Articles

THE commonly accepted definition of the word superstition is this: an excessive reverence for or fear of the unknown or mysterious. It has become a fact that unknown and mysterious are words popularly applied to any phenomenon supposedly beyond or outside of the material.

JESUS said, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein," and the futility of earthly wisdom as a preparation for the enjoyment of heaven, now or hereafter, is thus unmistakably set forth. A thorough knowledge of the world and the ways of its people, gained from long and perhaps painful experience, the study of physical phenomena in its many different phases, and research as to the material origin of these phenomena,—all these are inadequate to teach us what God's kingdom is and how we may attain it.

EXPERIENCE teaches mortals that merely to pray does not of itself bring the desired blessing, although their petitions may be fervent and sincere. The fact that some realize distinct and marked benefits from prayer, while others who are apparently as earnest in their petitions do not, proves that there is a vital condition or element needed to make prayer effective.

THERE is a story of the apostle John, recorded by Jerome, which may possibly be apocryphal, though both the external and internal evidence in support of it seems to be irrefragable. It relates to the days subsequent to his release from imprisonment on the rock of Patmos, when he had returned to Ephesus.

The nineteenth century in America produced two extraordinary women —world characters and time conquerors — Frances E. Willard and Mary Baker Eddy.

Whatever you do, keep out of debt and confide in me. If you ever find yourself on the verge of any perplexity or difficulty, come to me.

IN the Christian Science text-book we read that "as light destroys darkness and in the place of darkness all is light, so (in absolute Science) Soul, or God, is the only truth-giver to man. Truth destroys mortality, and brings to light immortality" (Science and Health, p.

The twentieth century will need its preachers and leaders in religion. ' Some say, idly, that religion is losing her hold in these strenuous days; but she is not.

IN the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer which our Leader has given us, occurs this significant phrase, "Give us grace for to-day" (Science and Health, p. 17).

MANY cynics have reviewed with cold analysis and scorching satire the apparently hopeless riddle of human life—its relationships, conditions, and tendencies. Mankind have written and read science and sermons, poems and essays, history and philosophy, yet vain has been the search for a key or a clue to the absolute.