very little common sense if he went to all who would talk to him on the subject, gathering their opinions as to what he was to inherit. His only course is to get a copy of the will and get in touch with the executor, who understands what the legatees are to receive, and who is empowered to render assistance in carrying out the terms of the will. The legatee's just questions are, What Is coming to me? and, What must I do to get it?
Christian Scientists are especially fortunate in having at hand the practical interpretation of the Master's legacy which is contained in the works of their revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. While we may have heard many opinions expressed in the course of our search for true religious possessions, it is the common experience of all who have embraced Christian Science that from the time of their taking up the study of Christian Science they could enumerate actual values obtained. And, inasmuch as additional possessions enhance the joy and usefulness of every normal person, so the lives of Christian Scientists are enriched by increased happiness, activity, and gratitude. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 165) our Leader writes, "The truth uttered and lived by Jesus, who passed on and left to mortals the rich legacy of what he said and did, makes his followers the heirs to his example; but they can neither appreciate nor appropriate his treasures of Truth and Love, until lifted to these by their own growth and experiences." The appropriation of the precious gifts at our disposal may be a slow process, inasmuch as it requires growth and experience even to appreciate them. But we have ever before us the transparent example of the life of the Master; and it is highly commendable that every earnest Christian Scientist looks constantly to his model, and thus endeavors to become heir to Christ Jesus' example.
