Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1916-02-12
Christian Science
A LECTURE
B Y

Willis F. Gross, c. s. B. Member of the Board of Lectureship of
 The Mother Church, The First
 Church of Christ, Scientist, In Bos-
 ton, Mass.
 Willis F. Gross, c. $. B.. of Boston, Mass. delivered lecture on Christian Science to large audience at the Shriners' temple Thursday night, ap- bearing under the auspices of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Circuit Judge w. B. Sorrells introduce cd Mir. Gross. who spoke, as follows:
 It has been truly said that the de- sire for happiness is universal, and that all men have their faces turned toward the rising sun, ever hoping the coming day will bring that which they believe is essential to their hap piness and well-being, The unfortun- ate me who has been deprived of his liberty that the human law of justice may be satisfied believes that happi- ness is shut out by stone walls and iron gates. and he looks forward to the time when the doors of the prison house will close behind him. The in- valid believes there can be no happi- ness for him until he regains his health and if it is possible for him to do so, he avails himself of tho best medical skill and goes even to the uttermost parts of the earth, seeking that which was lost. Many persons believe there can he no happiness without a measure of worldly possess sions. and the acquisition of wealth seems to be thing of paramount inn portance.
 The one who understood best the issues of life, and knew how to deal with its perplexing problems in such a manner as would establish harmony on an enduring basis, taught that all good is gained through obedience to divine law. Seek ye first the king dom of God and his righteousness. and all these things shall be added unto you" was the definite and funda- mental teaching he left for all ages.
 If mortals could comprehend even a 1.-the of what. Is included in this far-reaching statement of the great Teacher. they would perceive that freedom. health. harmony.--all good. is included in the things that are to be added unto those who seek first the kingdom of God. h
 SCRIPTURAL PROMISES.
 It seems to require time and a diversity of human experiences. many of them by no means desirable, to teach the much-needed lesson that lasting goad is gained only as one builds on the firm foundation of eternal reality. When mortals have felt the sting of defeat, and discord and suffering seem to be their DOT ton, the human heart turns longing ly to the contemplation of things not unknowN to that consciousness accus- toned to finding satisfaction in mat ter. The promises of Scripture seem to take on new meaning and reveal possibilities greater than has ever before dawned upon human thought. \ ray of hope pierces the darkness and suffering mortals are made to feel that after all there may be pro- vided way of escape.
 The Scriptures are read, but the first faint realization of their mighty import is scarcely gained before CT roaeous belief whispers, Those in spired utterances were not intended for the present generation, You will note that the words were spoken at various times and to people living un- Nler circumstances very different from those with which you are concerned" hNf thA hN experienced the least practical ben eft from the newborn hope. it is crushed out by the mesmerism of false belief.
 If mortals could only understand that the eternal truths of the sacred writings are for them to accept and apply to the various problems of daily life. what world of comfort would be derived from such words of sweet assurance as these: Trust in the Lord. and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land. and verify thou shalt be fed" ''lf ye be willing and obedient. ye shall eat the good of the land" No good thing will he withhold from them that walk up rightly" Come unto me. all ye that labor and are heavy laden. and will give you rest" If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you. ye shall ask what ye will. and it shall be done unto you" Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. because he trusteth in thee"
 How one would be encouraged and strengthened, if he could but know that these and countless other prom ises recorded in Holy Writ, are for him and that he need not fear to ac cept them at their full value. When mortals gain sufficient spiritual per ception to grasp the truth as it is revealed to them in the study of the Scriptures, they will not be deceived by the subtle suggestions of error which have made impossible prac- tical application of inspired teachings,
 THE DIVINE WILL.
 If human experiences is not nightly interpreted, mortals would make God responsible for many things that are in no sense in accord with the divine will. It is believed by many that sick ness and suffering are sent of God