It is now generally agreed that all real progress in human welfare is marked, not so much by material discovery and invention, as by a better understanding of and a truer love for God and man. The possession of many of the present day material inventions, when unaccompanied by substantial growth Godward, may work against, rather than for, the world's true betterment. Christian Science presents a new revelation of infinite Love and of Love's tender relation to man; and this spiritual discovery by Mary Baker Eddy is doing efficient service toward universal and abiding righteousness, prosperity, and peace. It is, therefore, most important that all who have loyally taken their stand for this truth should, in their unselfish labors for humanity, apprehend and live their religion in full accord with its inspired teachings.
It is not only needful for those who would practice this divine Science rightly to have at the very outset a correct understanding of God, but, added to that, it is indispensable that they should possess the right concept of the divinely appointed messenger through whom infinite Truth is made manifest in this age. In Science and Health (p. 560) is the potent declaration that "the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man." The author adds, ''This goal is never reached while we hate our neighbor or entertain a false estimate of anyone whom God has appointed to voice His word."
This statement indicates that one progresses toward the goal of harmony only when he has love in his heart, and when he has a true sense of the one who voices God's word. Christ Jesus fully comprehended the importance of rightly estimating the one through whom Truth is revealed. He knew that his followers could do his works only as they gave to him his rightful place. He said of his relation to God, "I and my Father are one." He declared that access to divine Truth and Love was possible only through the Son. "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me," were his words. The disciples were so thoroughly convinced as to the primal importance of a right apprehension of their' Master that all their works were done in his name. He had said, "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." So, as we read in the third chapter of Acts, when Peter and John healed the paralytic at the temple gate, they explained the cure to the onlookers thus: "His name through faith in his name hath made this man strong."
It is most important, then, that all followers of Christian Science should hold a right estimate of its Discoverer and Founder. In the first place it is becoming more generally understood that Christian Science is a revelation as well as a discovery, and all who have been blessed by its teachings agree that Mrs. Eddy is not only the Discoverer but the Founder of this liberating truth. It is clear, also, that if one is content to rest upon his own preconceived opinions, if he makes no voyages into the promised land of spiritual being, then progress ceases. If one would enjoy health, if he would grow in the understanding of Love, he must persistently seek and find new continents of Truth. Such an explorer, unswerving from his chart, the Christian Science textbook, finds himself guided to quiet valleys of peace and hills of health and strength, to spiritual realms free from the miasma of sin and from the stagnant pools of disease beliefs.
He who justly estimates Mrs. Eddy will see the unique position which she holds as a religious educator, reformer, and leader. The Christ-healing, which ceased in the third century, has been restored as an essential part of Christianity through her writings; and those who firmly grasp her spiritual instructions are able to heal themselves and others in the Christ way; therefore, because of the fact that they understand, in part at least, that there is no reality in sin, sickness, or death, and are able to demonstrate in some degree the allness of God and His healing power, Christian Scientists give evidence of their new birth. The great Master said, "Ye must be born again," and it is well known that all the disciples were characterized by this new birth. Their right to declare that they had been reborn of Spirit was evidenced by their enlarged spiritual understanding, and by the fact that through their better knowledge of God and His creation they healed the sick and sinful. It was given to the Discoverer of Christian Science so to explain the Word of God, that her followers can now honestly say that in obedience to the Master's behest those who have truly accepted his name are actually newborn.
Those who receive spiritual regeneration through the teachings of Christian Science may aid in bringing spiritual quickening to others. In this connection it is not to be forgotten that the great Master said, "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." So Mrs. Eddy might have said, Call no woman your mother upon the earth: for one is your Mother, which is in heaven. All instructed followers of the Nazarene recognize that the fatherhood of God was revealed through Christ Jesus. Likewise all students of Christian Science understand that the motherhood of God has been revealed through the life, teachings, and writings of its Founder. She awakened mankind to realize that God is indeed Mother quite as truly as Father, and that this all-completeness is reflected by every one of His ideas.
Those who have pondered carefully the subject of the new birth, have observed that the sufferings which come to young students of Christian Science are largely due to two causes. First, they may suffer through their own mistakes; and in paying the penalty of sinning, they learn to correct their errors and to advance in spiritual being. Secondly, it is noteworthy that the distresses which afflict earnest beginners in Science are occasioned, not so much by their errors as by world-wide beliefs. Science and Health says plainly (p. 463), "When this new birth takes place, the Christian Science infant is born of the Spirit, born of God, and can cause the mother no more suffering." It is thus certain that the law of divine Mind relieves from the world-belief in birth pangs those who are rejoicing in the new birth of Spirit. It is not the law of God that one should be penalized for doing and seeking good. It is not in keeping with the will of the Father that any of His little ones should perish, or that they should suffer because of new revelations of Truth. It is the eternal law of Love that those who do good should receive a blessing, and it is right that those who rejoice in the new birth of Spirit should advance peacefully and harmoniously. Heaven is won through calm reflection and awakened consciousness; and joyous progress is the rightful heritage of all who love the truth. "The work of righteousness," says the prophet, "shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
This abiding sense of possible ministry is a constant inspiration to all illumined workers in their unselfed labors to advance the cause of Christian Science and establish unity among men. Theirs is the steadfast, loving consciousness which Christ Jesus enjoined upon all his adherents when he declared: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." All worthy members of the Christian Science church exemplify this true sense of compassion, and such consistent followers of our Leader help to establish unity in the branch churches, to eliminate war, and to bring permanent peace upon the earth. Thus the loving fatherhood and motherhood of God is made manifest among men.
It was with great wisdom that Mrs. Eddy founded this mighty spiritual movement, which is regenerating the world. She established The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and its branch churches, that those of the new birth may work together in unity for the world's regeneration. She founded The Christian Science Publishing Society, through which the mother-thought of redemptive love is spreading broadcast in ever widening circles. She established the Board of Lectureship, the committee on publication, the board of education, and all other loyal instrumentalities through which the word of God, Christian Science, is transforming mortals. She named this organization, which includes all these agencies for mothering mankind, "The Mother Church." Moreover, Science and Health declares (p. 560), "Without a correct sense of its highest visible idea, we can never understand the divine Principle." Without a correct sense of The Mother Church we can never clearly understand and rightly practice the truth for which it stands.
Thus it is manifest that The Mother Church stands as the avenue through which God's cherishing, over-brooding care—the protecting, motherly attribute of Deity—reaches mankind. Our beloved Leader so safeguarded this church with the Manual and her special instructions, that all its activities may show forth to the world the regenerative love that was in Christ Jesus. By her wise direction its officers, editors, lecturers, publication committees, and workers, in their relation to one another and in their dealings with all mankind, are instructed to conduct themselves as true brothers in Christ. It is also the gracious privilege of every branch church in all its works and ways to manifest the Father-Mother God's tender love by forwarding and fostering the new birth. The branch thrives in proportion to its steadfast attachment to the parent vine. It bears rich fruitage when through voluntary and intelligent fidelity it lovingly ministers to, and is abundantly ministered unto by, The Mother Church. The consecrated officers and members of the loyal branch churches conscientiously conduct their affairs among the brethren and in the world, well knowing that they are about their Father's business. Their thoughts, words, and deeds toward their fellow members and toward all men, when true to the highest ideal of sonship, are atone with Christ's new commandment, "that ye love one another, as I have loved you." Christian Scientists who are true to God and to their beloved Leader, think of their cause as a divine idea which she has committed to their faithful care, and it is ever their sincere desire to be obedient to this charge.
