If you are not a lover and student of words, eager to learn of their derivation and often surprising meanings, you are missing much. Those who make close companions of unabridged dictionaries and exhaustive Bible concordances enter a new and delightful country, which might be compared to "a land," referred to in the Scripture, "wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, ... a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass." Consider, for instance, the simple word "lift." Seeking a formal introduction through the medium of our good and wise friend the dictionary, one cannot fail to be pleasantly surprised at the very first definition given: "To move in a direction opposite to that of gravitation" (Webster). The student of Christian Science, familiar with the writings of his Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, will without doubt in this connection find thought turning instantly to her arresting statement in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 265): "Mortals must gravitate Godward, their affections and aims grow spiritual,—they must near the broader interpretations of being, and gain some proper sense of the infinite,—in order that sin and mortality may be put off."
What a delight-some, original word picture does Mrs. Eddy paint here— "gravitate Godward"! The great Teacher of Nazareth marvelously amplifies this theme when he states, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Here he shows the happy and inevitable effect of the uplifting of human consciousness. Not only is he who gravitates Spiritward exalted and blessed, but the irresistible attraction of Love lifts, helps, and inspires all who come within its beneficent radius.
Take for example the great privilege which is before the active student of Christian Science daily. From the moment of awakening, let him strive to lift his thought to God, to claim his joy, and to pray that this day he may be found only in the blessing business. With this upliftment, wherever he goes—in the street, the train, the shop, office, or factory—there also walks the Christ, the blessed, healing consciousness so sadly needed by earth-bound hearts. It is a joyous, worth-while business, this busy-ness of lifting up, of gravitating Godward. Try it, if you have not tasted its genuine felicity and collected its invariable dividends. Every sad-looking, uninspired mortal you meet will then come in touch with the light of the Christ, Truth, you will reflect, and never again will the darkness for him be so dense. Possibly close by you in your place of work is a disagreeable person— yes, most disagreeable, grumpy, and glum. Oh, let us not pass him by lightly or hurriedly! What sorrow, frustration, or disillusionment may lie at the root of his surliness! He may feel very far from Love and from being loved, and is just homesick.
