Peter B. Biggins, C.S.B., of Seattle, Washington
Member of the Board of Lectureship of The
Mother Church,
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts
Delivered in Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Friday evening April 30, 1948 under the auspices of Third Church of Christ, Scientist, in Tulsa. The lecturer was introduced by Mrs. Dorothy F. Crowder, who said:
Friends:
Before introducing our lecturer, let me say on behalf of Third Church of Christ, Scientist, that we are indeed happy that you have accepted our loving invitation to hear this lecture to be given on Christian Science entitled, "Christian Science: The Religion of Today."
If you were making a journey on a rough, robber infested, twisted road, filled with detours, because no better way was known, would you not be eager and thankful to learn of a safe, interesting, and straight highway, upon which to travel?
The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, has said, "This Science is a law of divine Mind . . . an ever-present help. Its presence is felt, for it acts and acts wisely, always unfolding the highway of hope, faith, understanding." (First Church of Christ Scientist and Miscellany, page 3).
Our lecturer this evening is a well known traveler of this "way of holiness" (Isaiah 35:8). As a member of the Board of Lectureship of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, he has had rich experience in bringing information and proof of this "highway of hope, faith" and "understanding" to his fellowmen. It is therefore our joyous privilege to meet and to welcome Mr. Peter B. Biggins, of Seattle, Washington.
The lecturer spoke substantially as follows:
A few years ago, some travelers stopping at a railway station in what is known in the United States as the Middle West, witnessed a memorable scene. A band of young American soldiers stood in the station. Erect and alert, they joined in song, with the harmony and vigor of a well-trained choir. There was something impressive and ennobling in the way they raised their voices in song. It symbolized the power and unity of divine law.
Scientific religion meets the most exacting demands of modern thought in just such ways. It satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. It appeals to sound reason. It affords the solution of problems in human activities and relationships. It ensures health, security, and progress. It provides the basis of true self-government, prosperity, complete satisfaction, and abiding happiness. It promotes mutual understanding among men and nations. Christian Science measures up to these reasonable requirements by extending its ministry to the healing of sickness as well as of sin; it is essentially the religion of today.
Many thinking men and women freely admit that truth, in its final analysis, is more potent than error. Fundamentally, normal people love and long for Truth. A mother loves to see truthfulness expressed by her child. An employer naturally expects honesty and truthfulness from his employee. The prospective buyer hopes to be told the truth by the seller; and so on. While infinite Truth includes much more than these expressions of truthfulness, such practical manifestations of truth in daily life are highly important. They are the outward evidence of the presence of God, reflected by man.
When we come to consider the healing of physical and moral ills, we find the power of divine Truth, as used in Christian Science, a very direct and successful remedy. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has written in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 150): "To-day the healing power of Truth is widely demonstrated as an immanent, eternal Science, instead of a phenomenal exhibition. Its appearing is the coming anew of the gospel of 'on earth peace, good-will toward men.'"
Our Leader's words, "the coming anew of the gospel," remind us that about two thousand years ago Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed this gospel — or good news — with telling effect. His students caught the tone of the spiritual power which he expressed, and they were inspired by it. They learned to speak the word with authority. The divine omnipotence, which Jesus reflected, was seen in his spiritual fearlessness. Not only did he himself express this sublime courage, but he cast fear out of others. In fact, this casting out of fear was evidenced in the healing of disease. As in Jesus' time, so today in Christian Science, the healing of disease includes the removal of its fears.
In the third chapter of the book of Acts, we read of the healing by Peter and John of a man who had been lame from birth, and who had sat daily at the Beautiful gate of the temple at Jerusalem, asking alms of those who passed by. When Peter said with authority, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk," the man was healed; and he "entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."
Peter and John had learned from the Master that the true nature of man, made in the image and likeness of God, is perfect, harmonious, and sound. When the disciples were sufficiently awakened to see the significance, purity, and grandeur of Jesus' life and teaching, as characteristic of spiritual enlightenment and understanding, they too expressed the boldness which he manifested. Before this awakening, moral cowardice had misled them into running from Gethsemane. They deserted the Master in his trial before the high priest and council, before Herod, and before Pilate. Now, however, fully aroused to their opportunity to uphold the standard of Christ, Truth, they stood their ground like men. So when, after this healing, Annas, the high priest at Jerusalem, and his associates questioned Peter and John, they were impressed by the fearless bearing of these two disciples. We read, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
The clear understanding, made possible by Christian Science, that God, good, is All-in-all, and that man made in the image and likeness of God is spiritual, perfect, and harmonious, is the basis of fearlessness and perfect soundness. Those who study Christian Science awaken to this fact, and express fearlessness and soundness in the measure of their realization of spiritual Truth. Little wonder, then, that with their growing freedom from fear they find themselves increasingly free from sickness and disease. While the healing of sickness is but part of the work of Christian Science, students are grateful for the glorious freedom divine Truth is bringing to them.
The same confidence in the omnipotence of God, good, that was expressed by Peter and John is felt by those who have experienced healing in Christian Science. This was beautifully illustrated in the following experience, which came under my immediate observation.
One day a woman who was struggling with a sense of doubt and fear decided to visit the local Christian Science Reading Room. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon, when this thought came to her. At first she reasoned that it was foolish to do this, because it was about time to prepare the evening meal for her family. However, the thought that she should go persisted; and she went.
While at the Reading Room, she told the attendant of her difficulty. Her young son was suffering from a discordant thyroid condition. His uncle, a surgeon, had insisted that dangerous conditions would result unless a surgical operation was performed. This seemed to weigh heavily on the mother. As the attendant listened to her story, she turned to God and realized the truth about perfect God and perfect man, as taught in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and said to the visitor, "Your son will not be healed tomorrow, or next week, or next month; he is free now." The mother's burden was instantly lifted. She reported later that as she walked home she felt as buoyant as if she were walking on air, and that she appreciated as never before the experience of Christian in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," when the burden fell from his back. In fact, she has said facetiously that she could almost hear the thud as it fell to the ground.
Next morning, when her son was dressing, he asked if he might have one of his father's collars, as those which he had been wearing were much too large for him. His mother then noted with joy that the disease had disappeared. Mrs. Eddy has stated in Science and Health (p. 368): "When we come to have more faith in the truth of being than we have in error, more faith in Spirit than in matter, more faith in living than in dying, more faith in God than in man, then no material suppositions can prevent us from healing the sick and destroying error.
The Christian Scientist turns away from the material body and looks to God, Spirit. He gains a clear sense of man's spiritual identity and his true individuality in the likeness of divine Mind. This individuality is the reflection, the expression of true substance, and is harmonious, indestructible, and eternal. This understanding of man's true being, in his relation to God, is manifested in health and harmony of mind and body. It was this that Peter and John demonstrated, when the lame man was healed of a supposedly congenital infirmity. The fact is that man as spiritual idea is born of God, and that he is ever active, normal, and sound. Christian Science, in its healing work, brings this unchanging fact to light.
You will recall that Christ Jesus, when his students and others sought his aid, voiced with authority simple and comforting statements of Truth: "Be not afraid;" "Be of good comfort;" "Love your enemies;" "Have faith in God;" "Beware;" "Watch and pray;" "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." Thus Christ Jesus taught his immediate followers, and his followers in all time to come — including ourselves — how to demonstrate the health, harmony, and healing power which he utilized.
In these simple precepts Christ Jesus was affording the means whereby to establish the right conditions essential to harmonious living. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 410), "Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!'" When the right conditions are fulfilled, harmonious results are assured. As an individual awakes to the demands of divine Principle, he is prompted to patient, persevering, persistent work, and to the joyful practice of self-discipline. Every right thought entertained is leading to the more abundant enjoyment of good, the fuller expression of health and harmony. Isaiah declares, "For precept must be upon precept, . . . line upon line, . . . here a little, and there a little."
God fills all space. He is here with us, and everywhere with everyone else. Our part is to keep close to God, to maintain a constant realization of His presence. God is good. God, good, is All-power. Therefore the supposed power of evil is not what it claims to be, nor where it seems to be. Evil is not a power operating against the all-power of good. As you and I maintain constantly the realization that God is infinite, ever-present good, we are keeping free from the belief in the power of evil. This belief in evil as power is simply a mesmeric suggestion of God's absence, not a reality of being. Our protection from evil and disease lies in refusing to accept the suggestion as real or true, and persisting in declaring and realizing the all-power and presence of God, good. The reminders given by Christ Jesus are perfectly adapted to keep us awake to the all-power and ever-presence of good, enabling us to demonstrate step by step the health-giving, harmonizing power of the divine law.
This consciousness of God's presence ensures freedom. True healing is the enjoyment of true freedom. The constant claiming and expressing of spiritual joy restores the realization of God's presence, power, and allness. The Psalmist sang, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." In the consciousness of the presence of the one divine Mind, there is spontaneity. Thus the enjoyment of God's presence is something other than a mere intellectual process. Constant, faithful practice of the divine law establishes the right conditions. An art is not mastered in one's sleep; and the art of living and healing is no exception to this rule.
In the teaching and practice of music and art, some of the most important points are the simplest and most natural. So it is also in the teaching of divine metaphysics, and its practical use in daily life. The question is asked by many today, "How can I enjoy life in its fullness?" This query was answered effectively by Christ Jesus many centuries ago. A young man came to him and asked him this very question. He put it in this form, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus' answer provided such a challenge as normal youth welcomes. He helped the young man to see how necessary it is to understand and obey divine Principle. The awakening to the fact that God is divine Principle, and that man is the reflection of Principle, spiritualizes the individual's thoughts.
Jesus' teaching is a perfect model of spontaneous expression and sound self-discipline. He drew the young man's attention to the commandments, "Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." These simple rules correct the selfish inclinations of the carnal mind. Obedience to these commandments gives evidence that the individual reflects the harmonious activity of divine Principle, infinite Spirit. God is Soul, and man reflects Soul in true living and true feeling.
Referring to the work of Christ Jesus, Mrs. Eddy has written in "Rudimental Divine Science" (p. 3), "His example is, to Christian Scientists, what the models of the masters in music and painting are to artists." Just as the teacher of music makes clear to his pupil how to bring out true tone, so Jesus told this young man how harmony in living is realized. Best of all, he exemplified the harmony he taught. These are the simple fundamentals which are brought home to the young people in Christian Science Sunday Schools, where the instruction lays a sound basis for helpful, useful, happy living. Jesus spoke of this harmony in these words: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand;" "The kingdom of God is within you." True religion points the way to the realization of this harmony. Some teachers of voice in these modern times are striving to restore what some of the old masters of song possessed. But more necessary still is the revival of the practice of true Christianity.
At present the arts and sciences engage the thoughts of humanity to a large extent. In recent years the sciences, so called, have usurped more and more of the attention of mankind. The art and science of true living itself is really our first concern. Dangers attending the development and use of so-called energy will be overcome as humanity understands and utilizes the energy of divine Mind. Mrs. Eddy has wisely written in her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 (p. 8), "The energy that saves sinners and heals the sick is divine: and Love is the Principle thereof."
When I first became interested in Christian Science, I came into close contact with one or two families of Christian Scientists. I noticed, when in conversation with these dear people, that they used a certain familiar word in a way which to me at that time was very unfamiliar. That was the word "demonstrate," and its derivatives — demonstration, demonstrable, and so on. If one of them was ailing, he demonstrated over this physical difficulty. One of them might miss some article which he prized, but through demonstration this article was soon found, or restored to its rightful owner. Business might not be so good once in a while, but they demonstrated over that, and business returned to normalcy. Demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate was the keynote of their lives.
I listened attentively when I heard them use this word in this — to me — strange way. Then I began to think the matter over. I recalled that the word "demonstrate" literally means "to show forth." I then consulted a good dictionary, and there I found that it means not only to show forth, but "to establish by proof," "to establish beyond a possibility of doubt." When one uses the word "demonstrate" as the highest form of proof, he can substitute the word "prove" in place of "demonstrate."
I had to admit that these newly found friends of mine were establishing beyond any possibility of doubt the fact that they understood something about divine law which was very precious, very practical, something that I had not yet grasped. Adapting the words from the book of Acts, already quoted, I might say that I took knowledge of these friends that they had been keeping close to Christ, Truth, as understood in Christian Science. This inspired and encouraged me to strive to gain an understanding of this divine law and the divine Principle from which it proceeds; and I am grateful indeed for the many blessings which have come into my life as a result of this understanding and demonstration. I know that in this audience there are many who have proved this divine power over and over again in healing sickness and in solving other problems; and I know, too, that everyone here without exception can demonstrate this divine law, if he goes about it in the right way.
The truth that man is God's image and likeness, and that he is therefore perfect and harmonious, subdues all seeming resistance of the carnal mind. The work of inventors, reformers, and discoverers has been carried on in spite of opposition from ignorance, prejudice, and selfishness; but the vision of many an inventor, reformer, and discoverer has enabled him to rise above such hindrances to final triumph. This has been especially true where a reformer has brought to humanity a message that is spiritual and humane. Christian Science effectively subdues the opposition which fear, ignorance, or prejudice would arouse to hinder the stately advance of the Cause of Truth on earth today.
As a child, Mary Baker studied the Bible diligently. She imbibed its spiritual truths so well that, in later life, she was able to restore the practical significance of the teaching of Christ Jesus in its pristine purity.
It was by no mere chance that she did the work which she accomplished. It was the irresistible working of cause and effect, the fulfillment of the divine plan and purpose. She was greatly blessed in having the loving care and guidance of a spiritually-minded mother. Furthermore, in her early years she was taught by men of excellent Christian character and liberal culture. One of these, the Reverend Enoch Corser, pastor of the Tilton church, said of Mary: "Bright, good, and pure, aye brilliant! I never before had a pupil with such depth and independence of thought. She has some great future, mark that. She is an intellectual and spiritual genius" (The Life of Mary Baker Eddy, by Sibyl Wilbur, p. 33). The tribute so fittingly paid to her by this divine was prophetic of the appreciation for her good work expressed later by many advanced thinkers.
In her youth Mary Baker joined an orthodox church, but her spiritual-mindedness led her beyond the limiting boundaries of mere creed and dogma. Her recovery, later, from a serious illness through spiritual means alone, awakened her to glimpse the healing power of Christ, Truth. Her early struggles in Lynn, the teaching of her first pupil, the gradual development of her work as healer, teacher, writer, and speaker, show how she leaned on God in all her work as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. We note the human footsteps by which she reached the understanding of Christ, Truth, as expressed in her own statement in Science and Health (p. 109), "The revelation of Truth in the understanding came to me gradually and apparently through divine power."
As the omnipotence of God was more fully realized by Mrs. Eddy, frailty gave way to strength, and timidity to marvelous courage. Self was put aside in response to God's demand that she blaze a new trail in this age. In the intervening centuries since Jesus was on earth, the way shown by him — the true way of Life — had apparently become overgrown with human creeds and dogmas, tangled with undergrowth which would impede the traveler along the way of Life. With courage and strength born of God, Mrs. Eddy did the work which cleared away the undergrowth and overgrowth of the ages, and made the path clear and plain, so that all who are willing may walk in it faithfully and unafraid.
Mrs. Eddy had gained the true vision of the Christ, the spiritual idea of God. Her spiritual perception grew ever clearer as her experience ripened and her demonstration advanced. John on Patmos recorded his vision of "a new heaven and a new earth," and his book of Revelation remains as part of the canonical writings now comprised in the Bible. So, too, Mrs. Eddy wrote her vision, and it is preserved in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Here she records the reality of being, the true nature of God, man, and the universe as spiritual, harmonious, and immortal; and she makes clear the application of this truth to the healing of disease and to the solution of all human problems.
Thus she effectively challenged the materialistic concept of God, man, and the universe, which is and has been taught by the schools. She has revised this material sense and corrected it through spiritual understanding, making clear the divine nature of the real man. She has shown in Science and Health that, as the material beliefs about God and man have brought humanity into bondage to sickness and sin, so the spiritualization of thought lifts mankind out of bondage into "the glorious liberty of the children of God." She has restored the vitality of Christian teaching and practice by a method perfectly adapted to our modern times. Christian Science is, indeed, the religion of today.
Like our Master, Mrs. Eddy encountered unspeakable opposition as she continued with her work of healing and teaching, establishing this great Cause. But all along the way clear-visioned men and women glimpsed the significance of her life and work, and brought her some comfort and encouragement. Bronson Alcott, the founder of the Concord School of Philosophy, showed much kindly interest in Mrs. Eddy and her work. He wrote to her on one occasion: "In times like ours so sunk in sensualism, I hail with joy any voice speaking an assured word for God and immortality. And my joy is heightened the more when I find the blessed words are of woman's divinings" (The Life of Mary Baker Eddy, by Sibyl Wilbur, p. 294). Wendell Phillips, the apostle of antislavery, expressed a kindly desire to be helpful to her in her work. Lilian Whiting, author of "The World Beautiful," has written of a visit she made to Mrs. Eddy in 1885, and of the great benefit she derived from contact with our Leader.
Near the close of her earthly career, when a most cruel and unwarranted attack was being made upon her, she was visited by a young American journalist, Arthur Brisbane, well known to us still today. He describes his visit in part thus: "Beside a writing-desk, in an armchair, sat a white-haired woman who rose and walked forward, extending her hand in friendly greeting to a stranger. That was Mrs. Eddy, for whom many human beings in this world feel deepest reverence and affection, and concerning whom others have thought it necessary or excusable to write and to say unkind and untruthful things. It is quite certain that nobody could see this beautiful and venerable woman and ever again speak of her except in terms of affectionate reverence and sympathy" (What Mrs. Eddy Said to Arthur Brisbane, p. 41).
The divine grace and favor which have prospered the publication and use of the King James Version of the Bible have prospered the publication, sale, and use of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and for the same reason. The spirit of Christ, which pervades the inspired pages of the Bible, breathes through every page of the Christian Science textbook.
The Church of Christ, Scientist, which Mrs. Eddy established, is a Mind-healing church. The primary purpose of all of its activities is healing. Reference has already been made to a beautiful healing which occurred through the work of a Christian Science Reading Room. The public has the opportunity to visit our Reading Rooms. There in quiet one may read the Bible and all of Mrs. Eddy's writings. Healings frequently take place in these Reading Rooms, at our church services, and at these lectures. Such healings are the direct result of studying Science and Health and our Leader's other writings, and realizing the truth taught therein.
A student of Christian Science, who was visiting a Christian Science Reading Room one day, came to the attendant radiant with joy, saying, "The Reading Room is the Beautiful gate of the temple." The man who was healed at the Beautiful gate, as we have already noted, entered the temple praising God. So those who receive healing and other benefits at our Reading Rooms, at our church services and lectures, and through the other activities of The Mother Church, take the next step, and enter into the temple praising God — become members of the Church of Christ, Scientist, joyfully aiding its activities. Thus they live the gratitude they feel for the healings and other blessings received.
The healing work of Christian Science is broad in its scope. Through its activities we see how Truth operates in every direction. Truth is universal, and can meet every need of every man, woman, and child everywhere.
Some time ago a young Christian Scientist was visiting The Mother Church in Boston. He had been grappling with what looked like difficult problems. A friend who met him there, noting his sad countenance, exclaimed forcefully, "Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice." This vehement reminder of Truth was a call to action, and it thoroughly awakened him. He began to do that very thing, thus utilizing joy, an eternal attribute of the one divine Mind, which man reflects and expresses. From that moment his outlook was changed for the better. This conscious utilization of spiritual joy brought to him an abiding sense of happiness, and helped him in all his affairs.
Health, abundance, usefulness, freedom, happiness exist in divine Mind eternally. They are here for everyone to use and enjoy. The method taught in Science and Health, by Mrs. Eddy, shows the way in simple language. It rests with us to decide what we shall do about it. Diligent effort accomplishes good results, and saves one from any occasion for disappointment. The most insistent call to the youth of today is to enlist in the warfare with oneself. The positive realization of the allness of God and the perfection of man in God's likeness makes this possible.
When a loved one has passed from our sight, the tender ministrations of Christian Science lift the gloom and comfort us, freeing us from the temptation to grieve. In explaining that man in reality is immortal, Christ Jesus spoke of Moses' experience when, at the burning bush, he received from God the message, "I am the God . . . of Abraham, . . . of Isaac, and . . . of Jacob." Jesus went on to say, "He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him." According to human sense, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had passed from sight, but here Jesus made clear that they were still alive. He thus brought out the fact — and this is a fundamental truth in Christian Science — that man lives in God. Those who are here live in God; and those who have passed from our view live in God; therefore there is no separation, since we all "live, and move, and have our being" in God, divine Life. This realization takes away the sting of grief and brings comfort. The Christ lifts from the heart the burden of sorrow, replaces the sackcloth of mourning with the garment of praise, and anoints us with the oil of gladness. The Christ tenderly leads one to find his proper place and work and compensation, and gives to each the power to do his part in the Father's perfect plan.
The healing power of Truth is seen to be operating effectively today in the field of journalism, and in the national and international activities and affairs with which journalism deals. This healing influence is reaching humanity in large measure through The Christian Science Monitor. This newspaper is helping a large number of people to think constructively in regard to current human events. Its high literary standard and sound analysis of human happenings are widely known and acknowledged. It is helping to steady the judgment of an ever-increasing number of readers, and is satisfying their taste for the finer things in life. It has been humorously said that everybody talks about the weather, but that nobody does anything about it. Many people talk about the condition of the world. Mrs. Eddy really did something about it by her discovery and practice of Christian Science. One result was the eventual establishing of The Christian Science Monitor, which is such a potent factor in the solution of world problems. The liberty assured by the Constitution of the United States of America has made the publication of the Monitor possible.
Good thoughts antidote evil suggestions. If the press and radio present mental pictures of evil to humanity, such suggestions need to be eradicated for the benefit of the individual and society. Those who watch carefully to keep out these false suggestions overcome the fear of disease and the belief in disease, and thus preserve harmony. Obedience to Jesus' command, "Watch and pray," makes possible an alert, wide-awake attitude of mind. It never leads to fearful forebodings or the prophesying of evil. The belief in evil is nullified by the understanding of the omnipotence of good.
A student of Christian Science, as he noted the happenings in the world from day to day, became alarmed over the prospect of a religious war, that was threatened by a nation in eastern Europe some years ago. Surprised to note the dread which this threat seemed to arouse in his thought, he spoke of it to a friend, a faithful student of Christian Science. This friend instantly voiced the fact that all men and nations are capable of understanding divine Principle. Immediately the realization of this simple truth, spoken so promptly, pointedly, and suitably, dispelled this acute fear; and never again was it experienced.
With the mental freedom this healing brought, the student saw that this fear had been implanted in his consciousness by early education in world history. He had been more or less unconscious of it until this time. It came to the surface to be dispelled by the clear realization of the unchanging truth of harmonious being. When it is realized that all men and nations can understand and demonstrate divine Principle, we shall see peace established and the entire family of nations working together with mutual understanding and helpfulness.
What has been said here about the getting rid of fear illustrates an important point in all Christian Science healing. Latent fears, instilled by early education or association, are brought to the surface as one gains an understanding of the spiritual truth of being. People who have been afraid of storms, of animals, or who have entertained other unreasonable fears, awake to glorious freedom as their thoughts are filled with the truth that God is omnipotent Love and creates nothing harmful. Wrong beliefs are corrected by divine intelligence, which man in God's likeness normally reflects. Thus fear is dispelled, and the healing takes place.
We read in the Bible that in the beginning God created man with dominion over all. Christian Science reveals to the individual man's God-given dominion, joy, and freedom. Let us see how this works out in daily experience. One says, "I am subject to headaches." Another, "I am subject to indigestion." These are admissions of subtle lies. Man is not subject to discord or to evil of any kind. Mrs. Eddy has written of man in Science and Health (p. 518) "His birthright is dominion, not subjection."
Think you that these are insignificant or unimportant issues? No, indeed. They are vitally important. Fundamental mistakes are expressed in what look like harmless admissions. Mighty fundamental truths are illustrated in simple proofs of control on the basis of the supremacy of spiritual law. The ancients had a quaint proverb to the effect, that, in order to be able to carry an ox, one must each day shoulder the calf. So as we solve what seem to be the lesser problems from day to day, we are equipped and empowered to solve the greater difficulties, even the problem of salvation.
The proper use of the harmonious facts of being constitutes correct mental practice. By daily rejecting the hypnotic suggestions of evil, one nullifies mental malpractice. One's thoughts are thus liberated from every phase of false domination. This promises glorious freedom indeed. The true ideas of God, which come from divine Mind, are angelic thoughts. The suggestions which come from the carnal mind are devils. By entertaining angels, we cast out devils. The understanding that there is but one Mind is the basis of self-government.
Humanity is longing for peace, well established and permanent. The understanding and utilization of the law of God brings true peace. This is not the false sense of peace imposed by a dictator or a tyrannical system. It is the peace brought by the universal Christ-idea, the true idea of divine Love, as demonstrated in Christian Science.
The young American soldiers sang their song in victorious tones. So the Christian metaphysician, trained through Christian Science, sings his song of victory over evil through the demonstration of the omnipotence of good. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 204), Mrs. Eddy has written with that beautiful symbolism which so freely characterizes her expression, "When the good fight is fought, error yields up its weapons and kisses the feet of Love, while white-winged peace sings to the heart a song of angels."
The skill of the musician consists not only in his natural genius or musical sense, but also in his adequate technique. The musician finds that the wise use of a proper technique is an aid to native ability. So it is in the practice of Truth, or Christian Science.
Mrs. Eddy was richly endowed with the spirit of Christ. She has wisely pointed to the proper use of the letter of Christian Science, while always emphasizing the all-importance of the spirit. She has written in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 195), "Both the spirit and the letter are requisite; and having these, every one can prove, in some degree, the validity of those words of the great Master, 'For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.'"
In the proofs of healing through Christian Science mentioned in this lecture, it may be noted in each instance that the word of Truth was audibly spoken or definitely declared. This was seen in the healing of a physical ailment, in getting rid of a sense of sadness, in dispelling fear as to international difficulties. The word of Truth, fitly spoken with authority, did the work.
On New Year's morning, 1910, a happy group of Christian Scientists gathered in the home of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. While she was with them, she wrote extemporaneously a poem, which expresses the harmony of being which she had devoted her well-spent, fruitful life to exemplify. Her lifework has restored to active use the practice of Christ's Christianity, the religion of today, "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." This is one of the verses of that poem written by our Leader, now published in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 354):
"Give us not only angels' songs,
But Science vast, to which belongs
The tongue of angels
And the song of songs."
[Delivered April 30, 1948, in Convention Hall, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, under the auspices of Third Church of Christ, Scientist, Tulsa, and published in The West Tulsa News, May 6, 1948.]