Articles

The following is a reprint of an old, much-worn clipping sent to us by one of our contributors. It has neither date nor name of author, but it seems in so many points to mark the distinction between the Mosaic Law and the higher understanding of the Gospel,—between the letter and the spirit,—that we give it to our readers.

In reading recent criticisms of Christian Science and Christian Scientists, the thought came to me, Are we as Christian Scientists doing our full part toward the establishment of the reign of brotherly love on earth? We know that we and our critics alike have but one Father, even God, and that therefore, whatever the appearance may be, we are in reality now and forever, brothers and sisters in Christ. Then how shall we demonstrate and prove this great, beautiful, love-impelling fact? shall we answer the unkind criticism in the spirit of unkindness and resentment or give the soft answer that turneth away wrath? Perchance we, in our turn, may misunderstand our critics, taking for actual malice on their part that which is "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

IN a conversation with my husband last evening, a retrospective train of thought was set in motion which has suggested the material for this article. He said, "Why do not Christian Scientists heal every disease instantaneously? If, as they say, God is the healer and He is omnipotent, it must be that they themselves lack faith; if their faith were sufficient I believe they could.

THE keynote of success in Christian Science is constant, prayerful watchfulness. By this, is meant watchfulness in its highest meaning, not mere watchfulness of your neighbor, your friends, your supposed enemy, or your brother Scientist, but a careful watchfulness of self, a guarding of thought, a carefulness to exclude from consciousness every thought that maketh or worketh a lie.

EACH and every mortal is in pursuit of peace and happiness, no matter what his ambitions and desires may be. I have been no exception, for I have drunk at almost every fountain of so-called pleasure.

AFTER the crucifixion of Jesus, early in the morning of the third day, two women with sad hearts and bearing in their hands sweet spices, started on a mission of love,—the anointing of their dearest friend and benefactor. This seemed to them to be the last and only physical way they could express their gratitude to one whose life had been devoted to leading into light, liberty, and love, the great mass of suffering humanity.

AS Christian Scientists, we all acknowledge that 'Jesus Christ was the highest manifestation of manhood. To him we are indebted for the Lord's Prayer, which is the sacred prayer of all Christendom.

I make the statement boldly, without fear of contradiction, that every person when seriously ill desires to have the services of the best healer obtainable. How are we to judge? The most feasible way, it seems to me, is to ascertain what system of healing is furnishing the most satisfactory results from the application of its rules and laws in the treatment of disease.

ONE night I went early to an orchestral concert and, as I sat waiting, the members of the orchestra filed in and began to tune their instruments all at the same time. The result was most discordant, and if I had not known the meaning of it all, I should have run away.

The ark of God was never taken till it was surrounded by the arms of earthly defenders. In captivity, its sanctity was sufficient to vindicate it from insult, and to lay the hostile fiend prostrate on the threshold of his own temple.