Articles

EARLY in his experience in Christian Science the student learns that the present is the time in which to enter into the blessings which the Scriptures promise for all. No longer does he look merely to a future state of blessedness, when every hope shall have been fulfilled and every doubt and uncertainty removed; he finds there are definite spiritual blessings to be experienced now, as well as certain requirements to be met before heaven, or a state of perfect harmony, can be won.

" ALMOST all people descend to meet," says Emerson in his famous essay on "Friendship. " Later, in the same essay, he makes a sweeping but scathing criticism of the manner of human meeting and greeting, when he says, "Every man alone is sincere.

IN the epistle of James we read, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. " Every loyal citizen realizes the blessings that come from obedience to the laws of his country, and he also knows that for the least infraction of law there is a penalty to be paid.

WHEN the angelic host sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," as recorded in Luke, they were setting forth facts of supreme importance to humanity. Their overflowing paean of praise gave expression to God's love, the fruits of which are peace and good will toward men.

IT seems to be a part of human experience that each shall, sooner or later, arrive at that place in his spiritual journey which has metaphorically been called "the valley of decision. " In other words, it seems inevitable that each one shall reach a point where he is compelled to make some important decision, to come to some definite conclusion regarding a question so vital and far-reaching that it would seem as if his whole life, as well, perhaps, as that of others, will be touched by it.

IN the first epistle of John we read, "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. " In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes ( p.

ONE need have no difficulty as to the mental method indicated in right spiritual realization if he finds it agreeable to accept the admonition (accompanied by a promise) given by Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" ( p.

FOR untold centuries the so-called human mind has been imbued with the belief that God must be implored for His favor, for spiritual understanding,—in fact, for any blessing which is needful or desirable,— until by reason of this self-imposed belief the granting of prayer came to be regarded as a matter of grace on God's part; and seldom, in consequence, has the asking been with that confident expectancy on the part of the seeker which the Master, Christ Jesus, required. The habit of begging God for His favors does not beget confidence in either His willingness or His readiness to grant the petition asked.

SOME of earth's wayfarers, engrossed in the pursuit of earthly pleasures and not having as yet experienced many of its pains, have not been sufficiently aroused to concern themselves as to the import of their experiences and the distinction between what is real and what is unreal. Finding themselves quite satisfied with worldly attractions, they may have become willing and thoughtless victims of materiality through the satisfaction that has apparently come to them from its pursuit.

THE standard necessary for progress in Christian Science was established centuries ago by the master Christian, Christ Jesus. In life-practice thought must achieve purity, because it is the only passport to perfection, to spiritual living, harmony, health, and permanent peace.