The selection of Principle for our topic proved an inspired choice, although in the heat of the passions released last week it seemed almost comically inappropriate. We calmed down, as expected, but were also able to get up some pretty good material.

Of the readings brought in, only the article "Instruction by Mrs. Eddy" from Miscellany, pg. 241:10 to 242:14, and parts of "Principle and Practice" were read. These together with some quotes from Henry Drummond's " The Greatest Thing In The World" commenting on I Corinthians, Chapter 13, showed us the need and the way to integrate the practice of absolute Christian Science into our everyday lives and relationships. Thus, Principle, far from being some cold, distant ideal, becomes a living reality.

Our need was rudely pointed out in recent events in the group, and one member observed that we're all quite different people with different "takes" on Science. He felt such differences are illusions when we meet on the basis of divine Principle. To unite there requires some quieting of thought and opinion; the rewards are great. Another pointed out that Scripture and the writings of Mrs. Eddy all tell of the allness of God in many different ways to appeal to all levels of thought. These could perhaps be seen as many gates to the same city, or divine consciousness.

One member was troubled by Mrs. Eddy's distinction between faith healings and true Christian Science healings — he wondered whether his healings had always been based in Science. He recounted an instance from his youth when having a case of flu and being scheduled to perform in an orchestra that day. He telephoned his Sunday School teacher who agreed to treat him and told him to go on to the concert. Immediately he found himself drenched in sweat and well — he went to the performance. He also told us of his own treatment as he sat in a doctor's office to be treated for a recurring infection. He reasoned scientifically that as a spiritual idea he could have no impurity. The doctor found no infection present. Members of the group found both healings had the "ring" of real Science to them. One mentioned his Christian Science teacher's admonition that the student of Science will not leave any healing whether by faith, by drugs or Science in the hands of belief but will designate all as spiritual. We are enlisted to look through matter beliefs in illness — why wouldn't we look through them in this so-called method of treatment?

A member amplified this quote from Science and Health, "Christian Scientists must live under the constant pressure of the apostolic command to come out from the material world and be separate." (pg. 451:2-4)  He had seen this in the past as a directive to associate mainly with Scientists and to withdraw from the give and take of human life into serenity and holiness. He now sees it as an invitation to give up the belief that the world is material. Separated from such illusion we are free to participate in all aspects of human life. Though, this does entail its own discipline, to stay on top of matter beliefs.

A couple of members described their handling of the emotions set loose by last week's meeting. One found this statement in Science and Health helpful: "Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle,—is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal." (pg. 306:25-29) Another was greatly energized by the proceedings. He felt we have obviously provided a safe space for people to explore and show their feelings. This would be useful in the "outside world".  It was like "life with training wheels".

Incidentally, we quietly approved a new preamble — so hotly disputed last week — and started using it. We can always change it later if it proves unworkable or if we need a good shake.

Healings:

One member had found her hand restricted in movement after she recovered from a broken arm — this went on for months. A few weeks ago, she suddenly glimpsed her spiritual existence and the hand freed up immediately. She now has full use of her hand.

Another member had an early morning bout of diarrhea. Was this food poisoning, the flu, perhaps cholera?! He planned his day around staying close to the bathroom and drinking Gatorade. He'd have to miss church but could do a little service in bed. This class-taught student of Christian Science finally remembered Science. He thought of the Chinese medical model of bowel problems arising from grief. He started down that road but found too many things to be grief-stricken about so he decided to think about God's man, fully supplied with all good, never lacking anything, harmonious to the hilt. Well, it wasn't ten minutes before he was up and getting ready for his day. He was fine.

Another member came down with he flu. He felt so bad that he was completely unable to work. He worried that even a few days off without any money flowing in could wreck his finances. This predicament forced him to turn the whole problem over to God. As he recovered from the flu he found a much more trusting feeling towards God's disposition of his business life. Suddenly he finds himself with much zest for life and dozens of fresh ideas for the business.

At the end of the meeting, as usual, we asked around for a topic for next week. One member requested that we look at Dating as seen in Christian Science. Many moans and shrieks later, after jokes about "You mean tricking?", etc., it was settled. We may even have two weeks — Dating Theory and Dating Practice. Anyway, fasten you chastity belts, we may be in for a bumpy ride.