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CHRISTIAN

SCIENCE

JOURNAL.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds."

VOL. X.

MAY, 1892.

No. 2.

PRACTICAL.

DEMONSTRATION IS

Outline of a sermon preached in Chickering Hall, by the Pastor of the Church of Christ (Scientist), Boston.

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.-1 COR. ii. 4.

NE can be among Christian Scientists but a short time.

ONE

ere he discovers that a certain term has become with them a house-hold word. That word is DEMONSTRATION. It is employed not simply in treatment of disease, but in other matters; and its sphere is gradually widening. What does it imply? Have even those who use it so constantly any real sense of its signification?

Since the study of the exact meaning of terms should be part of one's religious training, might it not be well to refer to some dictionary? WEBSTER, universally recognized as authority on definitions, gives this as part of his definition; "to point out, to indicate: to make evident: to exhibit: to show, or make evident by reasoning: to prove by deduction to establish, so as to exclude the possibility of a doubt, or denial; proof, evidence, especially proof beyond the possibility of a doubt." This is clear, and sufficiently plain to convey some proper conception of the term. We might rest with this definition; yet, since we gain clearer conceptions

Copyright, 1892, by National Christian Scientists' Association.

in the use of concrete examples than in mere abstract statements, permit me to employ some familiar illustrations which help to enforce its meaning.

The school-boy demonstrates on the blackboard, makes plain or evident beyond the possibility of a doubt, the correctness of his solution of the mathematical problem given him. Constant, unremitting obedience to this rule confirms his confidence in its absolute correctness; while commercial dealings with his school-fellows, and making of frequent purchases for his parents, but serves to "make assurance doubly sure." In this way he learns that the rule is absolutely correct, that it is based upon unalterable principle; since, in every instance that he applies it the same definite results are obtained. Thus he has proved, demonstrated it beyond the possibility of a doubt.

Demonstrating, making plain or evident, is not confined to mathematics; though there appears a wide-spread and erroneous impression that rules of mathematics alone are capable of irrefutable proof or demonstration. Mathematics no more rest on indubitable proof or fixed fact, than does everything which has principle for its basis. There are certain rigorous but positive rules on which trade rests for its support and successful prosecution; and to violate these fixed canons, is invariably to invite defeat. The agriculturist must discover and demonstrate the rules on which culture. of the soil depends for profitable results. Commerce, navigation, banking,- in fact all departments of human industry, - have arbitrary rules which men must learn and obey in order to achieve success. Thus they demonstrate, make plain or evident beyond all possibility of a doubt, that principle has been adhered to in business. In such a course there is no element of uncertainty; while to deviate from principle, brings inevitable disaster.

A sad but striking illustration was furnished, in this very community, several years ago, in the case of a certain railroad bridge which competent civil engineers claimed had been constructed in ignorant violation of the principle which should govern in bridge-building. These experts predicted

that, sooner or later, the bridge would give way. Their vindication came one day, in the shape of a "frightful accident" which swept that poorly-constructed affair from its foundations; and, in our human mode of speech, carried to their death a score of victims. Did this disaster occur to vindicate the veracity of these engineers, or in response to envious predictions? No, neither one. The bridge went down simply because principle had been disobeyed; and in its destruction, the discernment of these experts was proven accurate. The structure that now stands in its stead, is constructed in accordance with principle; and were all the trains on the globe to roll across it, it would stand the test,showing that when man is governed by principle in his work there is no room for accident. We constantly hear the intimation that accidents are of divine appointment, are part of the plan of an Infinite God; whereas, the exact opposite is true. In God's universe there can be no accidents, since His universe is the perfect, indestructible work of immutable Principle.

66

"But, are there no accidents?" is the amazed inquiry, May we not read long chapters of daily disasters? What, but accident and casualty, fills the daily press? s?"

Let us grant that this appears to be true; but what does the appearance prove? Simply that the non-intelligent deviation from Principle, but brings its legitimate results, which are no part of the universe of God; but are only taking place in that unreal world which the senses ignorance of God — have made to seem real to themselves. When we have demonstrated our way clear above and beyond the senses, into knowledge of God, every semblance of accident. and discord will disappear. It is simply because we do not understand the underlying and overlying Principle in which the universe is, that we are tormented with oft-repeated chapters of disasters, including sin, sickness and death. We have need to demonstrate our way up out of matter, into Spirit and its divine, immutable harmony.

It will not be amiss to consider some misconceptions which arise in regard to demonstration. One misconception arises

from the impression that theory has much to do with our success or failure. We are reminded that we should have correct theories about the conduct of life. We hear that if our theories are right, we shall meet with success; while if they are erroneous, we shall meet with failures at every step. What has theory to do with the government of the universe, or the things in the universe? That some theories are better than others is true, and a correct theory is preferable to one that is faulty and awry; but what can mere theory accomplish? A watchmaker may entertain correct theories about the rules for making a watch; but the construction of the watch depends upon the understanding of and obedience to these rules, and not at all upon his theory about them. All the fine theories in the world would not assist much in making that watch; but the simple knowing how it should be done, and doing it, are what give us the watch. Our successes, and our oft failures, do not depend upon theories nearly as much as we may suppose; but they do depend upon understanding, or failure to understand, the Principle upon which are based the correct rules for demonstrating all the concerns of life.

There is another grave mistake which we cherish, which thus far tends to confusion, viz.: the. wide-spread impression, especially amidst the so-called religious circles of the world, that faith rather than understanding is the prime essential in one's Christian character. "Without faith it is impossible to please God," the Scriptures declare, and so men have come to think that blind, unquestioning faith which is little more than superstition or ignorant credulity, is the keystone of the arch in religious matters; though knowledge and understanding are demanded in all the common affairs of life. Is this really so? No. Most emphatically, No!

Faith is needful in one's religious career; but it is not one whit more necessary in this than in all matters of growth and attainment. Without faith it is impossible to please God, or Principle, in anything. Why? Because the faith that leads to intelligent obedience, is a stepping stone to understanding, or the whole spirit of divine wisdom.

It