The Word Was Made Flesh — 1959 Association Address

Through Christian Science we are living the very spirit of that great Truth that Moses heard: “My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest,” health, harmony, and all good things.

by Herbert E. Rieke

Table of Contents

• The Word Was Made Flesh
• The Allness Of Spirit
• Our Supply
• Part II Our Supply

The Word Was Made Flesh

In the first five verses of his gospel St. John sought to summarize in a few brief words what our Master knew. We read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word or Logos from the Greek means, “a form that expresses a thought, also the thought.” The Master knew that the source or origin of all existence is to be found in thought, in Mind, the Mind of God.

“The same was in the beginning with God.” This divine Mind is self-existent, self-governed, and eternal. It originates and influences but is not originated nor influenced. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” This divine Mind originates every right idea in regard to health, harmony, peace, dominion, relationships, and perfection.

“And without him was not anything made.” That which does not originate in God, the divine Mind, has no origin, no Principle, and must therefore be non-existent, inconceivable, impossible.

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” In these basic ideas we find true life, happiness, and harmony. Through these right ideas humanity finds enlightenment and inspiration. “And the light shineth in darkness.” When a light shines in the darkness it proves there is no darkness there — “and the darkness comprehended it not.” We cannot comprehend anything by starting with the negative, with evil, mortal mind, darkness, or error. For no comprehension is there. We can only understand existence as we begin with the divine Mind and reason from that standpoint. This, in brief, is what our Master knew, and what we in Christian Science understand as the Truth.

In the fourteenth verse we read: “And the Word was made flesh.” How can this Word of God, which is completely spiritual, be made flesh or material? This is a question which always troubled me. Then one day I discovered the simple answer. As with many other words, there are two meanings of the word “flesh,” just as there are two meanings for the synonymous term “meat.” There is of course the meat that we buy at the butcher shop; but we also speak about the meat of a situation. By this we mean “the substance or inner idea.” Funk and Wagnall’s defines this use of the word “meat” as follows: “The essence, gist, or pit, as the meat of an essay.”

When in this Bible passage it says, “The Word was made flesh” I am sure that John did not mean that the Word of God was made into butcher shop meat, but rather that the Word was substantially expressed, outwardly manifested — as Mrs. Eddy says — “In such a form of humanity as they could understand as well as perceive.” (Science and Health, page 332) I am sure that when Mrs. Eddy used the term “form of humanity” she was not talking about a material form, but rather about the multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.” (ibid. 477) In other words, the Master’s form of humanity consisted of the compassion he expressed, the tenderness, courage, faith, trust, and spiritual understanding. Our Leader tells us that “Soul is the substance, Life, and intelligence of man, which is individualized, but not in matter.” (ibid. 477) God, Spirit, never has and never will individualize Himself in butcher shop meat; but He does substantially outwardly express Himself in spiritual man, who reflects all of the divine qualities. In giving the true meaning of flesh, Webster defines it as follows: “Human nature, in a good sense, tenderness of feeling, gentleness.”

We know that the word “flesh” in this passage does not mean matter, for in one verse preceding it tells us that we have been given power to become the sons of God “which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Here the word “flesh” was used in its false material sense.

Now this is a very important subject about which we must be clear. For if we think of the identity or individuality of our Master and Wayshower as being born into matter, then we find that we are thinking that we too are born into matter or material flesh. And then of course we find ourselves subject to material laws, rules, and regulations. But if we accept the eternal truth that our Wayshower was never born into material flesh, but rather that the Word, the perfect idea of infinite good, was made outwardly manifest in the life of our beloved Master, then you will find it easier for you to think of yourself not as a material creature, but as the substantial outward manifestation of infinite good.

Now it is very important for us to do right thinking on this subject of flesh, because you know almost every patient that comes to you is troubled in some way or other with the wrong concept of flesh. Sick people think they have diseased or a discordant flesh; fat people think they have too much butcher shop meat hanging around their middles; skinny people think they have not enough material flesh.

Our Master was a marvelous healer because he was willing to courageously know the truth about flesh. In other words, he gave up the erroneous concept in regard to flesh, and accepted the true idea in regard to the spiritual and substantial nature of man. When he said, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him,” do you think he was talking about material flesh and blood? Of course not! He was talking about the very essence of his being, his substance, that which he stood for. He knew that the only flesh he had consisted of the right ideas in regard to God and man. When we eat of those right ideas and drink of that spiritual inspiration, we are truly dwelling in the Christ, and Christ in us. When he said, “For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed” he was insisting that we have a right idea in regard to flesh and blood. He was showing us that the divine Principle for which he stood was really substantial. And the thoughts that circulated through his consciousness were truly divinely-inspired ideas.

Our Master said further: “Verily I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man and drink of his blood, ye have no life in you.” In other words, unless we are willing to do some very right, radical, and spiritual thinking in regard to flesh, unless we’re willing to stop thinking about blood as material substance, and start thinking about it as the circulation of glorious ideas — yes, unless we’re willing to do this, we have missed the whole mark, we have no real life in us.

Paul certainly saw what Jesus was bringing out when he wrote to the Ephesians, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth it and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church, for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.” Now Paul certainly wasn’t encouraging us to love a material sense of flesh, for he condemned carnality and fleshliness throughout all his writings. In this passage he was encouraging us to have a right sense of substance and identity, encouraging us not to think about matter, but of our true spiritual individuality — encouraging us to nourish it and cherish it.

Here I would like to say a few words about the term “incarnate.” This word also has two meanings, depending upon your concept of flesh. Here are the two dictionary definitions of “incarnate”: “(1) to invest in a form of flesh, to embody.

(2) to give a concrete or actual form to, to embody in reality or in a more definite ideal form, to actualize, to show itself as the embodiment of.”

Now if you think of God, the divine Spirit, as clothing Himself in a form of material flesh of Jesus of Nazareth, you have missed the whole mark. But if you recognize that God truly expresses Himself in the concrete and actual form of spiritual living and being through the life of our Master, you are then grasping the truth in regard to incarnation. God truly actualizes His nature in the individuality, the life, and being of our Master. And God embodies, individualizes, and actualizes His divine nature in the true being of every man and woman.

Let’s see how our Leader has used the word “incarnate” and “incarnation.” For instance, she says in her definition of the Christ: “The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.” A false sense of flesh consists of the thought that man is the embodiment, the incarnation or error. Christ shows us that man is the embodiment, the incarnation of Truth. On page 77 of Miscellaneous Writings, our Leader makes it clear that the word “incarnation” does not mean God manifested through flesh or matter, but rather, “God made manifest through man.” In Science and Health our Leader says of our Master, “Mary’s conception of him was spiritual, for only purity could reflect Truth and Love which were plainly incarnate in the good and pure Christ Jesus.” On another occasion our Leader writes, “‘The Word was made flesh.’ Divine Truth must be known by its effects on the body as well as on the mind, before the Science of being can be demonstrated.” It’s not enough for Truth to exist in the abstract — it must outwardly externalize itself in the experience of man. When our Leader says, “Divine Truth must be known by its effects on the body,” she is certainly not talking about a material body, for there is no matter. She is talking about the embodiment, or outward expression of God, and all His qualities.

This brings up a question about which several have asked: Is being entirely subjective? Now we’re just using a term here, and we have to make sure that we know what we mean by the word “subjective.” In the ordinary philosophical use of this term, subjective deals with the perceiving or conceiving Mind. In one sense of course, we recognize that there can be nothing outside of Mind. And in that sense, all being is subjective. But on the other hand, our Leader did not say that “All is infinite Mind” — period. But “infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all.” God creates or reveals man as His spiritual manifestation or expression. God, or Mind, is the subject. Creates, or reveals, is the verb. And man is the object of God’s love, the result of God’s creative, revealing activity. We sometimes say that God expresses Himself, and the result is man, a perfect manifestation of God. In this sentence God is both the subject and the object. God, subject, expresses Himself, object. Mrs. Eddy says, “All cause and effect belong to God.” Therefore, we must qualify our statements when we say that everything is subjective. There is certainly no objective material universe. But there certainly is an objective spiritual creation which is the complete and perfect outcome, or manifestation of God, of good. When John said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” he is bringing out the subjective, or perceiving and comprehending quality of God. When he said, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” he is emphasizing the point that this Word, this Truth, Life and Love, is outwardly manifested in the life and experience of our Master. And also, in the life and experience of all true spiritual creation.

Have you ever worked on a problem, studied earnestly, thought all the Truth you could, but then find yourself thinking, “Nothing happens — everything just remains the same in my experience.” You see, what you’re really declaring is that the Word of God is not made flesh, is not outwardly expressed in your experience. In such a case it would be well for you to stop declaring beautiful abstract, spiritual truths, and begin to rejoice that the Word is made flesh, it is outwardly manifested in your experience. It would be well for you to rejoice that the Christ is here, all dreams of error breaking.

One of the original meanings of the word “anathemas,” a religious and theological curse, is “The Christ has not come to him.” Our Leader tells us that the Christ is the divine manifestation of God which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error. To handle the argument of anathemas, or an ecclesiastical curse, you need to affirm vigorously that the Christ has come, that the Word is made flesh, that it dwells with you, and you behold its glory as the only begotten of the Father. You mean, of course, that there are not two of you — just one — the spiritual manifestation of God, of good.

In your practice of Christian Science make sure that you do not indulge in anathemas by thinking that the Christ has not come to some neighbor, relative, member of your family, or some political leader in some other country. It is our spiritual and moral obligation to declare and realize that the Christ is come, not only to us, but to all mankind. For the Christ is Immanuel, God with us, God with all of us. And it has come to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.

We must deny the suggestions of Judaic false theology, that the Messiah or Christ has not yet come. We must rejoice that the Word truly is made flesh. It has come to the thought and consciousness of the world.

As it is with the subject of the Christ, so it is with the Holy Comforter, or the Science of Christianity. Early Christian Scientists had wonderful results because they truly believed in the second coming of the Christ. They believed that Christian Science was the Holy Comforter, the spirit of Truth, the Science of Christianity. They believed it had come as the Bible promised, and was fulfilling its purpose to abide with us forever. I am sure that we will duplicate the work of those early Christian Scientists as we rejoice more thoroughly in the fact that the Word of God is outwardly manifested in the teachings of Christian Science.

If we think that the Christ, or divine idea, was incarnate in a mortal, material creature called Mary Baker Eddy, we are again completely off the track. But if we rejoice that the divine idea was outwardly expressed in the thinking and experience of Mrs. Eddy, and in the steps she took to bring the Holy Comforter to all of mankind, then of course we are appreciating and understanding the second coming of the Christ, the appearing of the divine idea in the form of spiritual Science, which will abide with us forever, and help us to find and demonstrate eternal peace.

Whenever you declare that you have sought to demonstrate the Science of Christianity, but there are no outward results, you are literally crucifying your Christ, you are denying that the Holy Comforter has come. And this is often what stands in the way of good results. When you think that it doesn’t make much difference what wonderful truths you declare in regard to your patient, there are no good results, you are denying the truth that the Science of Christianity is come.

You know of course most Christians still believe with conviction that the event of the second coming of the Christ has not taken place. They have missed the second coming of Christ, just as the Jews missed the first coming, in the experience of our beloved Master. I can’t emphasize this too strongly, that we must rejoice every day that not only the Christ has come, but that the Holy Comforter is here to bring health and peace to all mankind. Let’s not just accept this as a theory, but love this with all our heart and soul and mind.

When a patient comes to you for help he thinks he has a diseased stomach, or heart, or imperfect eyes or ears, or something else wrong with his material body or flesh. He wants to get rid of this imperfect, diseased, material flesh, and have instead thereof healthy and harmonious flesh. Now if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself trying to fulfill his request by bringing forth material results. But if you do you will defeat your own purpose. In Christian Science practice we are not trying to realize that the Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in healthy, material form. If you work that way you are believing in matter, and of course you are defeated at the outset.

Suppose a woman comes to you with cancer of the breast. It is very painful and she is frightened. Now if you’re trying to unsee discordant, rebellious flesh, and see instead normal, healthy, material flesh, you won’t be demonstrating Christian Science. But if you’ll turn completely away from materiality, and help your patient to realize that the Word of God, of Love, Truth, and Life and Mind, is outwardly manifested in her thinking, her attitude, her consciousness, then you will be helping her to realize the presence of the Christ that meets the situation. Your work is to help your patient to know that the Word of God inspires her to worship good rather than evil. Stand in praiseful, prayerful awe of the everywhere presence of good, rather than thinking in terms of the possibility of the absence of good in her experience. You realize that the Word of God is outwardly manifested in the form of peace, contentment, satisfaction. You help her to see that this Word of God is outwardly manifested in a true sense of awareness of beauty, harmony, loveliness, perfection. The Word of God is outwardly manifested in the recognition that God is lovingly governing all, and that man responds to God’s government. The Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in a consciousness full of right ideas, rather than a lot of erroneous beliefs in regard to God, the universe, and man. The Word of God is mad flesh in the outward form of joy, gratitude, and happiness. When these qualities are present in thought they will outwardly manifest themselves as a smile on the face, and health through every phase of your patient’s experience.

On page 13 of Rudimental Divine Science our Leader says, “When treating a patient, it is not Science to treat every organ of the body.” In fact, you might say it is not Science to treat any material organ of the body. She says, “To aver that harmony is real and discord is the unreal, and then given special attention to what according to their own belief is diseased, is scientific. . .” This Word of God is outwardly manifested in the form of harmony, and where harmony is there can be no discord. The Christ in your treatment nullifies the false beliefs that something is diseased. Christ reveals that all is well.

Now let’s observe how Christ Jesus demonstrated these simple truths in his daily experience. His forty days and nights in the wilderness is a good example. When he was tempted to use spiritual means to accomplish a material end, by changing a stone into bread, he resisted this temptation. He said that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth forth from the father. He knew that the Word of God is outwardly manifested in the form of strength, sustenance and supply. But he refused to think of them as material. When he was tempted to believe that the Word of God could be outwardly manifested in a material manifestation of safety and security, he resisted this temptation by refusing to jump off of the pinnacle of the temple. He was not using spiritual means to accomplish material ends. When he was tempted to believe that the Word of God could be outwardly manifested in the form of dominion over all the nations of the earth, he rebuked this suggestion, and again refused to use spiritual means to accomplish material ends. His work was to worship God alone, and to find that spiritual dominion and perfection in his experience.

When the leper said, “If thou wilt thou canst make me clean,” Jesus answered, “I will, be thou clean.” And immediately the leprosy was cleansed. I am sure you see that Jesus did not try to change good healthy flesh for leprous flesh. Instead, he was rejoicing that the Word of God was outwardly manifested in the form of cleanliness, purity, and perfection.

When the centurion asked the Master to heal his palsied servant, Jesus did not attempt to quiet quivering flesh, nor heal discordant material nerves and muscles. He rejoiced that the Word of God was outwardly manifested in the form of great faith and trust. He said, “I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel.” He said, “Go thy way, and as thou hast believed so be it done unto thee.” The Word of God was outwardly manifested in the absolute conviction that All is well.

When a great storm came up upon the lake of Tiberius, the disciples were excited, fearful, disturbed, turbulent, upset, and afraid. Jesus knew that the Word of God brings calmness and peace. This Word of Truth increased and multiplied their faith. He did not calm material wind and water. He brought peace and calmness to their thought about the universe in which they lived, and of course then they saw things as the really were — calm and peaceful.

When Jesus was confronted by an insane man, he did not try to heal a material brain. He knew that the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly expressed in sanity, love, orderliness, and dominion. The Word of God reveals that there are no evil spirits. The man was well, and you’ll remember that the swine ran down the cliff, and perished in the sea. I am constantly being asked why Jesus destroyed these swine. The Bible does not say that he did. In Matthew we read: “So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.” Now in the days of Jesus it was illegal to raise swine, for without proper refrigeration there is a belief that pork spoils easily, and can be harmful when eaten. Moses, and other Jewish leaders, had observed this phenomenon, and for sanitary purposes, to preserve their people, it was forbidden to raise or eat swine. Jesus knew that the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in a lawful, correct sense of things. This revealed health in the man and destroyed what at that time was thought of as in illegitimate business. It would be certainly well for us to be knowing today that the Word of God is made flesh, and that it eliminates such forms of business activity as the liquor industry, and the tobacco industry.

When the palsied man asked the Master for help, Jesus knew that the Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in the form of joy, happiness, the oil of gladness, which lubricates the entire system. The Master said, “Be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee.” He knew that the Word of God reveals the nothingness of sin and disease.

When Jairus asked Jesus to raise his daughter from the dead, our Master certainly did not try to restore life to a material body. He knew that the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in the form of divine activity, joy, peace, continuous growth, and progress. If the Master thought for one moment that life was to be found in a material body, he would have been defeated.

The woman with a hemorrhage who had spent all her money with the physicians and was nothing bettered, just touched the hem of the Master’s garment, and was made whole. The Master knew that the Word of God which he expressed had gone forth to manifest itself outwardly. He knew that virtue had gone out of him. It brought about a true sense of faith in the presence, power, and glory of good, which revealed that there was no hemorrhage there. The Word of God brought this dear woman confidence, a conviction that man is the very manifestation of perfect, spiritual being.

When the man with the withered hand came to him for help, the Master did not try to see a perfect, normal, material hand in place of the distorted one. The Pharisees had been watching to see whether Jesus would heal on the Sabbath day. The Master knew that the Word of God outwardly expresses itself every day of the week, and that it’s always legitimate to do good.

You will recall that on several occasions Jesus fed the multitude with only a few loaves and bread and several fishes. Did he multiply material bread and fishes? If he had tried to do that, of course he would have been defeated. He knew that the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in unselfishness, in giving, sharing, and helping. It was outwardly manifested in an abundant sense of supply. The disciple said, “Send the people into the villages that they may get victuals.” Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat.” He looked up to heaven, gave thanks, gave the supply to the disciples, and told them to divide, or give it to the multitudes. And there were basketsful left over. The Word of God was outwardly manifested in the sense of abundance, satisfaction, nourishment, contentment, unselfishness. He did not have to multiply the good already at hand, but rather divide this infinite good which is always at hand to meet every need.

If you try to multiply your material sense of supply, your dollars and cents as it were, you are defeated. But if you rejoice in the fact that the Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in your experience, showing you how to be of better service to your fellow man, and how to make better use of your resources and talents, then you too will find that you always have enough to meet your needs, and basketsful left over to share with others. When Peter asked for permission to walk on the water, Jesus did not try to know that a material man called Peter was given ability to walk on a material thing called water — he knew that the Word of God, the truth in regard to God and man, was outwardly manifested in the experience of Peter, showing him that his true identity was spiritual, that water was spiritual, and that there is no material law operating to drag man down. Peter walked on the water until he began to think of the other kind of flesh or substance, the other kind of wind and water. And then he began to sink. As Jesus lifted him up into the boat, he was knowing that the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in the form of trust, courage, confidence, and spiritual understanding of man’s dominion over all things. On the mount of transfiguration Jesus was realizing that the Word of God is outwardly expressed in the immortality of man. He talked with Moses and Elias, and his disciples saw this outward manifestation of pure spirituality, of deathless being. But right away they wanted to produce some material manifestation to commemorate the event. Peter said, “Let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias,” and then their thought beclouded and they lost the vision. Every time we try to materialize our spiritual visions we lose them. When the blind came to Jesus for help our Master did not try to restore a material sense of sight. The Bible said that he had compassion on them. He knew that the Word of God was outwardly manifested in the form of love. It was expressed in expectation of good. It was made evident in faith and trust. Jesus did not treat material eyes. He said, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing.” The Word of God was outwardly manifested in the realization that there is nothing to hide the omnipresence and the omnipotence of good.

Of course, we never try to heal material eyes. We don’t try to restore perfect material vision. Rather we rejoice that the Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in the ability to see good everywhere — up close, far off, and very distinctly. That’s the way we find true vision and dominion.

When Jesus helped Peter and John and James encompass a great raft of fishes, he was realizing that the Word of God is outwardly manifested in a true sense of productive activity, a reward for honest labor, and a spiritual sense of true accomplishment.

The healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda is particularly interesting. This man had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. He was waiting for the water to be troubled that he might get in and be healed. His thought was filled with self-pity because others always got in first. The Master did not try to restore a material sense of well-being. Rather he knew that the Word of God was made flesh, that it was outwardly manifested in joy and happiness. In just a few moments the man was found leaping and walking, and shouting praises unto God. His thought was full of this joy and gladness.

The healing of the adulterous woman is particularly interesting. Here was a picture of a woman who was the incarnation of sensuality and of men who were the embodiment of criticism, bigotry, and unkindness. Jesus knew that the Word of Love was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in kindness and consideration in regard to the mob, and a true sense of Love to be manifested by the woman. From that time forward she was a true follower of the Master.

When they brought to Jesus the man who was born blind, the real question that was being considered was this — whether this man was the embodiment or incarnation of sin. The truth with which Jesus healed the man was a clear recognition that man is never an embodiment of sin, but rather the incarnation of perfect being, seeing, and living. Here are his words: “But that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

Then you remember the healing of Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector. Jesus had dinner with him, and before their meal was over the Word of God was made flesh, was outwardly manifested in a new sense of honest manhood.

Now let’s observe the experience of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Master. You see the High Priests and Jews thought that Jesus lived in a physical body. They concluded that if they killed the physical body they would destroy the idea and ideals for which Jesus stood. They believed that life was to be found in matter. But the Master knew that life is always in God, in divine Mind. Therefore, Jesus knew that he was safe before the persecution of the Jews. They were determined to prove that the Master was the embodiment of death by crucifying him. But God determined to prove to us that man is forever the perfect and complete embodiment of eternal Life. Jesus knew that this Word of Life was made flesh, was continually expressed. He knew that although the false sense of flesh might be crucified, in three days he would walk forth to show them that his life had not been destroyed, because God was his life.

During his three days in the tomb he was proving that he was the very incarnation, the outward expression of infinite Life, that Life which knows no death. When Jesus met Mary Magdalen after the resurrection, he knew that he was appearing unto her in such a form of humanity as she could recognize and understand.

Throughout the centuries this Word of God, this Logos, the right idea of being, has appeared in such a form of humanity that all people can perceive and understand. To Saul of Tarsus the Word appeared as a voice from heaven. To many early Christian fathers, the Word appeared as a vision, such as is recorded in the book of Revelation. The Word of God has appeared to many sincere people down through the ages — Martin Luther, John Wesley, and many others.

This Word of God has appeared to our beloved Leader as the very Science of Christianity, the spirit of Truth, the Holy Comforter. This Word of truth is incorporated in the writings of our Leader. This Word of God is truly incarnate as the Truth expressed through the Christian Science religion. It is outwardly expressed in the healing activity of our movement. But let us remember that the Word of God is not made flesh, is not outwardly manifested through material church edifices, or material Publishing Societies. It is made flesh in proportion as it is outwardly expressed in love, kindness, consideration, and compassion, on the part of all the members of The Mother Church.

In these latter days it is well for us to see the importance of acknowledging that the spirit of Truth, the Science of Christianity, the Holy Comforter, is come in such a form of humanity as we can understand as well as perceive, through the teachings of Christian Science. The final revelation of Truth is come through our religion. Don’t postpone your heaven by looking for further revelations. It is all here and now, and your demonstrations will be more complete and lasting in proportion as you acknowledge that this Holy Comforter is come in all its glory. Our Leader tells us that “Truth has been revealed. It needs only to be practiced” or demonstrated.

In your demonstrations of Christian Science be awake to see that you’re not trying to use this Word of God in such a way as to materialize it in healthy physical bodies, in beautiful new material homes, or substantial investments. You’re not trying to use the Word of God to find congenial human companions. Your entire prayer is to let the Word of God outwardly manifest itself in a bigger, nobler sense of manhood and womanhood — a fuller demonstration of all of God’s qualities. And you know with absolute assurance that as the Word of God is made flesh, is outwardly manifested in your daily thinking and living, it will reveal to you that there is no suggestion of the absence of the well-being. It will express itself in such as way that there is no suggestion of unloveliness in your surroundings. It will reveal itself outwardly in such a way that there is no suggestion of limitations, restrictions, loneliness or unhappiness.

We know with absolute confidence that there is one perfect God. We know that this God outwardly manifests Himself in a spiritual and perfect creation, which is the very embodiment and incarnation of His divine Being. We know that you are a part of this embodiment of infinite good, and that therefore you have not a single quality underived from Deity. Every embodiment of good is truly spiritual and perfect, for through our study of Christian Science we learn there is no matter.

This is what the Master knew.

The Allness Of Spirit

One of the most important requisites to practice Christian Science successfully is the acknowledgement of the supremacy of God as Spirit — even more than the supremacy, the recognition of the allness of Spirit.

They say, old theology, that we live in a very material age, where people are primarily concerned with getting material things, such as new automobiles, televisions, and hi-fi sets, washing machines, refrigerators, boats, and houses. They say that people are not very much interested in the things of the Spirit. They say that the quality of our thinking is determined by the condition of our brain; that our strength is determined by the size of our muscles, and our attractiveness by the size, shape, and features of a physical body.

But there is a spark in the heart of humanity, even though sometimes it may be just a suspicion that there is something besides matter — a spiritual substance which is important, if not here, certainly in the hereafter. Humanity has believed that there is a spiritual realm somewhere to be found at some time. Some are even voicing the thought that it might not be as far off as we think.

It has always been most interesting and fascinating to me how the thoughts of humanity externalize themselves in the discoveries in the realm of physical science. During the past year articles have appeared in the newspapers describing a new element discovered by the physical scientists, which they have called anti-matter. Its qualities and characteristics are just the opposite of what we call matter. They say that when a particle of anti-mater collides with a particle of matter, they neutralize each other, and all that is left is a great amount of energy. In the Indianapolis Star recently, they even had a picture of what was purported to be a particle of anti-matter that was about ready to bombard a particle of matter — or, more accurately, a picture of where an anti-matter particle was.

Some physical scientists have even propounded the theory that some of the stars and galaxies may be composed entirely of this element called anti-matter. Now what alone could this symbol of anti-matter indicate? Does it not point to the reality of the opposite of matter, which we call Spirit? And is it not interesting that the hard-shelled physical scientists are granting that off there in the heavens there might be a whole realm of anti-matter, or spiritual substance.

I was reading the other day that one physical scientist was asking that some of our orbiting rockets might be sent up with instruments to measure the amount of anti-matter that is entering our atmosphere from without.

I am thrilled with their recognition that some of this anti-matter is here with us right now. I am sure that it is showing up in their observations, because of the conviction on the part of Christian Scientists — particularly, that Spirit is the real and eternal. As we are more faithful in our recognition of the substantial nature of Spirit, we shall find a greater recognition of the part of the natural scientists of the importance and activity of so-called anti-matter. Why, you know, they’re even saying that herein is to be found even a greater source of energy than atomic power fusion. Now you know of course all anyone ever deals with is thoughts, concepts, ideas. Leopold Infelt in his book Albert Einstein, His Work and Its Influence on the World says, “Einstein regards all physical concepts as free creations of the human mind.” (page 116) Now such physical concepts of the human mind are the so- called substance of matter. The concepts of the one divine Mind, God, constitutes the substance of Spirit.

It is not enough to say that the substance of everything is thought — that everything is mental. To understand Spirit, we must see that all reality is divinely mental. You will remember our Leader tells us that we should resolve things into thoughts, and exchange the objects of material sense for the ideas of Soul. (Science and Health, p. 390:10) It is never enough to resolve matter into thoughts, as Einstein, Eddington, Sir James Jeans, and other have done. We must take that further step to see all reality as the ideas of Soul. Spirit truly stands for that which is divinely mental.

Now just as when an anti-matter particle bombards a particle of matter, there is a complete annihilation of matter and a manifestation of great energy; just so, when we bombard the physical concept of the universe and man with spiritual ideas, with the recognition that all is divinely mental, then the material concept disappears and we see the great energy of the omnipotence of God made manifest.

Now let us make sure we never accept the false theology concept that the spiritual realm is far off in time or space. You will remember our Leader’s statement on page 428 of the textbook, “The great spiritual fact must be brought out that man is, not shall be, perfect and immortal.” Man is completely spiritual now. You are the perfect expression of anti-matter, or true spiritual substance.

In her writings Mrs. Eddy speaks a number of times about the coincidence of God and man, the coincidence of Spirit and its idea. On page 332 of our textbook we read, “Thus it is that Christ illustrates the coincidence, or spiritual agreement, between God and man in His image.” And again, on page 561 she says, “John saw the human and divine coincidence, shown in the man Jesus, as divinity embracing humanity in Life and its demonstration.” The word “human” in this text is certainly not synonymous with the term “mortal,” for there can be no coincidence of spiritual agreement between God and a mortal sense of being. But there is a true sense of coincidence between God and man made in His image and likeness.

We need to rejoice constantly that right where we are, right there the spirit of God is present, making itself manifest. And you are that true spiritual manifestation of God’s being. On page 194 of the textbook our Leader says, “I cannot fail to discern the coincidence of the spiritual idea of man with the divine Mind.” You likewise cannot fail to discern the oneness or coincidence of your true spiritual selfhood with all that is divinely mental. A very fine worker in Boston told me of a conversation that Mrs. Eddy once had with one of her students who lived in her household. This was told to him by his teacher who was a student of this student of Mrs. Eddy. Mrs. Eddy touched his arm and asked, “What is this John?” He replied, “Undestroyed human belief.” She shook her head, and asked him the second time, “What is this?” He replied again, “Just a wrong concept of manhood” or something like that. She again shook her head. When she asked him the third time, he said, “Well I don’t think I know, Mother, you tell me.” She replied, “Just pure spirit.” Now I am sure that Mrs. Eddy did not mean to indicate that a mortal, material concept of manhood was a manifestation of Spirit; nor did she mean to indicate that Spirit was in matter, for that certainly would be pantheism. But she did mean to indicate that right where this student was, all that was really there was pure, unadulterated Spirit, making itself manifest not through matter, or in spite of matter, but instead of the concept of matter. If you will admit the truth that the only body you have, the only sense of identity, is the manifestation of pure unadulterated Spirit, then it will be easy for you to see the non-existence of blemishes, weakness, over-weight, decay, disease, decrepitude, and death. Now you can’t go to people and say that this is pure unadulterated Spirit made manifest, for they will misunderstand you. They have been thinking of this as a physical body, and they’ll think you’re trying to say that a physical body is the manifestation of Spirit. One of our students tried to discuss this with a Sunday School class, and he got in all kinds of trouble and hot water, for they didn’t understand what he was talking about.

You will remember that Mrs. Eddy had the same difficulty with her question on body and soul (p. 477 of the textbook) as we discussed this in class. In answer to the question, “What are body and Soul?” in the First Edition of Science and Health, she said, “Body is idea, Soul is the principle substance, life, and intelligence of this idea.” But this didn’t satisfy her because it almost gave the impression that there were two kinds of bodies. In a later edition she said, “A material body is a mortal belief, dust to dust.” But in the last edition she deleted this, because she did not want people to think that there are two kinds of bodies. As we brought out in class, she changed that word “body” or “spiritual body” to the word “identity,” and our text now reads: “Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.” But I am sure Mrs. Eddy did not change her original intent to awaken us to the fact that the only body we have, the only sense of identity we have, the only substance we have, is this manifestation of Spirit. Notice how wise Mrs. Eddy was on this subject. On page 216 of the textbook we read: “When you say, ‘Man’s body is material,’ I say with Paul: Be ‘willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.’ Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness.” You see how Mrs. Eddy gently turned the thought away from the concept that body is material to the truth that body is really spiritual.

It is the same with our concept of the universe. To pat the little dogs and cats on the back and say, “This is the manifestation of pure Spirit,” or to stretch our hands across the landscape and say that the trees, the flowers, the clouds, the winds, are a manifestation of pure unadulterated Spirit, might cause us to be misunderstood. Dr. Tutt, in an article in The Christian Science Sentinel of August 1st [1959], says, “Pantheism dogmatically holds that God is everything, and that everything is God. Christian Science by no means has any savor of pantheism.” Pantheism is defined in Webster as “the doctrine that the universe taken or conceived of as a whole is God; the doctrine that there is no God but the combined forces and laws which are manifested in the existing universe.” We cannot start with people’s concept of the universe and define God therefrom. We must start with God, the divine Spirit, and define the true spiritual universe as the expression of His divine nature.

I am sure when Mrs. Eddy had elm trees planted in her yard in the middle of August, she must have rejoiced that right where those trees were all that was really there was the divine Spirit or Life making itself manifest in beauty, growth, harmony, and dominion. She saw the true idea of God as expressed not through a material tree, or in spite of a material tree — but instead of what people called the material tree. I was reading recently that Mrs. Eddy once told some students that when she was confronted by a very severe storm she said, “I just saw God’s face in the sky, and immediately the storm was over.” She did not see God in the storm or destructive wind; but she saw the divine idea of peace right there instead of the negative, destructive sense of things.

Remember that through the study of Christian Science we do not deny the existence of trees, flowers, rocks, winds, rivers, and oceans — but we do give up the false material concept in regard to them. We stop thinking of them as undestroyed human beliefs. And in our own hearts we pray to see them as the manifestation of pure unadulterated Spirit.

Jesus could not have walked on the water if he thought of water as a liquid material substance. He saw it as a manifestation of Spirit, just as capable of supporting him as any ship or vessel. He did not see God as expressing Himself through material trees, flowers, rocks and oceans; he saw God, the divine Spirit, as expressing Himself through the spiritual idea of all things, instead of the material concept. He knew there was a divine coincidence between God and His perfect spiritual universe. God is not the universe, but God, divine Mind, expresses Himself universally, and the result, the effect, is the true spiritual universe including man.

In Miscellaneous Writings, page 100, Mrs. Eddy says: “The spiritual monitor understood is coincidence of the divine with the human, the acme of Christian Science.” There can be no separation between God and man any more than there can be between cause and effect. If cause is operating there must be an effect. And if there is an effect there must be a cause to produce it.

What are these? (pointing to the eyes). If you answered that they are material visual organs for seeing, you have no dominion. If you say that they are undestroyed human beliefs in regard to sensation in matter, you are licked. But if you declare with spiritual understanding that all that’s here is “spiritual discernment” then you see clearly there’s nothing to heal, to change, or to alter. All that’s here is pure unadulterated Spirit made manifest. And that divine Spirit certainly sees clearly, distinctly, up close and far off. We are not trying to see well through material eyes, or in spite of so-called material eyes. Perfect and spiritual vision is expressed instead of a material sense of eyes. These eyes want you to think rightly about them.

What are these? (pointing to the ears). If you answered that they are material organs for hearing you lose your dominion. Our Leader tells us in Science and Health: “Sight, hearing, all the spiritual senses of man are eternal.” Mrs. Eddy says of ears: “Not organs of the so-called corporeal senses, but spiritual understanding.” That spiritual sense of hearing is not something separate or apart from you. It is built right in you, right here.

True spiritual beauty is not separate or apart from you. It is with you, in you, and through you. And of course, there is no other beauty. True spiritual beauty is not expressed through a physical body or in spite of an unlovely physical body. It is expressed instead of a physical sense of body. It is expressed through your true and only spiritual body right where you are. In this true spiritual identity there are no blemishes nor imperfections, no abnormal conditions, no impurity.

True spiritual health is likewise not expressed through your physical body or in spite of your physical body, but is expressed instead of a discordant physical body. It is expressed in your true and only spiritual body right where you are.

Your immortality, your deathless being, is expressed right where you are, not through a physical body or in spite of a physical body, but your immortality is expressed instead of a sense of mortal identity. There is a true coincidence between the human and divine. There is spiritual agreement between divine Life and its manifestation man.

Had Jesus said, “My true spiritual identity or body is not subject to death, but this physical body on the cross is subject to death,” then there would have been no resurrection. He knew that divine and deathless being was expressing itself not through his physical body or in spite of that physical body, but true deathless being was expressing itself through every fiber of his true body, and only body, even the same body which was nailed on the cross and buried in the tomb. If Jesus had thought for a moment that he lived or died in a physical body there would have been no resurrection. He walked forth from the tomb because he knew that he lived, moved, and had his being in God, and expressed his true identity through a spiritual body which was incapable of disease or death. When Jesus ascended he neither left a physical body behind, nor took one with him. Neither did he lose his body, his sense of identity. He had the same body after the crucifixion and resurrection that he had before. And he had the same body after what we call the ascension that he had before; for he had the one and only true spiritual body which is the reflection of divine Spirit. What happened at the time of the ascension was this: Jesus had such a clear realization of the coincidence of the human and divine, he saw so clearly that man is the spiritual idea of God, that the view was beyond the understanding of the people who had always identified people with a material sense of body. Therefore, they could see him no more. But he did not go anywhere, for in his own words he said, “Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” This true Christ, or spiritual idea of God, is the force and power that is with us and enables us to inspire and heal others.

When you give a Christian Science treatment you are rejoicing that God, the divine Spirit, is manifesting Himself through the substance and through every function of your patient’s body. Do I mean through the physical body? By no means. For there is no physical body. There is no matter. The only thing that is in your thought is true identity, true body, which is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love. There is no other body, no other substance, no other identity. Your patient is not God, but the very manifestation of God, of Spirit. The divine Spirit is certainly ever present, manifesting itself through that body. God is omniscient. Therefore, both you and the patient know only the truth which reveals the existence of a healthy, strong body.

People sometimes ask me to explain just how a Christian Science treatment reaches a patient and restores health. The answer is simple of course. The individual who comes for help has been mesmerized into thinking that he has a discordant, material body. This dream, or deep sleep, or hypnotic trance has come about as a result of what he has read and been taught, and from auto-suggestion as to the reality of evil in some form or other. Now the truth is, there is no discordant material body there at all. All there is, is true identity, the complete and perfect embodiment of good — yes, the one true spiritual body, the manifestation of the multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love. Your treatment is a de-hypnotizing process. You are awakening the individual to a recognition of his true identity. If you accept material body you are putting him to sleep. You are awakening him to see his body as it really is — spiritual and harmonious. If someone were dreaming that he was being stuck with a thousand needles you would awaken him, and he would see immediately that there was no such body going through such a torture. There really weren’t two bodies to deal with — the dream body being tortured, and the harmonious body lying in the bed — there was just one body, and when the dream was broken up by an awakening process, the tortured body was seen as non-existent.

Now you have to be awake in order to awaken others from nightmares. One dreaming individual cannot awaken another dreamer. Likewise, you need to be thoroughly awake to the reality of being in order to awaken others from the dreams of sickness, sin, and death. You need to know the reality of being in order to awaken others from the dreams of sickness, sin, and death. You need to know what kind of a body is really there in order to break up the nightmare of a discordant tortured body. Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” It is your spiritual wide-awakeness that is the Christ, or the Saviour. And this spiritual wide-awakeness or Christ, includes within itself absolute faith in regard to the reality of being. It includes complete conviction that the only body there is, is the harmonious spiritual body of God’s creating.

How does one awaken a sleeping individual who is dreaming? Why the process is simple. You merely call him by his right name or give him a little shaking. But more than all else you have absolute faith and confidence that you can awaken the individual. You have absolute faith because you are awake yourself. Now it is the same in giving a Christian Science treatment. When we are thoroughly awake to the truth about body we have absolute faith and confidence that we can awaken the individual, break up the nightmare, and help the individual to see things as they really are. Your treatment breaks up the dream by knowing that it can do the work. Your treatment is the spirit of God in action. It knows that man is not a dreaming mortal, but the wide-awake expression of God’s being. Your patient is awake to what really exists. He is awake to the fact of his oneness with God. He is awake to the beauties of heaven and earth. And more than all else he is awake to the truth about body, the truth about his identity.

One other quality is of course needed in order to enable you to awaken people from the nightmares of sin and disease, and that is Love. If you should come upon someone you had regarded as an enemy, and found him having a bad nightmare, and if you said, “I won’t awaken him, he deserves that; let him simmer in his own stew,” then of course the individual would not be awakened.

There not only needs to be Christ, Truth, in our consciousness — the knowledge of our ability to awaken others — but there needs to be that Christ love — the willingness and readiness to awaken others. You will remember in class we discussed the point that if you had a God who is willing and able to make man well, then of course there has to be good results. Likewise, in your demonstration of Christian Science you need to recognize your ability to awaken others, and your willingness to awaken them in order to express the compassion, patience, and love necessary to do the work.

You will remember the parable about the good Samaritan — the Pharisee that walked by on the other side, and the Levite who came and looked on the patient and walked by on the other side. They both had the ability to bind up the wounds, pouring in oil and wine. They both had the capacity of taking the man to the inn to see that he was properly cared for. But they did not have the willingness.

They did not have the love, the compassion, the tenderness requisite to accomplish the task. When you say of someone, “Well I guess he’s just going to have to suffer a little longer until he’s willing to awaken,” you are not claiming enough divine Love which would enable you to awaken him immediately. When you say, “Oh I wouldn’t want to be a Christian Science practitioner. I wouldn’t want to be awakened in the middle of the night to help someone. Or I wouldn’t want to feel responsible for healing someone. Then of course you are joining the ranks of the Pharisee and Sadducee as you pass by on the other side.

Are you awake to the spiritual facts of being? Christian Science shows us how to be awake. Then of course you are able to awaken others. Do you love God supremely? And love your neighbor as yourself? Are you willing to do unto others as you would have them do unto you? Then you have compassion, tenderness, and patience enough to make you willing to let the Christ, Truth, and Love use you in the service as a Christian Science practitioner.

Be willing to declare and understand that you are spiritual and perfect all the way through. That every fiber of your being is spiritual and perfect. Then of course you will not be tempted to try to do something materially to help your body. When you pour some material substance into your body to try to make it well, or rub something on the outside to try to make it well, you are of course closing your eyes and beginning your dream of mortality. When you take your body over to one of these slenderizing outfits, put a strap around it, and give it a good shaking; when you punch and pound it to try to make it slim; when you roll it over and over on the floor to try to give it good form, you are of course getting yourself ready for a nightmare. Who would punch and pound the spiritual body of God to try to make it more beautiful than God Himself could make it? Who would shake the living daylights out of his God-given identity, his one and only spiritual body?

There’s only one way to overcome the belief of over-weight, and that is not the pathway of diet or exercise. It is the Christ way; it is the willingness to awaken from the dream that you are or have an imperfect material body, to the truth that your body is beautiful, symmetrical, and perfect, because God could not cause it to be otherwise. The Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” If you think you have an imperfect, fat body, that’s the way it will seem to you in your dream. But if you will stop talking such nonsense and start rejoicing that you have one of the most beautiful bodies in the world, because God causes it to be spiritual and perfect, then you will awaken to see your body or identity as normal in every respect.

If you had been dreaming that your body weighed 450 pounds would you pound it, and shake it, and starve it in order to make it slim? Why you might even dream that as you did these things it even got bigger and bigger. There would only be one real solution, and that would be to wake up and stop dreaming such a silly dream.

Now a normal amount of exercise is natural and intelligent, but you can get enough of that scrubbing floors, cutting the grass, washing windows, and playing golf. It is also right to be sensible and moderate in our eating. Gluttony is certainly not a spiritual quality, but is a part of the dream of mortality and is closely associated with the dream of over-weight. One wouldn’t heap shovel after shovel of coal in the furnace if the house was overheated and he wanted to cool it down. Likewise, it certainly is not sensible to over-eat if one would like to express a normal sense of proportion. Some people want to indulge in the error of gluttony and use Christian Science to offset the bad effects. They are somewhat like the man who took up the study of Christian Science to heal himself of the headaches and hangovers that came from excessive drinking. It would be much more sensible, wouldn’t it, to cut out the drinking of alcoholic beverages.

Avoid excesses. Be moderate in your thinking and living, and rejoice that right where you are divine Mind is forming beautiful images of thought. Love the true mental picture of man, and you will find it coming into your experience proportionably to its occupancy of your thought. Know that through the knowledge of Christian Science you have the ability to awaken yourself from the dream of overweight, and you have the willingness to stop fussing about a material concept of body, that the true spiritual body, well-formed, might appear in your experience.

When through the teachings of Christian Science, we declare the non-existence of all matter, and the allness of Spirit, some people feel we take the solidity out of the universe, for they have thought about matter and material objects as the solid and substantial. And they have thought about Spirit and things spiritual as intangible and unsubstantial. But Christian Science shows it’s just the other way around. It is the things of Spirit that are really solid and substantial. In Science and Health, page 261, we read: “Breaking away from the mutations of time and sense, you will neither lose the solid objects and ends of life nor your own identity.” You see, she says we’ll not lose the solid objects of life, we’ll truly see the spiritual ideas of God as substantial. And on page 511 of the textbook our Leader says, “Spiritually interpreted, rocks and mountains stand for solid and grand ideas.” We are never trying to get rid of the solidity of the universe, but we are seeking to see that solidity in Spirit, to see that Spirit and its ideas alone are substantial and solid.

Even the material scientists of today are coming to see that matter is not at all the solid stuff we thought it was, and they are catching a glimpse that Mind is really solid and substantial. I would here like to read several interesting quotations from several foremost physical scientists. Professor Kurtly Mather, a Harvard geologist, says: “You can define matter in so many, many different ways, including the definition that I heard one physicist give, that matter is nothing moving very quickly. Matter, according to overwhelming evidence, is a temporary and local expression of energy.” Sir James Jeans, a foremost British scientist of a few years ago says: “All earlier systems of physics from the Newtonian mechanics down to the old quantum theory, fell into the error of identifying appearance with reality, without even being conscious of a deeper reality beyond. The new quantum theory has shown that we must probe the deeper substratum of reality before we can understand the world of appearance.” Just think of it! The physical scientists saying we must probe the deeper substratum of reality. Mrs. Eddy says that Jesus plunged beneath the material surface of things to find the divine Cause. Jeans goes on to say: “Ether or space is a creation of thought, not of solid substance.” Here are several quotations from Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington, another outstanding British scientist: “Most of our common impressions of substance have turned out to be illusory, and the externality of the world might be equally untrustworthy.” Again he says: “Mind is the first and most direct thing in our experience. All else is remote inference.” One other statement: “The Mind may indeed be said to create its own physical environment.”

And so, you can see that not only Christian Scientists, but the foremost physical scientists are beginning to see that Spirit is really solid and substantial. It is matter that is the empty vessel. Steinmetz called matter, “a vacuum within a vacuum,” which is certainly as close to the concept of nothingness in nothing as we could conceive. Since matter is nothingness in nothing, the opposite of matter called Spirit must truly be all-in-all, solid, substantial, and eternal. When you turn to God in prayer, and give up human opinions for God’s ideas about things, you are then dealing with the most substantial, the only substantial thing in the universe. When you receive a communication from divine Mind telling you what that Mind thinks about you, about your loved ones, about your home, about your universe, you are then dealing with the solid objects and ends of Life. When you give your anti-mortality treatment every day, rejoicing that you were never born into matter, that you’re not in matter and mortality, and not subject to its laws, rules, and regulations, and that you do not have to die out of or ascend out of matter and mortality — then you are facing the solid objects and ends of Life, and you are truly giving up the unsubstantial, illusory, material sense of things. When you declare, “Before Abraham was I am” and “Lo I will exist forever,” then you are facing reality. You are dealing in the words of Sir James Jeans: “With the deeper substratum of reality.”

The world in general, and the physical scientists in particular, are awakening to the fact that things are not at all what they seem to be. This awakening is certainly the result of the correct spiritual thinking of Christian Scientists. Now the next job at hand for all of us is to know and understand that things appear to be just what they actually are. For it is certainly the will of God, the will of divine Mind, that people receive and understand reality, encumbered by no false appearances. Mrs. Eddy says on page 513 of the textbook: “To material sense, this divine universe is dim and distant, gray in the somber hues of twilight; but anon the veil is lifted, and the scene shifts into light.”

Now let us say a few words about the universe in which we live. Some individuals, because of their rather immature sense in regard to the teachings of Christian Science, identify all the objects round about them, such as the trees, the flowers, the streams, the oceans, as material; and they would sweep them all away in one gesture, stating that the true universe is spiritual. They are unjust to God and to creation by such an attitude. When Mrs. Eddy was asked the question in Miscellaneous Writings: “Is it correct to say of material objects, they are nothing and exist only in imagination?” Mrs. Eddy certainly did not answer in the affirmative. She said that, “Nothing and something are words which need correct definition. They either mean formations of indefinite and vague human opinions, or scientific classifications of the unreal and the real. My sense of the beauty of the universe is, that beauty typifies holiness, and is something to be desired. Earth is more spiritually beautiful to my gaze now than when it was more earthly to the eyes of Eve.” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 86) You see, by no means did Mrs. Eddy sweep away the trees, the flowers, the streams, and the rocks, but she indicated that we must spiritualize our view of them. Truly, right where the tree is, all that’s really there is God, infinite Spirit, making Himself manifest. And the tree is the result, the manifestation of pure, incorruptible Spirit. Now most people have not thought about a tree that way — they have thought of it as a material object. But that doesn’t change the fact that there truly is no such thing as matter, and that the substance of a tree is truly that manifestation of Spirit.

We recently lectured in Eagle River, Wisconsin. I was introduced by the very well-known natural scientist, Sam Campbell. Undoubtedly most of you know of him, or have heard his lectures. The things of nature certainly appear altogether different to the Campbells from the way things appear to most people. Now it’s not because the universe is different, but because their concept is different. They see all objects as truly a manifestation of Love in their final analysis. While we were in their cabin we heard some little birds outside making quite a noise, and Mrs. Campbell said, “They are our chickadees. We have to go out and feed them.” They held some peanuts in the palms of their hands and the little chickadees came down and took the peanuts and flew away. They told us many interesting stories about animals, which were not considered by them as beasts of the field, but truly manifestations of intelligence and Love.

When we left, Sam gave us a copy of his latest book, “The Beloved Rascals.” It’s a story about a crow, wolverines, and bears, who are thought by most people to be rascals, but they truly have some very loveable qualities. In the book it told about a man up in Canada by the name of Klondike, who made a pet of a huge grizzly bear. The book also tells about a pet crow which they had rescued from a forest fire, and they kept the crow with them until he had grown new feathers and wings. He became a very loving and interesting pet. They told about a very interesting and beautiful song the crow could sing instead of the caw, caw, caw.

Sam told us also about a man in California who had a pet lion that he had raised from a cub. This man and his wife were vegetarians, and they raised the lion entirely on vegetables. The lion lived right in the house with them, would go driving with them in their car, and sometimes they would even take him shopping with them, much to the fright of many people who saw the lion. This is the lion which has been used in a number of Hollywood scenes. But they say it was always as gentle as a kitten. At one time they put a piece of beef roast before the lion — he just sniffed at it and turned away in disgust. These people also had a pet lamb, and this lamb just love to sleep between the two front paws of the lion. Truly the prophesy of Isaiah was being fulfilled, that the lamb shall lie down with the lion.

Many people have a distorted view in regard to lions, bears, snakes, plants, and trees. But that doesn’t change the fact that in their true nature all of these things are the reflection of pure unadulterated Spirit and Love. Mrs. Eddy goes on in her statement in Miscellaneous Writings: “The pleasant sensations of human belief, of form and color, must be spiritualized, until we gain the glorified sense of substance as in the new heaven and earth, the harmony of body and Mind.” She certainly indicated that we’re not going to find a different heaven and earth, but a new view of them. She calls it a “glorified sense.”

Mrs. Eddy goes on to say, “To take all earth’s beauty into one gulp of vacuity and label beauty nothing, is ignorantly to caricature God’s creation, which is unjust to human sense and to the divine realism. In our immature sense of spiritual things, let us say of the beauties of the sensuous universe: ‘I love your promise; and shall know, some time, the spiritual reality and substance of form, light, and color, of what I now through you discern dimly; and knowing this, I shall be satisfied.” You can see from these statements Mrs. Eddy did not indicate that we are going to find another universe, which is spiritual and perfect, but we are going to spiritualize our thinking until we see that spiritual and perfect universe right here, instead of what others called a sensuous material universe.

I am sure this is what Sam and Ginny Campbell have been and are doing, and I am sure it’s what all of us can do. In fact, it’s what all of us must do in order to find the true view of heaven and earth.

Through our practice of Christian Science there is no sense of escapism — trying to escape from a so-called discordant material universe into some sort of a mental and spiritual universal set apart somewhere in Mind or Spirit. We are taught rather to face reality, face the facts of being, and discover that true sense of heaven and earth right here and now. Truly there is a divine coincidence between God and nature, just as there is a divine coincidence between God and man. But that nature does not consist of matter, beasts and mortal creatures. In the 11th chapter of Isaiah we read: “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Here is certainly a clear indication that Christ is the spiritual view in regard to all things. It is in this chapter that we read further: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” It ends with this passage: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Oh what a glorious experience it is for all of us to see the earth as full of the knowledge of the presence and the power of Love. What a joy it is to see the earth as full of the knowledge of Truth, and of divine Life. To see the earth as full of the knowledge of Soul, or that spiritual sense of things — the knowledge of Spirit as the only substance. What a joy it is to see the universe as full of the knowledge of Principle, and harmony, and law, and order.

There is no false sense of escapism here. There is a facing of divine reality. There is a divinely mental process of seeing things as they really are — the manifestation of the spirit of infinite good.

Our Supply

Most people are vitally interested in the subject of Supply. They are seeking security. They want to feel they are well supported. Much of the belief in sin comes from wrong thoughts in regard to supply. You will remember Paul’s statement that the love of money is the root of all evil.

Much illness is associated with wrong thinking in regard to supply. There are those who worry themselves sick for fear they’ll not have enough to pay their bills. There are some who worry about their investments. Some too because they are not paid more adequately. In many cases you need to know the truth about supply to be most helpful to your patient.

Today we shall divide this subject into two parts. First, how to increase you sense of abundance. And secondly, how to make the best use of what you have. First, we must see there is no virtue in poverty. False theology has often taught that there is virtue in being poor; in fact, whole religious orders have been built on the pledge to live the life of poverty. Someone once said, “God must love the poor people, because He made so many of them.” We need to rejoice vigorously that God never made a poor man any more than a sinful or sick man. You will remember that the Master said, “Fear not little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Jesus never lacked anything. The soldiers drew lots for his clothes after the crucifixion. They would not have done so had he worn rags. His cloak was a seamless garment, which was considered one of the finest in his day. He certainly had enough money to pay his taxes, and enough to prepare a banquet for five thousand and seven thousand. But of course, he knew his supply was not in matter, but in the divine Spirit which was the very source of his being, and all being.

Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Col. 3:16) Paul also wrote to Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” (I Tim. 6:17) Through the study of Christian Science we are learning not to trust in the uncertain riches of matter, but we do worship the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Now your true abundance depends upon the Christian service you render to others now and in the long run. Jesus had a true sense of abundance because he gave abundantly to others. He never tried to “get” — he was in the business of “giving.” You will remember his wonderful rule: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” (Luke 6:38) This was his law of abundance.

Are you obeying this abundance-producing law, or are you impoverishing yourself by thinking negatively of trying to get material things? This is an important question.

God gives to each of His spiritual ideas, to each child, spiritual ideas as to how he may be of better service to others. Some people don’t listen, and so nothing happens. Others listen carefully, and before long they are rendering a new service, producing a new product, or making a wise and practical adaptation of some already discovered product or service. Divine Mind is truly talking to you. Are you listening?

In the Bible we read: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Thousands of new ideas in regard to products and services are going to be discovered this year. The individuals who are claiming vision will be the ones who take advantage of these opportunities. True vision is your gift from your heavenly Father.

I invite you to take a short practical course in economics with me today. Recently I went through the yellow section of our new telephone directory to see how many services are listed today, which would not have been in the telephone directory of 1900. Certainly 50% of these services were unknown in 1900. And the biggest portions of the other services are adapted in new ways. Over fifty pages are devoted to automobiles, trucks, and services related thereto. There certainly would not have been one page in 1900. Air conditioning services take up seven pages. Just ten years ago there would have been not more than one. Television occupies fifteen pages, while radios occupy only a page and a half. Ten years ago, I imagine that television did not have more than a page; whereas radio possibly had many more pages. Fuel oils occupy ten pages; whereas coal has been reduced to four. What do you suppose that figure was twenty years ago? There are fourteen pages devoted to gasoline products. When I looked up “hay” it says, “See feed dealers.” When I looked under “feed dealers” I didn’t find hay mentioned anywhere. Oh how the world has changed! Who has taken advantage of these changes? — the man with vision.

What do you suppose the yellow pages in our telephone books will look like ten years from now? Twenty? Thirty? Fifty? Do you suppose there will be just as many changes, if not more? New forms of service no one has dreamed of today will be listed. New products will be advertised. New adaptations will be made, whose name will be listed as the head of the company — the man with vision and courage.

Now I do not mean to indicate that you must be an inventor, or must organize your own business in order to have a true sense of abundance, although these might be the result of our sincere prayer.

But right there in the organization where you work there is a vital need for new ideas, a better and more efficient way to carry on the business, a more harmonious manner of personnel management, new and effective advertising ideas, more effective sales promotion, greater economy in operation. Who goes to the top in your organization? Who becomes a department head, vice president, manager, president? The man with vision. God causes you to be that man.

Paul wrote Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Tim. 1:7) God gives you that true sense of courage, that sense of power, and strength, and ability. Are you listening?

God gives you the spirit of love, of service, of helpfulness. Who is the one that goes to the top in your organization? The man who devotes all his energies to serve as well as he can. The one who doesn’t watch the clock. The one who gives abundantly. The spirit of love — that’s the stuff true success is made up of.

It is most interesting that practically all modern translations of the Bible interpret that third quality “sound mind” as self-control or self-discipline. I am sure you will see that self-control and discipline are closely associated with sound-mindedness. In every position we might hold we truly need to demonstrate self-control in regard to our tempers, and self-discipline to see that we do an accurate and perfect piece of work.

You know when you were receiving your formal education in high school or college, it was necessary for you to exercise a goodly degree of self-discipline in order to read the books that were required of you to fulfill your assignments, and to solve the problems that were given to you. The self-control and discipline one learns in school is, as Paul says, the gift from the heavenly Father.

Some individuals when they take off their cap and gown consider their education over, and also their need of self-discipline. They feel they have now acquired the tools with which to conquer the world. But others continue to seek knowledge and enlightenment. They are willing to exercise the self-discipline necessary to further their knowledge. These are the men of vision that go to the top.

Just recently I was reading in one of the popular magazines the story of the experience of Mr. Percy, President of Bell & Howell. As you know, he is a Christian Scientist and a graduate of Principia. He was one of the youngest men ever to be appointed as president of such a very large corporation. He became President of Bell & Howell when he was in his twenties. He has done an outstanding piece of work with that progressive organization, and he’s recognized as one of our foremost executives in the country. He gives credit to God and Christian Science. But I was also very much interested in noting in the article the self-discipline he expresses. It is his policy, together with all the other work he has to do, to read one good book every week. Not just some novel or play — but some serious book. His education truly did not come to an end when he received his sheepskin. He has truly been a man of vision in the business world.

I am sure that we can all further our knowledge in regard to our particular line of endeavor or business, to make ourselves more valuable to our organization.

We can also do more general reading in regard to economics, social, political, and world affairs that will make us a more enlightened citizen, and make us more valuable to our business organization.

I think this is the basic reason why our Leader founded the Christian Science Monitor — because she wanted to help the students of Christian Science to be some of the best-informed individuals in the world that they might truly become leaders in industry, in education, and in world affairs. It requires self-discipline to read the Christian Science Monitor, and good books that will further our education. It certainly takes a lot less mental effort to read the funnies, a mystery story, or watch the soap-box operas and variety shows on television. In fact, as you all know, it takes real self-control not to waste a lot of time on a lot of junk on the television.

It might even be helpful for some of you to take some night school and correspondence courses to increase your value to your business organization.

Here I can see some of the ladies in the audience looking just a little puzzled. What does this have to do with you? Your job is a homemaker. Some of you have two, three, four, five, and even six children to rear. Bless you! That’s a business in itself, isn’t it? In fact, it’s one of the most important businesses in the world. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health, page 61, “Is not the propagation of the human species a greater responsibility, a more solemn charge, than the culture of your garden or the raising of stock to increase you flocks and herds?” Yes, the proper rearing of your family is more important than your business activities. It is truly a “solemn charge.” And of course, a great deal, although not all of the responsibility, rests upon you mothers. Are you doing the best job possible with your family? Your children really need your wonderful example as a shining light in their experience; and what a joy it is to realize that your children are growing up to be fine young men and women — not in spite of you, their parents, but because of the fine example of motherhood and fatherhood that you express.

As I am bringing out in my new lecture, it is very important for us to have a proper balance in family affairs between the individual development of each child, and the right sense of family responsibility. When the individual development of the child is neglected for the so-called good of the family, this interferes with the full development of the individual. Each child has individual interests, talents, and abilities. Wise parents are discovering and nurturing these talents and abilities, helping the children to bring out the infinite good that is present in their individuality. On the other hand, it is so important that children be taught that right sense of family and social responsibility. For throughout their experience they are going to have to learn to get along with others and cooperate. They are going to have to learn that in proportion as they give abundantly, they receive abundantly. And the sooner they learn this lesson as children, the easier it is going to be for them throughout their experience. This requires discipline, and the sooner parents help children to love and appreciate the idea of self-discipline, the less parental discipline will have to be administered.

You and I do not need policemen to keep us in line with the right moral code, because we are willing to exercise the proper self-discipline. As you realize the fact that God hath not given your children the spirit of fear, but of power and love, and self-discipline, you will find less need for all the “do’s” and “don’ts.” Speaking on this important subject, Mrs. Eddy says on page 51 of Miscellaneous Writings, “Motives govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clear to the child’s thought the right motives for action, and cause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if you educate him to love God, good, and obey the Golden Rule, he will love and obey you without your having to resort to corporeal punishment.” Mrs. Eddy does not say that there should not be corporeal punishment, for children must learn to do right. But she does say if you do the perfect job as a mother and dad, and help your children to love the true sense of self-discipline, there will be less need for the rod.

The spiritual education of children is so important that it certainly cannot be trusted to a Sunday School teacher just one hour a week. Every day there are wonderful spiritual and moral lessons to be learned. I think one of the most practical and helpful ways to get these lessons across to the children is to tell them a good Bible story, possibly reading a part of it, but mostly telling it in your own words. And then have a lively discussion as to the spiritual lessons that can be learned from that story. Make it interesting. Make it vital. Make it very important. And they’ll love it.

But don’t confine your teaching just to the Bible. Many other stories teach vital lessons. Share these stories, and help your children to develop that analytical state of thought that teaches them from every experience. One mother even takes little items from the newspaper, or from magazines she reads, tells the story and then discusses the lessons that were learned. One experience was very interesting to me. She told how she read the story of little boys who went out on the ice to play when their parents told them they must not do so because the ice was too thin. (This was in a local newspaper). The ice gave way, the boys went under. Because of the loving devotion of someone nearby they were eventually rescued. As that experience was shared with the boys they were asked what lessons could be learned, and one spoke up very promptly, how important it was for children to obey their parents. You can truly teach wonderful spiritual lessons without moralizing. You can make it interesting, stimulating, and fun to be an obedient child and a good Christian Scientist.

Older children in high school love to be researchers. And when you help them to study their weekly lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly on the basis that they are research scientists, they will all have as much fun, enjoyment, and enlightenment as we had when we spent two weeks having class instruction.

Mind has infinite resources to enable you to make Christian Science interesting and vital for the babies in your home, as well as your teenagers. Don’t be frustrated parents. Mind has the right answer.

This last year two rather frustrated parents attended my lecture in a city in the east. They wished so much their teenage son would hear the lecture. He had been reared in a Christian Science Sunday School, but was now refusing to attend Sunday School or have anything to do with Christian Science. I was lecturing nearby several nights later and they asked him if he wouldn’t so along to hear the lecture. He refused. The parents told him that they did not ask him to go to Sunday School or to church, but they felt he would really enjoy this lecture and as a special favor to them they were asking him to reconsider. He was not too happy about it. The night of the lecture the mother heard him talking to a Catholic friend of his, and he told Fred that he would see him that evening. The mother’s heart sank, for she thought that he would go along to the lecture. Then she told him how disappointed she was in him that he wasn’t going with them, when they had especially asked him to. He replied, “Well I’m going.” She said, “But I just heard you make a date with Fred.” “Well Fred’s going along.” They went to the lecture and it seemed to mean a great deal to Fred. All the way home — about sixty miles — he asked all kinds of question about Christian Science. He said it was the best sermon he had ever heard. When they got home and let Fred out, he said, “Thank you very much Mrs. Adams for inviting me. This was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve ever had.” When they got in the house the mother asked her son how he liked the lecture and with a bit of embarrassment he replied, “I thought it was terrific. Good night. I’m going to bed.” Mind certainly had an answer for them.

Another thing that I think parents can do to be most helpful to their children is to give the young people an opportunity to have that great vision in regard to possibilities of service to their fellow-man. As parents are vitally interested in a changing world, and as they just naturally talk about such things over the dinner table, children gain the true sense of infinite opportunities for accomplishment. Then they don’t feel that they just have to follow in their father’s footsteps because that’s all they’ve ever heard about in their home.

Here’s another point to remember. When children observe that their parents are continuing to have an interest in learning more, those children just naturally love their school work, and get in the habit of studying and reading on their own.

May I now say a few words upon the subject of going into business for yourself. Some individuals have an inordinate desire to have a business of their own. They just feel they can’t be happy until they have their own business. Now there is certainly nothing wrong with an individual having his own business, but he must make sure that he is being guided by divine Mind in its unfoldment, and not human will or human outlining. Ask yourself the simple question: “Is this important, and will it contribute substantially to the happiness, comfort, and welfare of others?” And then really depend upon the divine Mind for the impulsion and guidance. Many individuals want their own business because they do not like to have a boss. But one of the first lessons you must learn if you have your own business is to have a business meeting and promptly elect God as the President and Boss of your organization. You be the flunky Executive V.P. who does the work, and really let God be the boss, and then you can be sure of success. When you elect yourself as President, and try to get God to be the flunky to do your work as you direct, things do not work out so well. Don’t just start out on faith — claim that spiritual understanding which enables you to see things through. Don’t start on a shoe string. Claim the infinite resources of divine Mind to organize things properly and adequately, and then you will avoid the bumps. Constantly live by the ideal, “How can I give people more service?” instead of the negative approach, “How can I get more business?” We must constantly turn to God for divine inspiration, and beware of human advice. Businesses that fail usually do so because people listen to other people rather than to God. Remember, that it’s not more money you need to run your business, but more productive right ideas straight from the heavenly Father. There is your true substance.

But whether you have your own business, or are connected with some organization, in the final analysis you’re really working for God, letting Him use you to manifest His qualities of perfection.

Now I would like to talk about the greatest business in the world. It was the business our Master was engaged in. You remember even at the age of twelve he said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” That business was to bring satisfying answers to the questions of humanity. From the age of twelve on up through his entire career our Master was constantly answering vital questions, showing people the true and inspiring answers whereby they could find health, peace, happiness, dominion, security, and inspiration. That was truly his business. In the world today, there is a great need for divinely-inspired Christian Science practitioners. I have called your attention to these statistics before, but they bear repeating. Back in the 1930s there were 254 practitioners registered in the Christian science Journal for the state of Indiana. When we moved to Indianapolis shortly after World War II — some fourteen years ago — the number had declined to 198. In the last Journal there are recorded but 139. In other words, there is just a little bit more than half the number of practitioners we had some twenty-five years ago. I am informed that in other parts of the country the statistics run about the same except for California and Florida, to which areas practitioners have migrated from other parts of the country.

Now this is not a right condition. The Directors of The Mother Church have recognized the situation, and in the Annual Meeting this year a talk was given on the importance of sincere students of Christian Science thinking seriously about the need for Christian Science practitioners.

Where do Christian Science practitioners come from? Of course, the ranks of the class-taught students. This Association should be doing its part to fill the ranks.

Now one cannot just make up his mind to go into the Christian Science practice, any more than one should start a business without divine impulsion from the one divine Mind. But I am serious when I say that I think we all ought to do some real praying on this subject, for the good of the Cause of Christian Science, for the good of our churches, our Association, and ourselves. Sometimes individuals of the Association have told me that they would really like to devote more time to the Christian Science practice, but they don’t know just how to go about it. I’d like to discuss here some orderly steps that we can take to further our opportunity to be of greater service to others in this greatest of all forms of service.

First, you have to be willing to help and ready to help. I find that when I am doing some research on some specific subject, and am very clear on it, invariably the telephone rings and someone is there requesting specific help on the subject about which I am clear. The calls just don’t come from the local area but from anyplace in the country. Therefore, what you need to do is really be thoroughly prayed-up as it were, in your ability to demonstrate the nothingness of sickness, sin, and imperfections. Take out your workbooks, and really do thorough research work on seeing the nothingness of specific errors, and the allness of God. And then I can assure you that from one source or another the opportunity will begin to come to you to serve in this holy activity. When you’re really ready to help, Mind will send those who need what you have to give.

In the second place, don’t try to humanly advertise yourself. This drives people away, rather than bringing them to you for comfort, help, and inspiration. When you give a testimony truly give it for the glory of God, and not to be heard of men. And don’t testify too often, or your motives will be misjudged. It’s better to have five people tell you that they wished you would give more testimonies than it is for one to say that you testified too often.

Don’t let yourself get too involved in the mechanics of the church — Board work and Committee work — if you are desirous of practicing Christian Science effectively. Of course, it’s right to take some assignments, especially Sunday School, which needs the very clearest thought in your church. But if you’re going into the practice, have plenty of time for quiet study and research.

If you have a family it is certainly right for you to meet your obligations to your family in being a good wife or husband, mother and father. Wives who do their studying, and who give their treatments during the day so that they can have a greater sense of freedom to spend time with the family in the evening, will find that husbands are happy to cooperate. Men in the practice who organize their work so that they can have a normal sense of time to be with their families, as people from any other profession, will find that this enhances their ability to practice effectively.

Remember always that it’s not having your nose in a book that makes you a good Christian Science practitioner, but how you’re living the spirit of Truth and Love in your daily activities. God will truly provide the time and the opportunity for your research.

Another very important thing in your progress as Christian Science practitioners, is to take care of your public relations. You not only have to demonstrate the fact that you get along well with other Christian Scientists in the community, but that they get along well with you. This means that you need to see your fellow Christian Scientists as God sees them — perfect, harmonious, cooperative, loving, and scientific. If you do not think that way about others, you will have a belief in the influence of mental malpractice to handle, because you have first thought about them as unscientific. This give both you and them so much more to handle. This is another good reason why you should be rather quiet about the church activities when you are establishing your practice and hoping to have your name accepted in the Christian Science Journal.

It is not the policy of The Mother Church to accept individuals’ cards in the Journal until they can show a rather goodly amount of experience and success in their healing work. One is required to have three letters from individuals they have helped outside of their family, in which specific healings have been brought about. Such letters written by the patient should state clearly what the trouble seemed to be, that they had specifically called upon you for help, and also that there was a complete healing. It is good to have several further testimonies to send along when your application is made.

In making application for a card in the Journal, first a questionnaire is sent to you. Before sending in your answers it would be very helpful if you would send it to me that I might go over it and be helpful if there are any points that I do not feel you have covered adequately or sufficiently. Then a second comprehensive questionnaire will be sent to you, and it might be helpful if you would send that to me before you return your answers to Boston.

Boston does expect you to be active in the practice at the time you apply for a card in the Journal. In other words, they want those registered in the Journal to be practitioners who are active rather than individuals who would like to be active practitioners. They expect you to be handling several cases a day. That does not mean that they must be new cases every day, but you should be working for several individuals daily when you make application. The exact number varies according to the size of the community where you are serving.

Here is another point for you to be clear about when you begin your practice. Be willing to allow others to express gratitude for the service you render, and expect them to. It is certainly not fair to other practitioners for new students to do the work gratis. It depreciates their work, and certainly does not add to the dignity of the Christian Science practice. It is proper and orderly for you to send a little memorandum to someone who has asked you for help, stating specifically how many treatments you have given and the amount of the obligation. It is important that you have no sense of embarrassment in regard to this, for people truly enjoy expressing gratitude for the good they have received through Christian Science.

It goes without saying that you must be obedient to the provisions of the Manual of The Mother Church in regard to practitioners. One such provision is that the practitioners shall hold in strict confidence any information that comes to them as a result of their contact with the patient as practitioners. This is truly interpreted that it is not even ethical for you to mention that you have been helping some specific individual.

If you have been helping someone, and there is a belief of lack or limitation, you need to see the unreality of this lie. It is proper for you to be willing to reduce your fee. But I think it would be helpful for you not to reduce the charge of a treatment, but to cut the total obligation. Also remember that although a patient may have come to you for some specific healing, there is a lot of other good that sometimes unfolds as the result of your treatment, and you never want to depreciate that good.

If people refuse to pay you for your work while they spend money on other things such as tobacco, liquor, etc., you’re certainly justified in not going on with such a case. People must learn to be grateful for spiritual things, and be willing to express their gratitude.

It is also right for you to have a certain amount of time for your own spiritual development, growth, and study, and also a certain amount of time for normal recreation. And you should never have any sense of guilt when keeping your life in balance. You are not expected to be at your telephone twenty-four hours a day.

I have found over a period of years that the great majority of individuals would much rather have you tell them specifically how much they owe you, rather than to just leave it to their sense of charity for gratitude. If they want to express a little more gratitude than would be expected, they are of course free to do so.

From my experience, and from my observation of other individuals in the practice of Christian Science, I am sure that anyone who devotes the same energy, consecration, time, and effort to the practice of Christian Science can be as abundantly supplied with the necessities of daily living as any doctor, lawyer, or professional man. But he must go about his professional activity with the same sincerity, and with a holy purpose.

I would like to read you the letter that Mrs. Eddy wrote to James Neal. This was upon the occasion of his entering into the practice of Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy said (you will find this on page 316 of Powell’s Life of Mrs. Eddy) [Mary Baker Eddy – A Life Size Portrait – ed.]: “My beloved Student, Your letter is my best New Year’s gift. I had felt for some time the fitness you possess for healing. I knew it when you were a member of my College class. It looked a waste of your talents to have you in a counting room. Now, thank God, I have at least one student in Boston that promises to be a Healer such as I have long waited and hoped to see. Oh may the Love that looks on you and all guide your every thought and act up to the impersonal, spiritual model that is the only ideal — and constitutes the only scientific Healer.

“To this glorious end I ask you to still press on, and have no other ambition or aim. A real scientific Healer is the highest position attainable in this sphere of being. Its altitude is far above a Teacher or preacher; it includes all that is divinely high and holy. Darling James, leave behind all else and strive for this great achievement. Mother sighs to see how much her students need this attainment and longs to live to see one Christian Scientist attain it. Your aid to reach this goal is spiritualization. To achieve this, you must have one God, one affection, one way, one Mind. Society, flattery, popularity are temptations in your pursuit of growth spiritual. Avoid them as much as in you lies. Pray daily, never miss praying, no matter how often: ‘Lead me not into temptation,’ — scientifically rendered, — Lead me not to lose sight of strict purity, clean pure thoughts; let all my thoughts and aims be high, unselfish, charitable, meek, — spiritually minded. With this altitude of thought your mind is losing materiality and gaining spirituality and this is the state of mind that heals the sick. My new book will do you much good. Do not purchase one, Mother wants to give you one. I welcome you into the sanctum of my fold. God bless you. Your loving Teacher M B Eddy.”

As Mrs. Eddy wrote that to James Neal I am sure she truly writes it for everyone who is seeking to be a Christian Science practitioner.

Part II Our Supply

Now let us consider the second phase of demonstrating an abundant sense of supply, making the best use of what we have. You will remember the parable that our Master told us about one man who had been given five talents, another two, another one. The men with the five and two talents used what they had intelligently, and their talents were doubled. They were also allowed to keep what they had. But the man who thought he only had one talent buried it in the ground, until he even lost that one talent.

It is so important that we be grateful for the good already received in order to be able to receive more, as our Leader tells us. To depreciate the good we have causes it to depreciate. But to appreciate the good already at hand causes it to appreciate.

Let us ask ourselves these simple questions: Are we truly grateful for our ability to think, to reason, to work? Are we truly grateful for our understanding of the law of God as taught in Christian Science? Are we grateful for the abilities we have in our several lines of endeavor and business? Are we truly grateful for the spiritual talents that are ours?

Next, are we really using these talents to the best of our ability? Could we be more alert in serving others in our daily business activity? Are we turning to God often enough for spiritual and divine inspiration? Or, are we just doing things in a routine fashion? Are we using our talent, our spiritual ability to heal the sick, reform the sinner, and bring true inspiration to others? Or, are we burying that talent by being unwilling to do our part to evangelize the world? These are important questions, and we need to rejoice that since we truly are God’s perfect children, we let Him use us to our full capacity of radiating and reflecting good. We must make the best use of what we have in order to receive more.

Of course, you are all grateful for Christian Science, and have had many wonderful healings. Have you used your talent by writing a testimony for the Christian Science periodicals? Have you written that article that you’ve been dreaming about for such a long time? Have you called on that lady that you have felt might be receptive to Christian Science? Have you invited the neighbor to the Christian Science lectures? These are all important questions, and they have much to do with our true sense of supply.

You of course remember the experience our Master had when he fed the five thousand. The disciples depreciated their supply, saying they only had five loaves and two fishes, which were certainly not enough for such a multitude of people. But Jesus gave thanks for what they had — he did not see it as a limited supply. He saw that since it came forth from God it reflected the quality of infinity, for God never expresses Himself in a limited way. When Jesus blessed what they had he was happy about their supply; he was acknowledging that it came forth from God and was infinite. As it was divided courageously with the multitude there was enough for all and basketsful left over.

Do you have basketsful left over in your experience, or have you been having just enough to meet your needs? It is right for us to have basketsful left over. But in order to experience this we need to be enthusiastically grateful for what we have, and we need to divide it intelligently to different phases of our activities.

Basketsful left over! That means savings. Our Master certainly indicated that it was right to save. He told them to take up of the fragments that were left over that nothing might be wasted.

Do you say, “Well I can’t save anything, because all that I have is needed to pay expenses?” Then remind yourself that Jesus saved twelve basketsful where originally there were only five loaves and two fishes. You can save, and the very moment you admit you can save you will save. As long as you keep saying there are no basketsful left over for me there won’t be any. But the very moment you begin to declare that there are basketsful left over, that you can save something, you will find yourself beginning to save.

But why should I save? the question might be asked. There is one answer — that there be no waste. Someone may say, “But I don’t waste my money, I just spend everything I earn on needed things.” Then you see you’re not allowing yourself to think in terms of that super-abundance where there are basketsful left over.

Why should we save? To prepare for a rainy day? By no means. We save to prove to ourselves that there is no waste.

A man who earns $200.00 a month should save for the same reason that a man who earns $2000.00 a month should save. To prove to himself with scientific certainty that there is something left over, that he is demonstrating infinite supply. A man earning $200.00 a month can certainly spend every cent of it. And one earning $2000.00 a month can also spend every cent of it. But that’s not the way to demonstrate abundance. Deny the false belief that money in your pockets is red-hot — you just have to spend it somehow.

Now as you begin to save, the next question that comes up is what you will do with your savings. In the parable about the man who had five, two, and one talent, Jesus certainly did not recommend burying your savings in a shoe box. He commented favorably upon the five-talent man who had invested wisely in the industry of that time. He also commented favorably upon the one who took his two talents and invested them wisely.

Now the question again comes up — why should we save? Why did Mrs. Eddy save? We have discussed the first reason — to prove to ourselves that we do not express the quality of wastefulness, and to prove to ourselves that there is enough for all our needs, and basketsful left over — that supply truly is infinite. Here I would like to discuss another reason for saving. Our beloved Leader saved over a million and a half to be used to further the Cause of Christian Science, under the Trustees of the Will of Mary Baker Eddy. Much of the activity in extending the Cause of Christian Science is the result of her thoughtfulness under this Trusteeship. As you know, funds are shared with Branch Churches in helping them to dedicate their churches. Funds are paid from this Trusteeship to help the distribution of literature, in the giving of lectures at College Organizations, and in many other ways by which the Cause of Christian Science may be extended. The funds in this Trusteeship, because of wise investments, have not been depleted, but continue to do the work for which they were provided.

Likewise, your savings and your investments can help support a worthy cause. Sometimes in helping your children when help is most needed and when it is not going to interfere with their reliance upon the one divine Mind to meet their needs. You too may want to contribute more generously to The Mother church, to the Branch Church, to the radio and television funds. There are many, many worthy causes for which you may use your savings to help build a better world. Have joy in making such plans. It will extend your vision. In saving, in order to be of more help to your fellow man, you are claiming and reflecting a quality of unselfishness which truly opens the door for a greater sense of abundance. For if I may quote the law of the Master again, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”

Some people just save in order to accumulate more money. This is certainly not a high enough motive. We should truly talk to the heavenly Father as to how we can accomplish the most good in this world, and He will open the way for us to make unselfish investments for the good of all mankind.

Yes, in order to have a sense of abundance we need to make best use of what we have. One way that many individuals waste their substance is through buying everything on time payments. You add up the 12% or more interest they pay year after year toward the things they buy on time, and it will amount to a neat little fortune. This is not making the best use of what we have. Oh if people would just drive their cars one year longer, and at the same time put in the bank each month the payments they would make on a new car, they can have a new car and pay cash for it. Then if they continue to save each month those same payments, they would have made, when they are ready for their next new car, the money will be there and they will have saved all the interest charges. The same with all the rest of the purchases of things on time. As we express wisdom, economy, and brotherly love, we can find the adequate supply on hand to make our purchases without borrowing. Let us earn our luxuries first, and then we’ll enjoy them so much more. And we’ll save the interest.

There are those who say that our country is great because of the credit system, because of people buying things on time. This is a debatable question, which I would not like to discuss here. I am not telling everyone in the world what they should do, but I am telling you that you will have a greater sense of abundance the sooner you get on a cash basis, and the less you pay out in the interest charges.

Some people have jokingly told me that if everyone followed this policy we would put the banks out of business. I would certainly not close the banks any more than I would have the world get rid of all doctors and surgeons. Many people would die of fright overnight if they didn’t think there was a doctor or surgeon to go to. And the same would almost happen if some people did not feel that there was a bank to go to to borrow money. But I am just saying that I have found it more profitable to turn to the Bible and the Christian Science textbook to work out my problems of health; and I have found it more profitable to turn to the Bible and the Christian Science textbook to work out the problem of supply, rather than to try to borrow myself into prosperity. And I am encouraging you to see that along these lines you can begin to demonstrate a greater sense of abundance.

You will recall when the original Mother Church was built, and also the Extension, our Leader did not borrow a penny. She knew that the source of all good was right there to meet the need for the building of The Mother Church and its Extension. There is no record that Mrs. Eddy ever borrowed anything, and I cannot recall that our Master ever borrowed. The supply was always there to meet the need. Christ Jesus is truly our Wayshower, and Mrs. Eddy said, “Follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ.” We should think seriously about following our Master and our Leader on these important points of demonstrating abundant supply.

Let me summarize a few points in regard to supply. First, we need to rejoice that God wants us to have a sense of abundance, just as He wants us to have a true sense of health and righteous living. Just as God has no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, neither does God have any pleasure in the poverty of him that has great needs. Having an abundant sense of things is no more a miracle or unusual than having a healthy sense of things. Abundance is real and eternal, just as health is real and eternal. And lack and limitation are unreal, just as sickness is truly unreal or non-existent.

To demonstrate abundance, we must admit that abundance exists now. For all good things come forth from the heavenly Father, and anything that comes forth from God has the quality of infinity.

We need to truly be grateful and appreciative of all the talents and the good that we have, and we need to use wisdom, economy, and brotherly love in making the best use of all our resources — both our spiritual and mental talents as well as the resources that have come to us as the result of services rendered.

We need to be truly about our Father’s business, letting God use us to express His unlimited ideas. We need to be truly willing to heal the sick, reform the sinner, and raise the dead, in our daily activities whether as business men, homemakers, or practitioners.

We need to rejoice that all the Father hath given us it is His will that we should lose nothing, but raise it up. And we need to rejoice that we have the wisdom with which to use the basketsful left over for a holy purpose.

We need to stop thinking lack and limitation. For when we stop thinking it, it is no longer in our experience. We need to rejoice in the basketsful left over rather than thinking in terms of the meager supply which just met our need.

We need to go about financial matters with the same courage, love, and dependence upon God that we use in the solution of so-called physical or relational problems. We need to see that we can be inspired every step of the way, just as our Master was and our Leader was.

We certainly are not fearful of losing our health, because we know that it comes from the Father. It is spiritual and eternal, and we know it outwardly expresses itself in a harmonious body. Likewise, we are not fearful of losing our wealth, because we know it also is spiritual — it comes from the Father, the Giver of all good. And it manifests itself in an abundance of all needed things with basketsful left over. Just as we rejoice day by day that we’re healthy, we know it, we’re grateful about it, we’re thrilled about it — and as a result find normal, healthy activity. Just so we rejoice daily that we’re rich, we know it, we feel it, we understand it. We comprehend that there is plenty at hand to meet every need, and basketsful left over.