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CSEC ON-LINE REFERENCE LIBRARY |
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ELLA W. HOAG, CSD
Suppose one approaching the study of mathematics finds it difficult to demonstrate its rules. If he is wise, he will acknowledge that his difficulty lies in his own lack of understanding of the fundamentals involved and of the rules depending thereon; he will know that the only way to become a mathematician is to study the laws governing mathematics until a sufficient understanding is attained whereby to solve the problems presented. If, instead of pursuing the safe course of effort along lines already proved correct a thousand times, he accepts what some chance one assures him is a quicker, better method, it may take long to convince him that he has been mistaken in departing from the one and only true way. The sad fact is that a mistaken method generally has its beginning in the egotistical belief that someone has been able to find a more desirable way than the one which alone is right. It very frequently follows that if a false method is accepted as true, it becomes more and more difficult to convince the one so deceived that he is mistaken. Multiplied trials and grievous disappointments often seem necessary before he is brought to see the foolishness of his course, and finds that what he desired to do can be properly done only by the method which rests on perfect fundamentals and inviolable rules, true in every particular to the basic law governing them. The Christian Science which God has given to the world through its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, is the one and only Science of healing. God is its Principle; and its rules and laws are those which He Himself has furnished and established. It makes little difference how many books may be written attempting to set aside or to overshadow God's revelation, by purporting to present an easier method for demonstrating the Science of healing; it makes little difference how many claims may be made that such books are based upon Mrs. Eddy's teaching, but are even more spiritual, or that they bring forth better results than the Science of healing which God has given to the world; the fact still remains, there is but one method of Christian Science, as Mrs. Eddy again definitely states in Science and Health (p. 147), where she says, "This volume contains the complete Science of Mind-healing." Let those who are tempted to turn from this one method consider well the prophetic warning of Jesus, when he said: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Let them stop and consider, lest they find themselves with wasted years to look back upon and with the sad experience of being without demonstrable ability to solve any of life's problems aright. Let them pause before it is too late, lest they become as those of whom Hosea wrote, "They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." Let them pause and hear God's pleading voice as in the days of Ezekiel: "Why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." The Christian Scientist who has attained the childlikeness which is willing to accept without question the method of healing which God revealed to our beloved Leader, has no need to spend fruitless hours in searching for a quicker, easier way. His only concern is to spend his time in demonstrating the rules laid down for his constant guidance in the volume which "contains the complete Science of Mind-healing." What joy to know that the way is pointed out so plainly and so perfectly! What joy that his only necessity is to be certain that he walks securely in it!
Christian Science Sentinel, March 18, 1922 |
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