Perfection within Imperfection

Wednesday Readings for September 21st, 2022

From The Bible

PSALMS. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

EXODUS. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi–hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal–zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled:

And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to-day: ...

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: ...

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground:

II SAMUEL. And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils. He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

LUKE. And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

II PETER. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, ...
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES by Mary Baker Eddy

Let us rejoice that we are subject to the divine “powers that be.”

God is not the author of mortal discords.

Error, not Truth, produces all the suffering on earth.

To suppose that God constitutes laws of inharmony is a mistake; discords have no support from nature or divine law, however much is said to the contrary.

Man, created by God, was given dominion over the whole earth.

Man, made in His likeness, possesses and reflects God's dominion over all the earth.

To Jesus, not materiality, but spirituality, was the reality of man's existence, while to the rabbis the spiritual was the intangible and uncertain, if not the unreal.

Christ illustrates that blending with God, his divine Principle, which gives man dominion over all the earth.

Paul said, “To be spiritually minded is life.”

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” (Genesis i. 1, 2.) In the vast forever, in the Science and truth of being, the only facts are Spirit and its innumerable creations.

Entirely separate from the belief and dream of material living, is the Life divine, revealing spiritual understanding and the consciousness of man's dominion over the whole earth.

Human capacity is slow to discern and to grasp God's creation and the divine power and presence which go with it, demonstrating its spiritual origin.

Entire immunity from the belief in sin, suffering, and death may not be reached at this period, but we may look for an abatement of these evils; and this scientific beginning is in the right direction.

In the midst of imperfection, perfection is seen and acknowledged only by degrees. The ages must slowly work up to perfection. How long it must be before we arrive at the demonstration of scientific being, no man knoweth, — not even “the Son but the Father;” but the false claim of error continues its delusions until the goal of goodness is assiduously earned and won.

Earth has little light or joy for mortals before Life is spiritually learned.

The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.

The days of our pilgrimage will multiply instead of diminish, when God's kingdom comes on earth; for the true way leads to Life instead of to death, and earthly experience discloses the finity of error and the infinite capacities of Truth, in which God gives man dominion over all the earth.

There is no vapid fury of mortal mind — expressed in earthquake, wind, wave, lightning, fire, bestial ferocity — and this so-called mind is self-destroyed. The manifestations of evil, which counterfeit divine justice, are called in the Scriptures, “The anger of the Lord.” In reality, they show the self-destruction of error or matter and point to matter's opposite, the strength and permanency of Spirit. Christian Science brings to light Truth and its supremacy, universal harmony, the entireness of God, good, and the nothingness of evil.

WIND. That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God's spiritual government, encompassing all things. Destruction; anger; mortal passions.

The divine must overcome the human at every point.

Because mortals believe in material laws and reject the Science of Mind, this does not make materiality first and the superior law of Soul last.

Matter is an error of statement.

We define matter as error, because it is the opposite of life, substance, and intelligence.

What you call matter was originally error in solution, elementary mortal mind, — likened by Milton to “chaos and old night.”

The destruction of error is by no means the destruction of Truth or Life, but is the acknowledgment of them.

The triumphs of Christian Science are recorded in the destruction of error and evil, from which are propagated the dismal beliefs of sin, sickness, and death.

What if the old dragon should send forth a new flood to drown the Christ-idea? He can neither drown your voice with its roar, nor again sink the world into the deep waters of chaos and old night. In this age the earth will help the woman; the spiritual idea will be understood.

In proportion as matter loses to human sense all entity as man, in that proportion does man become its master. He enters into a diviner sense of the facts, and comprehends the theology of Jesus as demonstrated in healing the sick, raising the dead, and walking over the wave.

The evidence of the physical senses often reverses the real Science of being, and so creates a reign of discord, — assigning seeming power to sin, sickness, and death; but the great facts of Life, rightly understood, defeat this triad of errors, contradict their false witnesses, and reveal the kingdom of heaven, — the actual reign of harmony on earth.

The more destructive matter becomes, the more its nothingness will appear, until matter reaches its mortal zenith in illusion and forever disappears.

Erring human mind-forces can work only evil under whatever name or pretence they are employed; for Spirit and matter, good and evil, light and darkness, cannot mingle.

Christian Science, contradicting sense, maketh the valley to bud and blossom as the rose.

Science reveals only one Mind, and this one shining by its own light and governing the universe, including man, in perfect harmony.

Mind and its formations can never be annihilated.

Every quality and condition of mortality is lost, swallowed up in immortality.

Mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization. This mental fermentation has begun, and will continue until all errors of belief yield to understanding. Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless.

What I term chemicalization is the upheaval produced when immortal Truth is destroying erroneous mortal belief. Mental chemicalization brings sin and sickness to the surface, forcing impurities to pass away, as is the case with a fermenting fluid.

In moral chemicalization, when the symptoms of evil, illusion, are aggravated, we may think in our ignorance that the Lord hath wrought an evil; but we ought to know that God's law uncovers so-called sin and its effects, only that Truth may annihilate all sense of evil and all power to sin.

Before error is wholly destroyed, there will be interruptions of the general material routine. Earth will become dreary and desolate, but summer and winter, seedtime and harvest (though in changed forms), will continue unto the end, — until the final spiritualization of all things.

As material knowledge diminishes and spiritual understanding increases, real objects will be apprehended mentally instead of materially. The more destructive matter becomes, the more its nothingness will appear, until matter reaches its mortal zenith in illusion and forever disappears.

Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort.

As this consummation draws nearer, he who has shaped his course in accordance with divine Science will endure to the end. As material knowledge diminishes and spiritual understanding increases, real objects will be apprehended mentally instead of materially.

What God cannot do, man need not attempt.

The Receptive Heart

Wednesday Readings for September 14th, 2022

From The Bible

Prov. 3:5, 6

5¶ Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine ownunderstanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Josh. 14:6 (to ,), 7, 8, 10, 11 (to 2nd ,), 13

6¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son ofJephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, ...7Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lordsent me fromKadesh–barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was inmine heart. 8Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the peoplemelt: but I wholly followed the Lordmy God. 10And now, behold, the Lordhath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and fiveyears, even since the Lordspake this word unto Moses, while the children ofIsrael wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore andfive years old. 11As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as mystrength was then, even so is my strength now, ...13And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebronfor an inheritance.

Ps. 40:10, 11

10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thyfaithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thytruth from the great congregation. 11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindnessand thy truth continually preserve me.

Isa. 55:8–11

8¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saiththe Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yourways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth notthither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it maygive seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return untome void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in thething whereto I sent it.

Matt. 13:1–3, 18–23

1The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into aship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sowerwent forth to sow; 18¶ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, thencometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.This is he which received seed by the way side. 20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth theword, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation orpersecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; andthe care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and hebecometh unfruitful. 23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, andunderstandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some anhundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Mark 4:35–41

35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us passover unto the other side. 36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was inthe ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so thatit was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awakehim, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. Andthe wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man isthis, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 11:22–24

22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Bethou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart,but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shallhave whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believethat ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 16:9–11, 14, 15, 17

9¶ Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared firstto Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned andwept. 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her,believed not. 14¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraidedthem with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not themwhich had seen him after he was risen.

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel toevery creature. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast outdevils; they shall speak with new tongues;

John 14:12, 13, 27

12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shallhe do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto myFather. 13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may beglorified in the Son. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, giveI unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

SH 46:7

The divineSpirit, which identified Jesus thus centuries9ago, has spoken through the inspired Word and will speakthrough it in every age and clime. It is revealed to thereceptive heart, and is again seen casting out evil and12 healing the sick.

SH 258:31–14

Through spiritual sense you can discern the heart ofdivinity, and thus begin to comprehend in Science the1generic term man. Man is not absorbed in Deity, andman cannot lose his individuality, for he re-3flects eternal Life; nor is he an isolated, soli-tary idea, for he represents infinite Mind, the sum of allsubstance. 6In divine Science, man is the true image of God. Thedivine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, whothrew upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted9their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow, — thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick,sinning, and dying. The Christlike understanding of12 scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Prin-ciple and idea, — perfect God and perfect man, — as thebasis of thought and demonstration.

SH 191:16, 24–25

The human thought must free itself from self-imposedmateriality and bondage. It should no longer18ask of the head, heart, or lungs: What areman's prospects for life? Mind is not helpless. Intelli-gence is not mute before non-intelligence. 24 The Science of being reveals man and immortality asbased on Spirit.

SH 114:23–8

Christian Science explains all cause and effect as men-24tal, not physical. It lifts the veil of mystery from Soul andbody. It shows the scientific relation of manto God, disentangles the interlaced ambiguities27of being, and sets free the imprisoned thought. In divineScience, the universe, including man, is spiritual, harmoni-ous, and eternal. Science shows that what is termed mat-30ter is but the subjective state of what is termed by theauthor mortal mind. Apart from the usual opposition to everything new,1the one great obstacle to the reception of that spiritual-ity, through which the understanding of Mind-science3comes, is the inadequacy of material terms formetaphysical statements, and the consequentdifficulty of so expressing metaphysical ideas as to make6them comprehensible to any reader, who has not person-ally demonstrated Christian Science as brought forth in my discovery.

SH 323:28

The effects of Christian Science are not so much seenas felt. It is the “still, small voice” of Truth30uttering itself. We are either turning awayfrom this utterance, or we are listening to it and goingup higher. Willingness to become as a little child and1to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive ofthe advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks3and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helpsto precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purificationof sense and self is a proof of progress. “Blessed are the6 pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

SH 272:3

3The spiritual sense of truth must be gained beforeTruth can be understood. This sense is assimilated onlyas we are honest, unselfish, loving, and meek.6In the soil of an “honest and good heart” theseed must be sown; else it beareth not much fruit, for theswinish element in human nature uproots it. Jesus said:9“Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.” The spiritualsense of the Scriptures brings out the scientific sense, andis the new tongue referred to in the last chapter of Mark's12 Gospel.

SH 112:32

God is the Principle of divine metaphysics. As there1is but one God, there can be but one divine Principle ofall Science; and there must be fixed rules for the demon-3stration of this divine Principle. The letterof Science plentifully reaches humanity to-day,but its spirit comes only in small degrees. The vital part,

6 the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love. With-out this, the letter is but the dead body of Science, —pulseless, cold, inanimate.

SH 451:8

Students of Christian Science, who start with its letter9and think to succeed without the spirit, will either makeshipwreck of their faith or be turned sadlyawry. They must not only seek, but strive,12to enter the narrow path of Life, for “wide is the gate,and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, andmany there be which go in thereat.” Man walks in the15direction towards which he looks, and where his treasureis, there will his heart be also. If our hopes and affec-tions are spiritual, they come from above, not from be-18 neath, and they bear as of old the fruits of the Spirit.SH 182:1

1The actof healing the sick through divine Mind alone, of casting3 out error with Truth, shows your position as a ChristianScientist.

SH 140:7–13

Not materially but spiritually weknow Him as divine Mind, as Life, Truth, and Love. We9shall obey and adore in proportion as we apprehend thedivine nature and love Him understandingly, warring nomore over the corporeality, but rejoicing in the affluence12 of our God. Religion will then be of the heart and not ofthe head.

SH 9:17

Dost thou “love the Lord thy God with all thy18heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”?

This command includes much, even the sur-render of all merely material sensation, affec-21tion, and worship. This is the El Dorado of Christianity.It involves the Science of Life, and recognizes only thedivine control of Spirit, in which Soul is our master,24 and material sense and human will have no place.

SH 8:28–30

We should examine ourselves and learn what is theaffection and purpose of the heart, for in this way30 only can we learn what we honestly are.

SH 15:14

In order to pray aright, we must enter into the15closet and shut the door. We must close the lips andsilence the material senses. In the quietsanctuary of earnest longings, we must18deny sin and plead God's allness. We must resolve totake up the cross, and go forth with honest hearts towork and watch for wisdom, Truth, and Love. We21must “pray without ceasing.” Such prayer is an-swered, in so far as we put our desires into practice.The Master's injunction is, that we pray in secret and24let our lives attest our sincerity.

SH 573:29

Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being willsurely appear sometime and in some way. There willbe no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. Whenyou read this, remember Jesus' words, “The kingdom ofGod is within you.” This spiritual consciousness istherefore a present possibility.

Taking on the yoke of Christ

Wednesday Readings for August 31st, 2022

From The Bible

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: ...
(Psalms 55:22 (to :))

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
(Psalms 61:1, 2)

¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:5, 6)

Thus saith the LORD, ...

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? ...

... ¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: ...
(Isaiah 56:1 (to 1st ,); 58:6, 8 (to :))

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
(Matthew 9:35)

¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
(Luke 10:38–42)

¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; ...

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
(Matthew 9:27–30 (to ;), 35)

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
(John 8:12)

¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, ...

... go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, ... and come and follow me.
(Matthew 19:16, 17 (to 1st ,), 21 go (to 4th ,), 21 4th and)

¶ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
(Luke 17:20, 21)

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, ...

... ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; ... and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:25 (to 1st ,), 28, 29 (to ;), 29 3rd and, 30 )

SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES by MBE

To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. vii:1–2)

Prayer, watching, and working, combined with self-immolation, are God's gracious means for accomplishing whatever has been successfully done for the Christianization and health of mankind.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 1:6)

Having one God, one Mind, unfolds the power that heals the sick, and fulfils these sayings of Scripture, “I am the Lord that healeth thee,” and “I have found a ransom.”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 276:1–4)

To ignore God as of little use in sickness is a mistake. Instead of thrusting Him aside in times of bodily trouble, and waiting for the hour of strength in which to acknowledge Him, we should learn that He can do all things for us in sickness as in health.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 166:16 To)

Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing. He taught his followers that his religion had a divine Principle, which would cast out error and heal both the sick and the sinning.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 136:1–5)

The theology of Christian Science includes healing the sick.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 145:31–32)

We cannot choose for ourselves, but must work out our salvation in the way Jesus taught. ...

First in the list of Christian duties, he taught his followers the healing power of Truth and Love.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 30:30–32; 31:12–13)

It is possible, — yea, it is the duty and privilege of every child, man, and woman, — to follow in some degree the example of the Master by the demonstration of Truth and Life, of health and holiness.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 37:22–25)

Step by step will those who trust Him find that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 444:10)

When we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs our path.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 254:10–12)

The Scriptures say, “They that wait upon the Lord . . . shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ... When we wake to the truth of being, all disease, pain, weakness, weariness, sorrow, sin, death, will be unknown, and the mortal dream will forever cease.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 218:27–29, 32–2)

Mind-science teaches that mortals need “not be weary in well doing.” It dissipates fatigue in doing good.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 79:29–31)

The scientific and permanent remedy for fatigue is to learn the power of Mind over the body or any illusion of physical weariness, and so destroy this illusion, for matter cannot be weary and heavy-laden.

You say, “Toil fatigues me.” But what is this me? Is it muscle or mind? Which is tired and so speaks? Without mind, could the muscles be tired? Do the muscles talk, or do you talk for them? Matter is non-intelligent. Mortal mind does the false talking, and that which affirms weariness, made that weariness.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 217:24–2)

The body seems to be self-acting, only because mortal mind is ignorant of itself, of its own actions, and of their results, — ignorant that the predisposing, remote, and exciting cause of all bad effects is a law of so-called mortal mind, not of matter. ...

Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs, and that in Science man reflects God's government. Have no fear that matter can ache, swell, and be inflamed as the result of a law of any kind, when it is self-evident that matter can have no pain nor inflammation.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 393:4–8, 16–21)

The supposed laws which result in weariness and disease are not His laws, for the legitimate and only possible action of Truth is the production of harmony. Laws of nature are laws of Spirit; but mortals commonly recognize as law that which hides the power of Spirit.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 183:16–21)

Keep distinctly in thought that man is the offspring of God, not of man; that man is spiritual, not material; that Soul is Spirit, outside of matter, never in it, never giving the body life and sensation. It breaks the dream of disease to understand that sickness is formed by the human mind, not by matter nor by the divine Mind.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 396:26)

We cannot serve two masters nor perceive divine Science with the material senses. ... To have one God and avail yourself of the power of Spirit, you must love God supremely.

... The flesh and Spirit can no more unite in action, than good can coincide with evil. It is not wise to take a halting and half-way position or to expect to work equally with Spirit and matter, Truth and error. There is but one way — namely, God and His idea — which leads to spiritual being. The scientific government of the body must be attained through the divine Mind. ... On this fundamental point, timid conservatism is absolutely inadmissible. Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 167:11–12, 17, 20–27 3rd The, 29)

The Christian Scientist should understand and adhere strictly to the rules of divine metaphysics as laid down in this work, and rest his demonstration on this sure basis.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 459:31)

The law of the divine Mind must end human bondage, ...

... “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” ...

Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and cries: “Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sickness, sin, and death!”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 227:7–8 (to ,), 18–19, 21–23)

We must learn how mankind govern the body, — whether through faith in hygiene, in drugs, or in will-power. ... through a belief in the necessity of sickness and death, sin and pardon, or govern it from the higher understanding that the divine Mind makes perfect, acts upon the so-called human mind through truth, leads the human mind to relinquish all error, to find the divine Mind to be the only Mind, and the healer of sin, disease, death.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 251:15–17, 18–24 through)

The calm, strong currents of true spirituality, the manifestations of which are health, purity, and self-immolation, must deepen human experience, until the beliefs of material existence are seen to be a bald imposition, and sin, disease, and death give everlasting place to the scientific demonstration of divine Spirit and to God's spiritual, perfect man.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 99:23)

It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. ... Having no other gods, turning to no other but the one perfect Mind to guide him, man is the likeness of God, pure and eternal, having that Mind which was also in Christ.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 467:9–10, 13)

... remember Jesus' words, “The kingdom of God is within you.” This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 573:32 remember)

As St. Paul says: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (of Spirit).
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 288:18)

HYMNALS

(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 43)

Come unto me, ye weary, / And I will give you rest. / O tender words of Jesus, / Which come to hearts oppressed. / They tell of benediction, / Of pardon, grace, and peace, / Of joy that hath no ending, / Of love which cannot cease.

Come unto me, ye wanderers, / And I will give you light. / O loving words of Jesus, / Which come to cheer the night. / Come, all ye heavy laden, / And I will give you life. / O peaceful words of Jesus, / Which come to end all strife.

(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 58)
Father, we Thy loving children / Lift our hearts in joy today, / Knowing well that Thou wilt keep us / Ever in Thy blessed way. / Thou art Love and Thou art wisdom, / Thou art Life and Thou art All; / In Thy Spirit living, moving, / We shall neither faint nor fall.

Come we daily then, dear Father, / Open hearts and willing hands, / Eager ears, expectant, joyful, / Ready for Thy right commands. / We would hear no other voices, / We would heed no other call; / Thou alone art good and gracious, / Thou our Mind and Thou our All.

In Thy house securely dwelling, / Where Thy children live to bless, / Seeing only Thy creation, / We can share Thy happiness, / Share Thy joy and spend it freely. / Loyal hearts can feel no fear; / We Thy children know Thee, Father, / Love and Life forever near.

(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 539)
O gentle presence, peace and joy and power; / O Life divine, that owns each waiting hour, / Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight! / Keep Thou my child on upward wing tonight.

Love is our refuge; only with mine eye / Can I behold the snare, the pit, the fall: / His habitation high is here, and nigh, / His arm encircles me, and mine, and all.

O make me glad for every scalding tear, / For hope deferred, ingratitude, disdain! / Wait, and love more for every hate, and fear / No ill,—since God is good, and loss is gain.

Beneath the shadow of His mighty wing; / In that sweet secret of the narrow way, / Seeking and finding, with the angels sing: / “Lo, I am with you alway,”—watch and pray.

No snare, no fowler, pestilence or pain; / No night drops down upon the troubled breast, / When heaven's aftersmile earth's tear-drops gain, / And mother finds her home and heav'nly rest.

Joy

Wednesday Readings for August 17th, 2022

From The Bible

ISAIAH.

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. (Isaiah 65:18, 19)

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1–3)

Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward. (Isaiah 52:9, 12)

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. (Isaiah 51:3)

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? (Isaiah 51:11–13)

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:1, 2, 8–10)

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. (Isaiah 12:3–5)

ROMANS. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)

MATTHEW. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)

LUKE. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Luke 10:17–24)

PHILIPPIANS. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:1–4, 6, 7, 13, 19)

PSALMS. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Psalms 66:1, 2, 4 (to 1st .), 8–10)

PSALMS. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; (Psalms 30:11)

ISAIAH. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

(Isaiah 55:12)

SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES by MBE

This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death.

Science inevitably lifts one's being higher in the scale of harmony and happiness.

Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony.)

Man is not a pendulum, swinging between evil and good, joy and sorrow, sickness and health, life and death.

Death is not a stepping-stone to Life, immortality, and bliss.

Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance.

They, who know not purity and affection by experience, can never find bliss in the blessed company of Truth and Love simply through translation into another sphere.

The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual.

Earth has little light or joy for mortals before Life is spiritually learned.

As the children of Israel were guided triumphantly through the Red Sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear, — as they were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human hopes, and anticipating the promised joy, — so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God.

Sorrow is turned into joy when the body is controlled by spiritual Life, Truth, and Love. Entirely separate from the belief and dream of material living, is the Life divine, revealing spiritual understanding and the consciousness of man's dominion over the whole earth. This understanding casts out error and heals the sick, and with it you can speak “as one having authority.”

The sinless joy, — the perfect harmony and immortality of Life, possessing unlimited divine beauty and goodness without a single bodily pleasure or pain, — constitutes the only veritable, indestructible man, whose being is spiritual.

As human thought changes from one stage to another of conscious pain and painlessness, sorrow and joy, — from fear to hope and from faith to understanding, — the visible manifestation will at last be man governed by Soul, not by material sense.

Job said: “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee.” Mortals will echo Job's thought, when the supposed pain and pleasure of matter cease to predominate. They will then drop the false estimate of life and happiness, of joy and sorrow, and attain the bliss of loving unselfishly, working patiently, and conquering all that is unlike God.

Passions and appetites must end in pain. They are “of few days, and full of trouble.” Their supposed joys are cheats. Their narrow limits belittle their gratifications, and hedge about their achievements with thorns. Mortal mind accepts the erroneous, material conception of life and joy, but the true idea is gained from the immortal side.

The false evidence of material sense contrasts strikingly with the testimony of Spirit. Material sense lifts its voice with the arrogance of reality and says:

I am wholly dishonest, and no man knoweth it. I can cheat, lie, commit adultery, rob, murder, and I elude detection by smooth-tongued villainy. Animal in propensity, deceitful in sentiment, fraudulent in purpose, I mean to make my short span of life one gala day. What a nice thing is sin! How sin succeeds, where the good purpose waits! The world is my kingdom. I am enthroned in the gorgeousness of matter. But a touch, an accident, the law of God, may at any moment annihilate my peace, for all my fancied joys are fatal. Like bursting lava, I expand but to my own despair, and shine with the resplendency of consuming fire.

Spirit, bearing opposite testimony, saith:

I am Spirit. Man, whose senses are spiritual, is my likeness. He reflects the infinite understanding, for I am Infinity. The beauty of holiness, the perfection of being, imperishable glory, — all are Mine, for I am God. I give immortality to man, for I am Truth. I include and impart all bliss, for I am Love.

It is essential to understand, instead of believe, what relates most nearly to the happiness of being.

In this divinely united spiritual consciousness, there is no impediment to eternal bliss, — to the perfectibility of God's creation.

God's being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss.

Freely Given, Freely Give

Wednesday Readings for August 10th, 2022

From The Bible

Matt. 3:13–17; 4:17 

¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 

13 

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest 14 

thou to me? 

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it 15 

becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, 

16 

lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am 17 

well pleased. 

¶ From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of 17 

heaven is at hand. 

Matt. 5:1, 2, 14–16 

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, 

1 

his disciples came unto him: 

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 

2 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 14 

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; 15 

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and 16 

glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

Matt. 9:35 Jesus; 10:1, 5 (to 3rd ,), 7, 8 

... Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, 35 

and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power 1

against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, ... 5 

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

7 

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have 8 

received, freely give. 

Acts 9:36–41 

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by 

36 

interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when 37 

they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that 

38 

Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him 39 

into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to 40 

the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints 

41 

and widows, presented her alive. 

Acts 20:7–12 

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break 7 

bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered 

8 

together. 

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen 9

into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not 10 

yourselves; for his life is in him. 

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and 11 

talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. 12 

Acts 15:1, 2, 6–9, 11 

And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, 1 

Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation 2 

with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. ¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 6 

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, 

7 

Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy 

8 

Ghost, even as he did unto us; 

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 9 

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be 

11 

saved, even as they. 

I Cor. 2:9–12 as 

... as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into 

9 

the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all 10 

things, yea, the deep things of God. 

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in 11 

him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of 12

God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 

I Pet. 4:10, 11 

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, 

as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

10 

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let 11 

him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

Mal. 3:10 

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine 

10 

house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 

SELECTIONS FROM SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES BY MARY BAKER EDDY

SH xii:23 

In the spirit of Christ's charity, — as one who “hopeth 

all things, endureth all things,” and is joyful to bear 

24 

consolation to the sorrowing and healing to the sick, — she commits these pages to honest seekers for Truth. 

SH 570:14–18, 23–24 

Millions of unprejudiced minds — simple seekers for 

Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert — are wait 15 

ing and watching for rest and drink. Give 

them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, 

and never fear the consequences. 

18 

Those ready for the blessing 

you impart will give thanks. 

24 

SH viii:12–15 

The question, What is Truth, is answered by 12

demonstration, — by healing both disease and sin; and this demonstration shows that Christian healing con fers the most health and makes the best men. 

SH xi:9 

15 

The physical healing of Christian Science results 9 

now, as in Jesus' time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their real ity in human consciousness and disappear as naturally 12 

and as necessarily as darkness gives place to light and sin to reformation. Now, as then, these mighty works are not supernatural, but supremely natural. They are 

15 

the sign of Immanuel, or “God with us,” — a divine influence ever present in human consciousness and re peating itself, coming now as was promised aforetime, 18 

To preach deliverance to the captives [of sense], And recovering of sight to the blind, 

To set at liberty them that are bruised. 

21 

SH 37:22–25, 27–18 

It is possible, — yea, it is the duty 

and privilege of every child, man, and woman, — to follow 

in some degree the example of the Master by the demon 

24 

stration of Truth and Life, of health and holiness. 

Hear these imperative com 

27 

mands: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect!” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature!” “Heal the 30 

sick!” 

Why has this Christian demand so little inspiration to stir mankind to Christian effort? Because men are 1 

assured that this command was intended only for a par ticular period and for a select number of fol 

3

lowers. This teaching is even more pernicious 

than the old doctrine of foreordination, — the election of a 

few to be saved, while the rest are damned; and so it will 6 

be considered, when the lethargy of mortals, produced by man-made doctrines, is broken by the demands of divine Science. 

9 

Jesus said: “These signs shall follow them that be lieve; . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall

recover.” Who believes him? He was addressing 

12 

his disciples, yet he did not say, “These signs shall follow you,” but them — “them that believe” in all time to come. Here the word hands is used metaphorically, as in the text, 15 

“The right hand of the Lord is exalted.” It expresses spiritual power; otherwise the healing could not have been done spiritually. 

18 

SH 138:27–2 

Our Master said to every follower: “Go ye into all the 

27 

world, and preach the gospel to every creature! . . . Heal the sick! . . . Love thy neighbor as 

thyself!” It was this theology of Jesus which 

30 

healed the sick and the sinning. It is his theology in this book and the spiritual meaning of this theology, which heals the sick and causes the wicked to “forsake his way, 1 

and the unrighteous man his thoughts.” 

SH 450:15 

Some people yield slowly to the touch of Truth. Few 15 

yield without a struggle, and many are reluctant to ac knowledge that they have yielded; but un 

less this admission is made, evil will boast 

18 

itself above good. The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness 21

of God, or good. Sickness to him is no less a temptation than is sin, and he heals them both by understanding 

God's power over them. The Christian Scientist knows 24 

that they are errors of belief, which Truth can and will destroy. 

SH 108:1–18, 30–10 

Whence came to me this heavenly conviction, — a con 

1 

viction antagonistic to the testimony of the physical senses? According to St. Paul, it was “the gift of the grace of 3 

God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.” It was the divine law of Life and Love, unfolding to me the demonstrable fact that matter possesses neither sen 

6 

sation nor life; that human experiences show the falsity of all material things; and that immortal cravings, “the price of learning love,” establish the truism that the 

9 

only sufferer is mortal mind, for the divine Mind cannot suffer. 

My conclusions were reached by allowing the evidence 12 

of this revelation to multiply with mathematical certainty and the lesser demonstration to prove the 

greater, as the product of three multiplied by 

15 

three, equalling nine, proves conclusively that three times three duodecillions must be nine duodecillions, — not a fraction more, not a unit less. 

18 

My discovery, that erring, mortal, misnamed 

30 

mind produces all the organism and action of 

the mortal body, set my thoughts to work in new channels, and led up to my demonstration of the proposition that 

1 

Mind is All and matter is naught as the leading factor in Mind-science. 

3 

Christian Science reveals incontrovertibly that Mind is All-in-all, that the only realities are the divine Mind and idea. This great fact is not, however, seen 

6

to be supported by sensible evidence, until its 

divine Principle is demonstrated by healing the sick and thus proved absolute and divine. This proof once seen, 

9 

no other conclusion can be reached. 

SH 46:7 

The divine 

Spirit, which identified Jesus thus centuries 

ago, has spoken through the inspired Word and will speak 9 

through it in every age and clime. It is revealed to the receptive heart, and is again seen casting out evil and healing the sick. 

12 

SH 98:15 

Beyond the frail premises of human beliefs, above the 15 

loosening grasp of creeds, the demonstration of Christian Mind-healing stands a revealed and practical 

Science. It is imperious throughout all ages 

18 

as Christ's revelation of Truth, of Life, and of Love, which remains inviolate for every man to understand and to practise. 

21 

SH 57:18 18 

Happiness is spiritual, 

born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it. 

21 

SH 436:11–12 

Giving a cup of cold water in Christ's name, is a Christian 

service. 12

The Lame Shall Walk

Wednesday Readings for August 3rd, 2022

From The Bible

Isa. 35:3, 4, 6 

¶ Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 3 

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God 4 

will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. 

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for 

6 

in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 

Isa. 40:29–31 

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth 29 

strength. 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 30 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount 

31 

up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

Mark 2:3–12 

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of 3 

four. 

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the 

4 

roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be 5 

forgiven thee. 

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 

6 

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God 7 

only? 

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned 8

within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or 9 

to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, 10 

(he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 11 

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; 12 

insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. 

Matt. 11:2–6, 28–30 

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his 

2 

disciples, 

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 3 

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things 

4 

which ye do hear and see: 

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and 

5 

the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 

6 

¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you 28 

rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: 29 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

30 

Acts 3:1–9 

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, 1 

being the ninth hour. 

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid 2 

daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 3 

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 

4 

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 5

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In 6 

the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet 7 

and ankle bones received strength. 

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, 8 

walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 

9 

Acts 14:8–10 

¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple 8 

from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that 9 

he had faith to be healed, 

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 10 

Acts 8:5–13 

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 5 

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip 

6 

spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were 

7 

possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 

And there was great joy in that city. 

8 

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city 9 

used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is 10 

the great power of God. 

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them 11 

with sorceries. 

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of 12 

God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued 

13

with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 

Heb. 12:1, 2, 12, 13 

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of 1 

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that 2 

was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 

12 

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of 13 

the way; but let it rather be healed. 

Selections from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

SH 210:11 

Knowing that Soul and its attributes were forever 

manifested through man, the Master healed the sick, 12 

gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, feet to the lame, thus bringing to light the scientific action of the divine Mind on human minds and bodies and giving 

15 

a better understanding of Soul and salvation. Jesus healed sickness and sin by one and the same metaphysical process. 

18 

SH 294:6–18 

If man is both mind and matter, the loss of one finger 6 

would take away some quality and quantity of the man, for matter and man would be one. 

The belief that matter thinks, sees, or feels is not more 9 

real than the belief that matter enjoys and suffers. This mortal belief, misnamed man, is error, saying: 

“Matter has intelligence and sensation. Nerves 

12 

feel. Brain thinks and sins. The stomach can make a man cross. Injury can cripple and matter can kill man.” This verdict of the so-called material senses victimizes 

15

mortals, taught, as they are by physiology and pathology, to revere false testimony, even the errors that are destroyed 

18 by Truth through spiritual sense and Science. SH 260:31–30 

If we look to the body for pleasure, we find pain; for Life, we find death; for Truth, we find error; for Spirit, 

we find its opposite, matter. Now reverse this action. 

1 

Look away from the body into Truth and Love, 

the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and 

3 

immortality. Hold thought steadfastly to the endur ing, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy 

6 

of your thoughts. 

The effect of mortal mind on health and happiness is seen in this: If one turns away from the body with such 

9 

absorbed interest as to forget it, the body 

experiences no pain. Under the strong im 

pulse of a desire to perform his part, a noted actor was 12 

accustomed night after night to go upon the stage and sustain his appointed task, walking about as actively as the youngest member of the company. This old man 15 

was so lame that he hobbled every day to the theatre, and sat aching in his chair till his cue was spoken, — a signal which made him as oblivious of physical infirmity as if 

18 

he had inhaled chloroform, though he was in the full pos session of his so-called senses. 

Detach sense from the body, or matter, which is only 

21 

a form of human belief, and you may learn the meaning of God, or good, and the nature of the immu 

table and immortal. Breaking away from the 

24 

mutations of time and sense, you will neither 

lose the solid objects and ends of life nor your own iden tity. Fixing your gaze on the realities supernal, you will

27

rise to the spiritual consciousness of being, even as the bird which has burst from the egg and preens its wings for a 

30

skyward flight.

SH 227:21 

Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and 

21 

cries: “Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sick ness, sin, and death!” Jesus marked out the 

way. Citizens of the world, accept the “glori 24 

ous liberty of the children of God,” and be free! This is your divine right. The illusion of material sense, not divine law, has bound you, entangled your free limbs, 27 

crippled your capacities, enfeebled your body, and de faced the tablet of your being. 

SH 228:11–24 

The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will 

cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his 

12 

God-given dominion over the material senses. 

Mortals will some day assert their freedom in 

the name of Almighty God. Then they will control their 15 

own bodies through the understanding of divine Science. Dropping their present beliefs, they will recognize har mony as the spiritual reality and discord as the material 18 

unreality. 

If we follow the command of our Master, “Take no thought for your life,” we shall never depend on bodily 

21 

conditions, structure, or economy, but we shall be masters of the body, dictate its terms, and form and control it with Truth. 

24 

SH 600:12–23 (np) 

I was a great sufferer from a serious form of rheumatic 12 

trouble, my hands being affected to such an extent that it was impossible for me even to dress without assistance. The trouble finally reached the knees, and I became very 15

lame and had to be assisted in and out of bed. I went to the different health resorts for the benefit I hoped to derive from the baths and waters that were prescribed by 18 

physicians, but found no permanent relief. I was placed 

1 

under an X-ray examination, and was told that the joints were becoming ossified. I then consulted a celebrated 3 

specialist, who after a thorough examination said my condition would continue to grow worse and that I would become completely helpless. 

6 

At that time a copy of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mrs. Eddy was loaned me. I read it more from curiosity than with the thought of any physical 

9 

benefit. As the truth was unfolded to me, I realized that the mental condition was what needed correcting, and that the Spirit of truth which inspired this book was my 12 

physician. My healing is complete, and the liberation in thought is manifest in a life of active usefulness rather than the bondage of helpless invalidism and suffering. I 15 

owe to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, gratitude which words cannot express. Her revelation of the practical rather than the merely theoretical application of Jesus' 

18 

words, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” proved to be my redeemer. I did not even have to apply to a practitioner, but am most grate 

21 

ful for the helpful words of loving friends. — E. B. B., Pasadena, Cal. 

SH 248:12–32 

The sculptor turns from the marble to his model in 12 

order to perfect his conception. We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chisel ing thought. What is the model before mortal 15

mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model? Are you repro 

ducing it? Then you are haunted in your work by vicious 18 

sculptors and hideous forms. Do you not hear from all mankind of the imperfect model? The world is holding it before your gaze continually. The result is that you 

21 

are liable to follow those lower patterns, limit your life work, and adopt into your experience the angular outline and deformity of matter models. 

24 

To remedy this, we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, 27 

or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives. Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love — the kingdom of heaven — reign 30

within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear.

Unto the Glory and Praise of God

Wednesday Readings for July 20th, 2022

From The Bible

Ps. 104:31, 33

The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. ...

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

I Sam. 1:1 (to 1st ,), 1 and (to 3rd ,), 2, 10–12, 17, 18, 20, 27, 28 (to 1st .)

Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim–zophim, ... and his name was Elkanah, ...

And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. ...

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. ...

Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. ...

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I

have asked him of the LORD. ...

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. ...

I Sam. 3:1–10, 19, 20

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. ...

... ¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer–sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

Ps. 30:4, 5 in, 10–12

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

... in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ...

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Luke 18:35-43 (to .)

¶ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Luke 19:37-40

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

John 15:1, 4, 5, 7, 8 (to ;)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ...

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are

the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ...

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; ...

Phil. 1:9–11

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

SH 143:26-31

Mind is the grand creator, and there can be no power except that which is derived from Mind. If Mind was first chronologically, is first potentially, and must be first eternally, then give to Mind the glory, honor, dominion,
and power everlastingly due its holy name.

SH 205:32

When we fully understand our relation to the Divine, we can have no other Mind but His, — no other Love, wisdom, or Truth, no other sense of Life, and no consciousness of the existence of matter or error.

SH 502:27

The creative Principle — Life, Truth, and Love — is God. The
universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This
creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.

SH 516:19

Man, made in His likeness, possesses and reflects God's dominion over all the earth. Man and woman as coexistent and eternal with God forever reflect, in glorified quality, the infinite Father-Mother God.

SH 305:13

The verity that God's image is not a creator, though he reflects the creation of Mind, God, constitutes the underlying reality of reflection. “Then answered Jesus and said unto them: Verily, verily I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

SH 264:20–31

Spirit and its formations are the only realities of being. Matter disappears under the microscope of Spirit. Sin is unsustained by Truth, and sickness and death were overcome by Jesus, who proved them to be forms of error.
Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we

can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.

When we learn the way in Christian Science and recognize man's spiritual being, we shall behold and understand God's creation, — all the glories of earth and heaven and man.

SH 558:10–17

To mortal sense Science seems at first obscure, abstract, and dark;
but a bright promise crowns its brow. When understood, it is Truth's
prism and praise. When you look it fairly in the face, you can heal by its means, and it has for you a light above the sun, for God “is the light thereof.” Its feet are pillars of fire, foundations of Truth and Love.

SH 183:26

Truth casts out all evils and materialistic methods with the actual spiritual law, — the law which gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, voice
to the dumb, feet to the lame. If Christian Science dishonors human
belief, it honors spiritual understanding; and the one Mind only is entitled to honor.

SH 209:5-15

Mind, supreme over all its formations and governing them all, is the central sun of its own systems of ideas, the life and light of all its own vast creation; and man is tributary to divine Mind. The material and mortal body or
mind is not the man.

The world would collapse without Mind, without the intelligence which holds the winds in its grasp. Neither philosophy nor skepticism can hinder the march of the Science which reveals the supremacy of Mind. The immanent sense of Mind-power enhances the glory of Mind. Nearness, not distance, lends enchantment to this view.

SH 520:3-5 (to !)

Unfathomable Mind is expressed. The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!

SH 483:22

Because the Science of Mind seems to bring into dishonor the ordinary scientific schools, which wrestle with material observations alone, this Science has met with opposition; but if any system honors God, it ought to
receive aid, not opposition, from all thinking persons. And Christian
Science does honor God as no other theory honors Him, and it does this in the way of His appointing, by doing many wonderful works through the divine name and nature. One must fulfil one's mission without timidity or dissimulation, for to be well done, the work must be done unselfishly. Christianity will never be based on a divine Principle and so found to be unerring, until its absolute Science is reached. When this is accomplished, neither pride, prejudice, bigotry, nor envy can wash away its foundation, for it is built upon the rock, Christ.

SH 473:26-31

Jesus established what he said by demonstration, thus making his acts of higher importance than his words. He proved what he taught. This is the

Science of Christianity. Jesus proved the Principle, which heals the sick and casts out error, to be divine.

SH 487:3 1st Life

Life is deathless. Life is the origin and ultimate of man, never attainable through death, but gained by walking in the pathway of Truth both before and
after that which is called death. There is more Christianity in seeing
and hearing spiritually than materially. There is more Science in the perpetual exercise of the Mind-faculties than in their loss. Lost they cannot be, while Mind remains. The apprehension of this gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf centuries ago, and it will repeat the wonder.

SH 261:32

Good demands of man every hour, in which to work out the problem of being. Consecration to good does not lessen man's dependence on God, but heightens it. Neither does consecration diminish man's obligations to God,
but shows the paramount necessity of meeting them. Christian

Science takes naught from the perfection of God, but it ascribes to Him the entire glory. By putting “off the old man with his deeds,” mortals “put on immortality.”

SH 367:17

A Christian Scientist occupies the place at this period of which Jesus spoke to his disciples, when he said: “Ye are the salt of the earth.” “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Let us watch,
work, and pray that this salt lose not its saltness, and that this light be
not hid, but radiate and glow into noontide glory.

Hymn. 595

When my heart is lost in sorrow, / and light seems far and dim, / There's a tender prayer I can always pray: / Simply praising Him.

REFRAIN 1 / Praise the creator. Let all within me sing! / For that's what I am made to do, and / comfort it will bring.

When weariness engulfs me, / discouragement sinks in, / There's a hopeful prayer I can always pray: / Simply praising Him.

REFRAIN 2 / Praise the creator. Let all within me sing! / For that's what I am made to do, and / courage it will bring.

When my days feel much too busy / to find where prayer fits in, / There's a timeless prayer I can always pray: / Simply praising Him.

REFRAIN 3 / Praise the creator. Let all within me sing! / For that's what I am made to do, and / stillness it will bring.

When earth seems satisfying, / my joys filled to the brim, / There's still a prayer I need to pray: / Simply praising Him.

REFRAIN 4 / Praise the creator. Let all within me sing! / For that's what I am made to do, / and goodness it will bring. / For that's what we are made to do, / let all the earth now sing!

Hymn. 275

Praise now creative Mind, / Maker of earth and heaven; / Glory and power to Him belong, / Joy of the sun and skies, / Strength where the hills arise, / So let us praise with joy and song.

Ages have seen His might, / Father we call His name; / Nights of our mourning and sorrow end, / Light blesses opened eyes, / Joys like the dawns arise / As we see Him our God and Friend.

Saviour from death is He; / Life is our heritage; / Mercy and goodness forever guide; / Ours is the risen Christ, / Daily we keep our tryst, / And evermore in Love confide.

Hymn. 505

REFRAIN / I will bless the Lord and give Him glory. / O I will bless His name and give Him glory.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, / Great in kindness and good to all. / The Lord is righteous in all His ways; / Bless the Lord and give Him praise. / /

Be Not Afraid

Wednesday Readings for July 13th, 2022

From The Bible

Prov. 3:25, 26 

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 

Ex. 14:8 (to :), 9 all (to 4th ,), 10, 13, 14 (to ,), 19-22, 30 (to ;) 

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: ... 

... all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, ... 

... ¶ And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. ... 

... ¶ And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, ... 

... ¶ And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. ...

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; ... Ps. 20:6-8 

Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 

II Chron. 20:1, 3 (to 2nd ,), 5, 6 (to 1st ?), 9, 13, 14 (to Jahaziel), 14 came, 15, 17, 20 (to 1st ,), 20-22 3rd and, 27 

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. ... 

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, ... 

... ¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? ... 

If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. ... 

And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. ¶ Then upon Jahaziel ... came the spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. ... 

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be

dismayed; to-morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you. ... 

... ¶ And they rose early in the morning, ... and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before 

the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. ¶ And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. ... 

Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 

Isa. 35:4, 10 

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. ... 

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

Luke 8:41, 42 (to 1st .), 49-55 (to :) 

¶ And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a-dying. ... 

... ¶ While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be

made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: ... 

I John 4:16–18 (to :) 

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: ... 

SH 566:1 

As the children of Israel were guided triumphantly through the Red Sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear, — as they were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human 

hopes, and anticipating the promised joy, — so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God. Stately Science pauses not, but moves before them, a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, leading to divine heights. 

SH 215:15 

We are sometimes led to believe that darkness is as real as light; but Science affirms darkness to be only a mortal sense of the absence of light, at the coming of which darkness loses the appearance of reality. So sin and sorrow, disease and death, are the suppositional absence of Life, God, and flee as phantoms of error before truth and love. 

SH 243:25-6 

Truth has no consciousness of error. Love has no sense of hatred. Life has no partnership with death. Truth, Life, and Love are a law of 

annihilation to everything unlike themselves, because they declare

nothing except God. 

Sickness, sin, and death are not the fruits of Life. They are inharmonies which Truth destroys. Perfection does not animate imperfection. Inasmuch as God is good and the fount of all being, He does not produce moral or physical deformity; therefore such deformity is not real, but is illusion, the mirage of error. Divine Science reveals these grand facts. On their basis Jesus demonstrated Life, never fearing nor obeying error in any form. 

SH 495:14 

When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the 

recognition of life harmonious — as Life eternally is — can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not. Let Christian Science, instead of corporeal sense, support your understanding of being, and this understanding will supplant error with Truth, replace mortality with immortality, and silence discord with harmony. 

SH 180:17–30 

Doctors should not implant disease in the thoughts of their patients, as they so frequently do, by declaring disease to be a fixed fact, even before they go to work to eradicate the disease through the material faith which they inspire. Instead of furnishing thought with fear, they should try to correct this turbulent element of mortal mind by the influence of divine Love which casteth out fear. 

When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible. The only way to this living Truth, which heals the sick, is found in the Science of divine Mind as taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus. 

SH 371:5 

Disquisitions on disease have a mental effect similar to that produced on children by telling ghost-stories in the dark. By those uninstructed in Christian

Science, nothing is really understood of material existence. Mortals are believed to be here without their consent and to be removed as involuntarily, not knowing why nor when. As frightened children look everywhere for the imaginary ghost, so sick humanity sees danger in every direction, and looks for relief in all ways except the right one. Darkness induces fear. The adult, in bondage to his beliefs, no more comprehends his real being than does the child; and the adult must be taken out of his darkness, before he can get rid of the illusive sufferings which throng the gloaming. The way in divine Science is the only way out of this condition. 

SH 445:19-21 

Christian Science silences human will, quiets fear with Truth and Love, and illustrates the unlabored motion of the divine energy in healing the sick. 

SH 414:26–9; 415:24 

Keep in mind the verity of being, — that man is the image and likeness of God, in whom all being is painless and permanent. Remember that man's perfection is real and unimpeachable, whereas imperfection is blameworthy, unreal, and is not brought about by divine Love. 

Matter cannot be inflamed. Inflammation is fear, an excited state of mortals which is not normal. Immortal Mind is the only cause; therefore disease is neither a cause nor an effect. Mind in every case is the eternal God, good. Sin, disease, and death have no foundations in Truth. 

Inflammation as a mortal belief quickens or impedes the action of the system, because thought moves quickly or slowly, leaps or halts when it contemplates unpleasant things, or when the individual looks upon some object which he dreads. ... 

... To remove the error producing disorder, you must calm and instruct mortal mind with immortal Truth. 

SH 411:27 

Always begin your treatment by allaying the fear of patients. Silently reassure them as to their exemption from disease and danger. Watch the result of this

simple rule of Christian Science, and you will find that it alleviates the symptoms of every disease. If you succeed in wholly removing the fear, your patient is healed. The great fact that God lovingly governs all, never punishing aught but sin, is your standpoint, from which to advance and destroy the human fear of sickness. Mentally and silently plead the case scientifically for Truth. You may vary the arguments to meet the peculiar or general symptoms of the case you treat, but be thoroughly persuaded in your own mind concerning the truth which you think or speak, and you will be the victor. 

SH 410:14 

Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: “There is no fear in 

Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.” Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science. 

SH 450:15 

Some people yield slowly to the touch of Truth. Few yield without a struggle, and many are reluctant to acknowledge that they have yielded; but unless this admission is made, evil will boast itself above good. The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good. Sickness to him is no less a temptation than is sin, and he heals them both by understanding God's power over them. The Christian Scientist knows that they are errors of belief, which Truth can and will destroy. 

SH 410:29-30 

Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, “Be not afraid!”

Joyful and Triumphant

Wednesday Readings for June 2nd, 2022

From The Bible

If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; ...

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. ...

Behold, this is the joy of his way, ...

Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, ...

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
(Job 8:5, 7, 19 (to 2nd ,), 20 (to 2nd ,), 21)

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, ...

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. ...

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. ...

... ¶ And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, ...

And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: ...
(Exodus 1:8–10 (to 2nd ,), 11 (to 1st .), 12 (to 1st .), 15 (to 1st ,), 16 (to :))

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. ¶ And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: ...
(Exodus 2:1–10 (to :))

And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:
(Deuteronomy 30:9)

¶ And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
(Luke 13:11–17)

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. ...

... ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. ¶ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: ...
(Luke 10:1, 17–21 (to :))

... they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, ...

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: ...

... ¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
(Acts 16:19 they, 23, 25–34)

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, ...

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:1 (to 4th ,), 6, 7)

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4)

Selections from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Denial of the claims of matter is a great step towards the joys of Spirit, towards human freedom and the final triumph over the body.

There is but one way to heaven, harmony, and Christ in divine Science shows us this way. It is to know no other reality — to have no other consciousness of life — than good, God and His reflection, and to rise superior to the so-called pain and pleasure of the senses.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 242:6–14)

The nature of Christianity is peaceful and blessed, but in order to enter into the kingdom, the anchor of hope must be cast beyond the veil of matter into the Shekinah into which Jesus has passed before us; and this advance beyond matter must come through the joys and triumphs of the righteous as well as through their sorrows and afflictions. Like our Master, we must depart from material sense into the spiritual sense of being.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 40:31)

Suffering, sinning, dying beliefs are unreal. When divine Science is universally understood, they will have no power over man, for man is immortal and lives by divine authority.

The sinless joy, — the perfect harmony and immortality of Life, possessing unlimited divine beauty and goodness without a single bodily pleasure or pain, — constitutes the only veritable, indestructible man, whose being is spiritual. This state of existence is scientific and intact, ...
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 76:18–27 (to ,))

God creates all forms of reality. His thoughts are spiritual realities. So-called mortal mind — being non-existent and consequently not within the range of immortal existence — could not by simulating deific power invert the divine creation, and afterwards recreate persons or things upon its own plane, since nothing exists beyond the range of all-inclusive infinity, in which and of which God is the sole creator. Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind's infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 513:26)

This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death. The perfect man — governed by God, his perfect Principle — is sinless and eternal.

Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 304:9–21)

The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the “still, small voice” of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Unless the harmony and immortality of man are becoming more apparent, we are not gaining the true idea of God; and the body will reflect what governs it, whether it be Truth or error, understanding or belief, Spirit or matter. Therefore “acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.” Be watchful, sober, and vigilant. The way is straight and narrow, which leads to the understanding that God is the only Life. It is a warfare with the flesh, in which we must conquer sin, sickness, and death, either here or hereafter, — certainly before we can reach the goal of Spirit, or life in God.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 323:28–18)

The conservative theory, long believed, is that there are two factors, matter and mind, uniting on some impossible basis. This theory would keep truth and error always at war. Victory would perch on neither banner. On the other hand, Christian Science speedily shows Truth to be triumphant. To corporeal sense, the sun appears to rise and set, and the earth to stand still; but astronomical science contradicts this, and explains the solar system as working on a different plan. All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 492:29)

The question, What is Truth, is answered by demonstration, — by healing both disease and sin; and this demonstration shows that Christian healing confers the most health and makes the best men.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. viii:12–15)

For a long time I have been impelled to contribute a testimony of the healing power of Truth. As I read other testimonies and rejoice in them, some one may rejoice in mine. I was healed by reading Science and Health. By applying it, I found it to be the truth that Jesus taught, — the truth that sets free.

From childhood I had never known a well day. I was healed of lung trouble of long standing. Consumption was hereditary in our family, my mother and three brothers having passed on with it. The law of materia medica said that in a short time I must follow them. ...

But thanks be to God whose Truth reached me through the study of our textbook. Words fail to express what Christian Science has done for me in various ways, for my children, my home, my all. The physical healing is but a small part; the spiritual unfolding and uplifting is the “pearl of great price,” the half that has never been told. — Mrs. J. P. M., Kansas City, Mo.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 645:14–25; 646:8)

Hymnals

Hymn No. 585

This is the day the Lord has made; / Be glad, give thanks, rejoice; / Stand in God's presence, unafraid, / In praise lift up your voice. / All perfect gifts are from above, / And all our blessings show / The amplitude of God's dear love / Which every heart may know.

The Lord will hear before we call, / And every need supply; / Good things are freely given to all / Who on God's word rely. / We come today to bring Love praise / Not for such gifts alone, / But for the higher, deeper ways / In which God's love is shown.

For sin destroyed, for sorrow healed, / For health and peace restored; / For Life and Love by Truth revealed, / We thank and bless the Lord. / This is the day the Lord has made, / In praise lift up your voice. / In shining robes of joy arrayed, / Be glad, give thanks, rejoice.
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 585)

Hymn No. 574
Shepherd, show me how to go / O'er the hillside steep, / How to gather, how to sow,— / How to feed Thy sheep; / I will listen for Thy voice, / Lest my footsteps stray; / I will follow and rejoice / All the rugged way.

Thou wilt bind the stubborn will, / Wound the callous breast, / Make self-righteousness be still, / Break earth's stupid rest. / Strangers on a barren shore, / Lab'ring long and lone, / We would enter by the door, / And Thou know'st Thine own;

So, when day grows dark and cold, / Tear or triumph harms, / Lead Thy lambkins to the fold, / Take them in Thine arms; / Feed the hungry, heal the heart, / Till the morning's beam; / White as wool, ere they depart, / Shepherd, wash them clean.
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 574)

Hymn No. 263
Only God can bring us gladness, / Only God can give us peace; / Joys are vain that end in sadness, / Joy divine shall never cease. / Mid the shade of want and sorrow / Undisturbed, our hearts rejoice; / Patient, wait the brighter morrow; / Faithful, heed the Father's voice.

As the stars in order going, / All-harmonious, He doth move; / Heavenly calm and comfort showing, / Comes the healing word of Love. / Who the word of wisdom heareth / Feels the Father Love within, / Where as dawn the shadow cleareth, / Love outshines the night of sin.

So we find the true atonement, / Know in God the perfect Friend; / For in Love is our at-one-ment, / Where all hearts in Him may blend. / Here from prisoning pain and sorrow / Have we all a sure release, / Only God can bring us gladness, / Only God can give us peace.
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 263)