Living is a subject that has ever engaged writers, scientists, philosophers, and laymen. Poets sing of it; those who labor exchange experiences about it; martyrs have died for their ideals regarding it; and prophets have prophesied concerning it. Living is a subject in which all thinkers find a common interest, and about which every human contact teaches something. Students of all ages and races have attempted to find its secret—that something which would be a logical guide to the present and give a degree of certainty to the future. Christian Science furnishes just such a guide, illustrating and illuminating the Scriptures and showing their teachings to be practical in the solution of every one of the problems of human experience.
Throughout the Christian era, how majestically the life of Christ Jesus and his teachings point to the solution to this question! And how simply he turns thought to our daily living and daily contact as of paramount importance. Giving the cup of cold water shows the sincerity of purpose; contemplation of the lily inspires faith in the power of God as daily available—simple lessons these that act as guideposts for the present and lead to the consciousness of one Mind, wherein is found rest "in green pastures" and "beside the still waters."
Mrs. Eddy sums up Christ Jesus' ideal of life in this simple sentence (Unity of Good, p. 42): "With Christ, Life was not merely a sense of existence, but a sense of might and ability to subdue material conditions." Quite evidently the perfect creation appears with the overcoming of mortal beliefs. Nor should this seem vague and abstruse. Does not music stream forth when discords are mastered and the laws of music are understood? Are not the verities of mathematics manifested through the observance of its rules in the constructing of majestic buildings, graceful bridges, and useful canals, when ignorance of the rules governing the subject is overcome?
