Once upon a time," so the legend runs, certain dissenting influences sought permanently to isolate and to conceal from mankind the "Spirit of Divinity." According to the fable, the ''Spirit of Divinity" was to be hidden in a place so unapproachably remote, so completely impossible of conjecture, and altogether so utterly beyond human sagacity that no one would ever be able to find it.
The suggestion that it be hidden in the sea was rejected for fear that mankind, through the use of floating equipment, might eventually find it. Nor did it seem wise to hide it in the depths of either the forests or the mountains, because mankind, being so intensely inquisitive, so insatiably explorative, and so heavily charged with curiosity, might ultimately discover it. So it was cunningly contrived that the safest place to hide the "Spirit of Divinity" would be within man himself. There he would never look for it.
"Millions of unprejudiced minds —simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert— are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences." So writes Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 570 of her textbook, ''Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
Yes, millions! Men and women in all walks of life; those we meet daily in offices, in elevators, on trains, and in the market places— many of them are "athirst in the desert" of human hopes and fears. They are watching and waiting for relief from the whiplash of necessity and time; from maladjustment in domestic affairs; and from inequities within our social system. In their search for "rest and drink" they figuratively and actually explore the forests, the mountains, and the seas —constantly scanning the horizons— looking everywhere but within themselves and forgetting entirely the promises contained in the Bible: "The kingdom of God is within you;" "The kingdom of God is at hand;" "The tabernacle of God is with men."
How can we, as Christian Scientists, "give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name"? By precept, possibly; but by example, most assuredly. Nor need we attempt to develop their longing for truth and righteousness. It is an individual's natural characteristic. It needs only to be recognized and encouraged.
Those trained in the molding of public opinion tell us that perception is seventeen times faster through the eyes than through the ears. Hence where doctrine, though spoken with all the authority of finality, may fail, visible example, lovingly executed, will often win the day.
Obviously, then, if we would carry to a searching heart the beauties and the benefits of Christian Science, we must first re-establish the age-old fact that "there is a spirit in man." Let us proceed by reflecting in our every act and deed the joyous, gentle beginnings that are so easily recognized, and that need no proof of their loving intent. If we will jubilantly buckle down to the work of conscientiously living Christian Science, we may let the chips fall where they may.
If we know but little, let us demonstrate that little, and then learn more. Let us abandon our human opinions. Let us admit our sonship with God, and then qualify for our heritage. An understanding of man's oneness with God will heal any phase of ill-health. It can instantaneously heal loneliness. A Christianly scientific knowledge that God's love is steadfast and universal, and that man reflects only this Love, can heal infidelity. The knowledge that God's idea, man, is complete, needing nothing, will, when understanding used, destroy any maladjustment in financial matters. The knowledge that opportunity is always present will heal the belief that we lack a right activity. The knowledge that Life is not something depending upon ourselves and circumstances, but is synonymous with God, divine Principle, Mind, will correct any belief in mere human abilities or in intelligent matter.
If we have advanced far enough to know that we cannot talk failure and expect success, then let us never talk failure. If we know that we cannot criticize a brother and maintain our vision of Truth, then let us never, never criticize a brother. If we know that a brother found in a fault should have loving assistance, let us never subject such a one to the spotlight of unloving censure. If the study of the Christian Science textbook has taught us that the practice of Christian Science is an individual demonstration, then let us not be concerned about seeming laxities on the part of other students. Rather let us remember the rousing challenge of Christ Jesus, "What is that to thee? follow thou me."
Having learned certain scientific truths about God and man, let us apply them, so proving them true in our lives. And then let us progress ever higher in our demonstration, where even greater glory awaits us. No college could graduate a student who refused to put into daily practice his knowledge of the alphabet. Nor is it possible in any branch of study for the beginner to enter the graduating" class. We must all start at the beginning and work forward—but we must start. In many instances, where progress is at a standstill, the cause is failure—not inability—to demonstrate what we know.
In the way we meet and treat others, let us demonstrate our understanding that man is the very evidence of divine Principle, Love. Let us acknowledge and execute the demands of this Principle by living the life that is compatible with a birthright that establishes us at once as God's witnesses and as His representatives. Let us unceasingly show forth the essentially inherent good with which God has endowed us. In every circumstance let us exercise our glorious prerogative to prove, through joyous daily activity, that since God created only good, man can experience only good. This desideratum is possible of progressive accomplishment. God has established His work and His work we are.
As representative Christian Scientists, we should outgrow the erroneous tendency to be fearful of or influenced by climatic conditions. Should we find ourselves thwarted in a seemingly worth-while effort; if in the hustle and bustle of this work-a-day world we experience frustration, grief, or possibly pain, let us prove that we have "come out from among them" by not complaining to our associates. It is much easier to heal the difficulty if it is not publicized. As we refuse to grant power to error, we increase our sense of dominion over it, thus becoming the worthy beneficiaries of the Biblical promise: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Let the artist and the craftsman speak of and anticipate only good results from their labor. Let the culinary expert be mindful of the fact that Love's provisioning law governs him and determines the quality of his product. And if we must utter predictions, let them always be constructive, lest, by indulging in a negative prophecy, we be found placing the weight of our thought in opposition to God.
In all of these things we are dealing with "the little foxes, that spoil the vines"—seemingly harmless indiscretions that, because they carry no immediate penalty, add to our complacency and are easily indulged. They must instead be conquered.
The Bible says that man is God's witness. It does not say that man is at any time error's witness. Thus man's ability is that of witnessing only and always for God. The real man has not the capacity to witness for error; he has no authority for doing it, and no desire to do it. Man's inability to represent error deprives error of any true identity. Possessing and reflecting only spiritual qualities, the real man can manifest only Spirit, God. Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 272), "God is the divine Principle of all that represents Him and of all that really exists." If witnessing for God requires the student to go through the fires of disdain, resentment, ingratitude, loss, let it be done with head erect. The battle is the Lord's, and in any trial, strength, courage, and endurance are Godgiven and God-sustained.
Joyous, gentle beginnings! Well may we love, cherish, and promote them. What is more beautiful than a tongue that knows no guile, and that will neither vilify nor gossip; an ear that hears to remember nought but good; eyes that see Godlike virtues in others; a sense of humor that embarrasses no one; a charity that acts but does not react!
Of such is the kingdom of heaven, the passport for which is the daily, joyous living of Christian Science.
