Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1906).djvu/426

410 If here we give no heed to Christian Science, which is spiritual and eternal, we shall not be ready for spiritual Life hereafter.

“This is life eternal,” says Jesus, — is, not shall be; and then he defines everlasting life as a present knowledge

of his Father and of himself, — the knowledge of Love, Truth, and Life. “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” The Scriptures say, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” showing that Truth is the actual life of man; but mankind objects to making this teaching practical.

Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be

overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: “There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.” Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science.

The Science of mental practice is susceptible of no misuse. Selfishness does not appear in the practice of

Truth or Christian Science. If mental practice is abused or is used in any way except to promote right thinking and doing, the power to heal mentally will diminish, until the practitioner's healing ability is wholly lost. Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, “Be not afraid!”