Articles

FOR many years before becoming a student of Christian Science the writer was afraid to voice all of the Lord's Prayer, especially the sentence, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. " She felt she did not want God to forgive her as she sometimes forgave! The spiritual understanding of this marvelous prayer, imparted by Christian Science, dispelled the almost superstitious fear, and gave her, instead, an abiding sense of protection, peace, and power, which no emotional prayer of mere supplication could ever give.

AN experience came to the writer many years ago which she deems worthy of recounting. While yet a beginner in the study of Christian Science, she came into possession of a young Saint Bernard dog.

WE sometimes hear the expression, "He is a gentleman of the old school;" and upon acquaintance with the character whom these words describe, we find a fine courtesy, mellow judgment, chivalrous honor, consideration in controversy, an intelligent discrimination, and a kindly humor. It has been the lot of many to know, in a more or less intimate degree, such a one in the relation of a "guide, philosopher, and friend;" and what better could we say in appreciation of such a one than that he was a courteous Christian gentleman? The argument that there are few left of the old school where such characteristics reigned is being daily refuted in the light of Christian Science, which teaches that the art of true living is possible here and now, and is attained through right thinking, that is, by having the same Mind which was in Christ Jesus.

A CAREFUL study of the history of the children of Israel shows that each of their many and varying experiences has its parallel in some form in the progress of any advancing Christian; and we are brought to the conclusion that Moses, the great leader of this people, who lived so close to God, who spoke with God so directly, face to face, that "the skin of his face shone," has recorded the steps of his own advancement in the life of a nation. These people were so near to him that they could receive the light in a degree; and this uplifting influence became such a power that they were ready to accept the higher spiritual laws of government, even though to many of them these could mean but a higher standard of human living.

IT is interesting to note the publicity given and the personal homage sometimes paid to individuals who have done either some great thing for humanity's sake or what seems to have been of general benefit to the world at large. But for those benefactors of mankind who have realized that real benefits can result only from the demonstration of the understanding of God's laws, personal homage has little or no interest.

WE commence our work for the church more specifically when, after a preparatory period, we become members of the organization which our Leader has provided for the Christian Science movement, and begin to undertake our share of its responsibilities. We may find it difficult at first to express our reasons for wishing to become part of the Christian Science movement.

WE are told by Matthew that when the people had listened to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount they "were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. " The office of the scribe was to write, teach, and interpret the Mosaic law.

OUR great Exemplar, Christ Jesus, defined our duty to our fellowmen in two sentences of three words each. Perhaps nowhere does language more tersely phrase man's right activity.

IT is well to observe the aim and purpose of mankind in general, to note the goal for which humanity seems to be striving, and then to consider how we may proceed to attain the definite goal of harmony through the better understanding of God. Each one has some objective, however indefinite it may appear to be.

THE full import of our Leader's wise admonition in Article XXIV, Section 5, of the Church Manual, under the caption "God's Requirement," did not dawn upon the writer's thought until after prayerful study of the By-law, which is as follows: "God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. " The By-law received only superficial notice at first; and it was thought obedience to it was being rendered by complying with a mere human observance of the qualities called for.