LIFE AND PEACE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 829, 25 November 1929, Page 14

LIFE AND PEACE

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE TEACHINGS EXPLAINED “If it were possible to make a composite word picture of those qualities most desired by mankind the picture would contain the majestic words life, peace and joy.” Thus the Hon. W. E. Brown, C. 5.8.. o£ Los Angeles, opened the second lecture of his present visit to Auckland. Addressing an audience in the Town Hail yesterday afternoon he spoke on “Christian Science, the Way to Life, Peace and Joy.” Referring to Mrs. Eddy's two definitions of God—the infinite Mind and the divine Principle, he said that before one could seek or turn to God for deliverance from all earthly discords it was necessary to have a correct concept of God—to know where He may be found. Before Christian Science was given to the world God was very generally considered as a localised person who was responsible for, or at least permitted, all of earth's activities; who sometimes answered prayer, but more often did not. NEEDLESS SUFFERING When the prayer was not answered the patient sufferer tried to bear his cross without complaining, dwelling under the mistaken notion that C.od, for some unknown reason, was disciplining him in order to bring him closer to Himself. Christian Science showed cleariy tliat the mission of Jesus Christ was to aid mortals in dispelling the false , conception of life so that they might understand true life and have it more abundantly. That death was abnor-' mal was taught clearly by Christ! Jesus and by many Scriptural writers, j To enjoy living it was necessary to live peacefully. In simple, direct and comprehensive language Christian Science showed every sincere thinker how to obey God and enjoy immediately a measure of peace—a measure limited only by the degree of one’s obedience. The remedy for confusion or the absence of peace was the exclusion from consciousness of all mental activities which were opposed to divine activity. By this process, not only were the thoughts which destroyed peace excluded but also those thoughts which created sin, disease and death. DIVINE THOUGHT The Christian Science student, therefore, began by blocking from his consciousness all thoughts or arguments which did not proceed from God. He would be greatly aided in this by the knowledge that such thought was unreal in its argument or existence. In surveying material existence, continued the speaker, one was impressed with the universal conviction that no one was completely satisfied or happy and that in the last analysis all mortal effort was directed toward the goal of achieving satisfaction and happiness. “The plans advocated and championed are legion,” he declared, "but after centuries of application they have failed to give the effect intended; so, in helplessness and despair, mortals are crying in the wilderness: 'ls there no balm in Gilead?’ To this Mrs. Eddy says: ‘Citizens of the world, accept the “glorious liberty of the children of God,” and be free! This is your divine right.’ ” Mrs. Eddy had given a method whereby each one could prove that the teachings of the Bible were in every way practicable and usable in all the affairs of everyday life. A spiritual understanding of the Bible was a very practical guide anil mentor in everyday affairs, bringing life, peace and joy. All the activities of life were mental and it followed that as one's life was attuned to the divine Mind all actions would become more and more harmonious and intelligent. This, of course, meant the elimination of ignorance, misjudgment and mistakes. NORTHCOTE PRESBYTERIANS YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED The annual meeting of parishioners of the Northcote Presbyterian Church held recently was presided over by the Rev. F. A. Thompson. The report disclosed that the membership roll showed an increase, and that there had been good attendances at the communion services. Three young peoples' Bible classes reported steady attendance, and well sustained studies. The Women's Mission Union had assisted missions to the extent of £lB ISs. and the girls’ auxiliary had supplemented this with a gift : of £3. The Sunday school was progressing steadily under the superintendence • of Mr. McGhie and an efficient staff j of seven teachers. ■ The choir, under Mr. A. Boswell, was steadily improving. The income for the year totalled £440, showing a small balance in : hand. The new church building fund .stood at £730, and an effort is to be made to increase this to £BOO when the immediate construction of the : new- church would be commenced. A garden fete is to be held in Mr. J. I Hay's grounds. “Calliope,” on December 7, for this purpose. The minister thanked all those who had assisted in the removal of the ! old church to its present site, and urged the parishioners to sustained ; loyalty in the preparations for the erection of the new church, which would be built in brick. The management committee is as follows: —Messrs. J. Hay, H. Brodie, Hector McKinnon, D. Munro, J. Lockie, W. Meston. A. Boswell, Hugh McKinnon, and J. Fawcett, the three • last-named being elected to fill vaean- . cics.