Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1898).djvu/297

Rh If the ocean is stirred by a storm, the clouds lower, the wind shrieks through the tightened shrouds, and waves lift themselves into mountains. We ask the helmsman: “Do you know your course? Can you steer safely amid the storm?” He answers nobly; but the brave, dauntless seaman is not sure of his fate. Nautical science is not equal to the Science of Mind; yet, acting up to his highest understanding, firm at the post of duty, the mariner works on, and awaits the issue. Thus should we deport ourselves on the seething ocean of sorrow. Hoping and working, we should stick to the wreck, until an irresistible propulsion precipitates our doom, or sunshine gladdens the sea.

The notion that animal natures can possibly give force to character is too absurd for consideration, when we

remember that our Lord and Master healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded even the winds and waves to obey him, through spiritual ascendency. Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.

The manifest lack of spiritual power, in the limited demonstration of popular Christianity, puts to shame the labor of centuries. Corporeal consciousness is not so much needed as spiritual. Think of thyself as the orange just eaten, of which only the pleasant idea is left.

Religious and medical systems perpetuate the necessity of physical pains and pleasures, but Jesus banishes the belief in any such pains or pleasures. The epoch approaches when this understanding will be the basis of true religion. At present we live