NEAR the brink of a giant waterfall, with the rapids surging round it, the writer observed a narrow strip of stones, on which grew three little bushes. Beyond, the wide expanse of water foamed and dashed towards them, like a stormy sea breaking on a rocky shore. A few feet away that troubled water plunged into a seething caldron of foam and spray. One could hardly imagine a place of greater turmoil and danger; and yet there those little bushes thrived, firmly rooted on their strip of island, bending their green branches before the wind and spray, drawing their nourishment from the scanty soil while the waters surged around them.
So, it is not always outwardly calm conditions that bring safety. Peaceful surroundings may result in a mental state of carelessness and ease which is apt to lead to disaster; whereas a position of seeming danger may call forth watchfulness and courage that develop strength and nobility of character. Some individuals thrive in the midst of turmoil and difficulty. Though apparently frail, they survive onslaughts that overwhelm others who appear strong and firm. What is their support? They rely on a power outside themselves, a power greater than the strongest forces in so-called human nature. They rely on God, not with a blind faith in a far-away Being they cannot understand, but with a correct knowledge of the nature and character of God, who is ever present and all-powerful. And they have gained this knowledge through the study and practice of Christian Science.
Instead of trying to worship and revere a God who, as they once believed, might be persuaded by their supplications to change His plans for them, Christian Scientists have learned to know God as the changeless Principle, of whom James writes; "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." They have also learned that Principle is Spirit, Life, Truth, Love, and is therefore not cold and abstract, but compassionate and loving, and that His plans for them can bring them only good and joy. Therefore they do not seek to change them, but to learn what they are. This brings the consciousness of safety and strength. In this knowledge they stand secure, undisturbed by surrounding discord. No material forces, however formidable in appearance, can sweep them away into a seeming abyss of disaster.
The very words "Christian Science" give one a sense of something firm and unvarying. They also imply something which cannot be altered by outside conditions. The science of mathematics is not changed or destroyed by the mistakes of those who are beginning to learn and to practice its rules. It does not depend on the varying opinions of mankind or the unreliable testimony of the material senses. It is unaffected by time or space.
So it is with the Science of Christianity. When it was discovered by Mary Baker Eddy, after many years spent in studying the Scriptures and searching for a reliable and certain method of healing, she proved its efficacy in the overcoming of sin and sickness and other forms of discord. Her followers are also proving its truths, which remain inviolate in spite of the misconception, envy, and hate that have swept round both the discovery and its Discoverer.
In an illuminating passage, Mrs. Eddy writes on page 306 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle,—is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal."
A life and character established in Christian Science is secure and undisturbed, no matter what material beliefs may hurl themselves against it. Furthermore, this Science is unfolding daily more of the true life, through a greater understanding of God's spiritual, perfect universe. In contemplating this real universe, men give less thought to "the jarring testimony of the material senses;" and, consequently, they experience less discord, less confusion and suffering. So they gain the healing they need, be it mental or physical.
The unfolding understanding of Life as God, and of the universe of His creating, also relieves them of fear; for thereby they gain a sense of security and safety. In the spiritual universe everything is under the government and control of divine wisdom and Love. There are no destructive forces, and hence, no danger, no accidents, no disaster there. Instead of fearing and submitting to the false claims of matter and evil, students of Christian Science become conscious of the resistless power of good and the strength and grandeur of the creation of God.
In Science and Health (p. 240) Mrs. Eddy writes, "Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature." Rightly understood, the gigantic fall may become a symbol of power, of ceaseless activity and supply, of "the depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love," which "fill all space" (ibid., p. 520).
