IN the exquisite simplicity of pure metaphysics Mrs. Eddy sets forth part of "the doctrine of Christian Science" page 304 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." "This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death." Of great import to Christian Scientists is the scientific meaning of the pronouncements of Truth constituting "the doctrine of Christian Science," the practical application of these truths in human affairs, the significance of the sequence of these statements, and the mission of this doctrine on earth.
As we consider these declarations of the truth in the order given, we find that the words, "Divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object," are a simple and profound statement indicating man's unity with God. The man of God's creating is certainly the object or manifestation of divine Love. This inseverable unity of God and man is comprehensible to humanity as Mind and idea, cause and effect, wherein one without the other is a self-evident impossibility, and each because of the other is a positive inevitability.
Genuine comfort indeed do the words, "Joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy," offer grief-stricken sense. The words are true, and their comfort is enduring. Joy is a positive element of spiritual consciousness. Sorrow is a negative condition of mortal thought. A positive element is a law of expulsion to a negative condition. Sorrow is therefore expelled, annihilated, denied existence by spiritual joy. Joy is a positive element of the ever present, infinite manifestation of divine Love.
