Distribution ANNIE M. KNOTT, CSD          Distribution is a very inclusive word in Christian Science. It relates itself naturally to the sending out of the life-giving literature of the movement and in this way points to the beneficent activity which represents the ceaseless operation of divine law. When the rich young man came to Jesus, asking the way to eternal life, the great Teacher called his attention to the Commandments, and the young man with childlike sincerity replied that he had obeyed them from his youth up. Mark tells us that Jesus looking on him loved him! We however find these words in Luke: "Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."          The young man's decision is not of so much consequence to us as students of Christian Science as is our attitude toward the call of Christ, Truth, today when we have the opportunity presented to us of becoming "rich toward God" through the sacrifice of the material sense of riches in order to advance the cause of Truth. We have learned through very deep experiences that nothing less than the bread of Life — the word of Truth — can feed the world's hunger, and so we must give of our best even though, like our Master, we at times pause in our ministry to give also the loaves and the fishes. The prophet Amos foresaw a famine, not of material bread, "nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord," and now when all eyes are turned toward this land with deep desire for aid we must not fail to give that which really satisfies and which brings with it boundless blessing; for on page 494 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" our dear Leader says: "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."          A number of years ago Mrs. Eddy was asked by a student in one of her classes to what extent Christian Scientists should endeavor to bring this healing truth to the notice of the public by printed articles. At that time the Journal was our only periodical. Mrs. Eddy's reply was profoundly metaphysical, and its full significance grew upon those who heard it as they advanced in spiritual understanding. She began by saying that the silent declarations of truth which heal the sick and transform the sinful may be typified by gold coinage, and the audible declarations of truth by silver coinage. She then explained that published utterances of Christian Science were like paper money which finds its way everywhere and is a wonderful medium of exchange, provided always that it represents the gold. It goes without saying that The Christian Science Monitor is a tremendous agency for good in this respect. We all know how unfortunate it is in the world of commerce to have restricted or obstructed circulation, when fear paralyzes human activity sometimes to the extent of producing a so-called panic; and yet the gold and silver coinage is not in any wise lessened by this mental condition on the part of mortals, only it is not available for human need. The articles and testimonies in the Journal and Sentinel show incontrovertibly how the free circulation of the truth through the Christian Science literature is meeting all human need.          Christian Science has brought to light the limitless riches of divine Love and wisdom, symbolized in ancient days by the tabernacle with its mercy seat of pure gold, and again by the holy city which John saw as pure gold, — the city wherein is no sickness, sin, or death. To the student of Christian Science the question is how we can best bring to the needy this great treasure. Paul counsels men to turn away from "uncertain riches," and be "rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come."          In the nineteenth chapter of Revelation we have a wonderful picture of a rider on a white horse, leading to victory the heavenly hosts that make war upon all error, characterized on page 571 of Science and Health as "sin, sorcery, lust, and hypocrisy." This victorious warrior and leader is called "The Word of God," nor do we find any intimation in Scripture that in any other way or by any other means can the almightiness of God, good, and the supremacy of Spirit be demonstrated. Though the vesture of this great warrior is said to be "dipped in blood," those who follow him are clothed in "linen, white and clean," while the utter destruction of all evil comes from the sharp sword, proceeding out of his mouth, with which all mortal beliefs are smitten. Who would not then be enrolled in this great army, the battle cry of which is ever the same, "Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God"? Blessed truly are they who do His will and thus know that here and now "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."   "Distribution" by Annie M. Knott, CSD Christian Science Sentinel, July 13, 1918

 

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