Expectation L. EMMETT SHERRED            A very common word is expectation, but it has a significance which should contribute to the understanding that Christian Scientists may have of their privileges and the rewards of their well doing, also of the duties which are antecedent to these desirable attainments. Expectation, according to one dictionary, is "the act of expecting or confidently looking for something." The word, then, has a peculiarly fitting application to all of the varied activities of the Christian Science worker.          Christian Science, though it can be applied to every need and condition of mankind, admits of no variation in the rules for the application of its truths. Thus it is similar to the science of mathematics, being founded upon certain fixed and unchanging laws, which are the same today as in the beginning, and always will be the same. It is not conceivable that the sum of two and two, which is four, should ever have been five, or that at some future time it may be something else; therefore, given the premise that underlying rules are being implicitly obeyed, it is just as reasonable for the Christian Scientist to expect positive results from his work as it is for the mathematician to look for an exact solution of his problem.          The theology of Christian Science is not complex; it is not filled with the intricate ramifications of mortal thought which find so fertile a field in scholasticism; on the contrary, through its study spiritual facts — truths — are so clearly set forth that no one need fail to comprehend them. Every page of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, either directly or by inference, contains an admonition to look forward to spiritual attainments as the concomitants of right thinking and right activity. Christian Scientists, therefore, have a right to look confidently for the healing of all manner of diseases, for the supplying of all daily needs, and for the spiritual unfoldment for which in some form all peoples in all ages have yearned.          In his marvelous exposition of divine law known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Now "these things" not only mean food, clothing, shelter, and the like, but the spiritual understanding which enables us to know that all our daily needs are met through the realization that being is complete in God, — and nowhere else. Divine law is, however, no respecter of persons, and sooner or later everyone must realize this fact and also know that any swerving from it, if even a hair's breadth, brings inevitable suffering through loss of spiritual understanding. Were it otherwise, God would cease to be supreme and would be giving and withholding favors in more or less the same manner as a worldly ruler.          All through the gospels we read that Jesus expected nothing less than positive results from his understanding of the healing and purifying law of God, good. Standing at the tomb of Lazarus he said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." He spoke thus for the benefit of those about him and for truth seekers in all ages, that there might be no possible doubt of the efficacy of truth. We cannot think that Jesus ever approached a case with the fear that it might be an unusually difficult one to heal, or that he might fail. He knew in advance that it is always Christ, Truth, that heals all diseases. It made no difference what they might be, whether a case of congenital lameness, blindness, or even a belief in death, one and all yielded to the supremacy of Truth. Neither is there any record of Jesus having exhibited astonishment at any of his healings.          Gratitude at being permitted to witness a healing, and perhaps for the privilege of being an instrument in such healing, might be considered as somewhat akin to the awe which Moses experienced when he stood on holy ground in the presence of the burning bush. It is proper, figuratively, to take off one's shoes in the presence of Spirit's operation, but this is wholly different from the kind of wonder or astonishment, which is not far removed from doubt. In Science and Health (p. 264) we read, "We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." With her clarity of expression Mrs. Eddy has here made it plain that nothing can come between man and the exercise of his God-given faculties. Is not this confidently looking for something?          Coming down through the ages there has been recorded in the Scriptures the unquestioned testimony of the prophets and the holy men of Israel, and in the Christian Science textbook our Leader has interpreted this record and given its spiritual meaning so clearly that there is no longer excuse for anyone to doubt. Her statements have so often been proved true and have brought health and happiness to so many thousands, that doubt of their inspired accuracy is no longer possible. How grateful we should be that she rose to the exalted spiritual understanding which enabled her to give to the world so complete a scientific and spiritual exposition of the Christ-teaching that the Christian wayfarer is enabled to meet every material condition with the calm confidence which was expressed by Jesus when he said, "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." Can anything in human experience equal the comforting assurance, to them who believe, that no harm can possibly come and no lack or limitation obstruct their progress heavenward?          It is especially comforting at this time when the greater part of the world seems to be enshrouded in the dark clouds of conflict to know that we can confidently look for protection to the same infinite Principle that bringeth "forth Mazzaroth in his season," and guideth "Arcturus with his sons;" that no matter how dreadful sense impressions may appear, no matter how dark the outlook may be, the same divine Love that heard Jesus' every prayer, that heard the prayers of his disciples, will hear each one now and protect all with the impenetrable armor of Truth. To some it may seem that while this may apply to the quiet of the home or to the peaceful industries of our land, it is too transcendental for the fury and roar of the battlefield, — that there may be a limit to its power; but God, who is to be found everywhere, is not to be excluded from the hearts of men even on the battlefield where armies contend. The fact is, however, that God knows not evil; for, as stated in Habakkuk, He is "of purer eyes than to behold evil." The fury of the conflict can be resolved into nothingness in just the proportion that one is able to comprehend the allness of God, good. Every day of mortal experience brings conflict; the conflict between the desires of the sensual, lustful, mortal mind and the promptings of the still, small voice, the voice of Truth; and this conflict differs from the material battle in that it is wholly mental.          Here is where the regenerated thought, not only of Christian Scientists but of thoughtful Christians everywhere, can be of untold service in bringing this most cruel war, which had its inception in mortal mind, to an early termination. Let each and every person look for more of good and less of evil; more of love and less of hate; more of truth and less of falsity. Just as rapidly as these spiritual truths are brought home to mankind, will the rule of peace be established on earth. May we all confidently look for the speedy appearance of this peace, when health, happiness, love, and contentment will rule all mankind.   "Expectation" by L. Emmett Sherred Christian Science Sentinel, September 17, 1918

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