Articles

Everyone at some time or other has had the experience of halting in front of a new building operation and with keen interest observing the artisans plying their various trades. It has been noticed that they made use of the measuring line, rod, gauge, or other instruments when laying a foundation or sidewalk, building up brick or stone work, or setting a window frame.

Whenever the stress of daily existence grows too insistent and oppressive to an individual, the longing for peace becomes uppermost in his thinking. He may recall the Master's words in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, "Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled," the record continuing a little farther on: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Rest is satisfaction, contentment, peace. Rest is tranquillity, serenity, composure, calmness, comfort, security.

How often throughout the centuries these words of the Psalmist have been quoted: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer"! But how seldom has the petitioner assumed any moral obligation to make the meditation of his heart, his habit of thought, acceptable in God's sight! Mortals are prone to shift the responsibility for their welfare to someone else, instead of assuming the obligation of watching their own thoughts. The Bible teaching on this subject is most explicit.

Widely differing opinions are held as to what constitutes the happiness which mankind is seeking for, searching for, in all directions. Some are seeking it in idle amusement; others think material wealth will bring it, and so spend their lives accumulating vast fortunes; some think fame will secure it; while others look for it in social prominence.

Memories of childhood days in homes where parents were religiously inclined, usually recall the reading of the Bible as one of the required duties. What mysteries surrounded the apparently strange phenomena related in some of those stories! With what interest the youthful imagination attempted to draw a mental picture of a God so satisfying as to make those stories seem really true! In course of time the same "still small voice" that enabled the true idea to triumph in times of flood, famine, persecution, war, and disease, revealed through Mary Baker Eddy the Science of Christianity.

It is noteworthy that students of Christian Science who have made some degree of progress are more often heard to express their gratitude for greater spiritual enlightenment than for the alleviation of physical sickness. One reason for this may be that as they have advanced they have learned to apply their understanding of Christian Science more as a preventive agency.

When for the first time there comes to anyone the privilege of teaching in the Christian Science Sunday School, he naturally turns to the Manual of The Mother Church to find out what provision the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, has made for this work; and on page 127 of the Manual, in the order of exercises for the Sunday school, he is at once impressed by the demand for united action. First a hymn—sung together; then the Golden Text—recited together; the Responsive Reading—read together; silent prayer— offered together; the Lord's Prayer —repeated together—all this before the classes take up their individual study of the lesson in accordance with the Manual.

The Psalmist says, "Thou [God] hast given commandment to save me;" and again, "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. " Man is immortal by divine decree.

We read in the Gospels that when Jesus was asked the question, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" he answered: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.