Relief and happiness

We will now turn to the second Biblical quote chosen by Mary Baker Eddy to introduce the final chapter, Fruitage, in her master work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. — PAUL.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 600:-5)

This passage is from Colossians 1:10. The Message (by Eugene Peterson) paraphrases it like this:

"We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work."

One might ask what a fruitful life looks like. Can one even quantify such an idea?

In a recent episode of Sentinel Watch titled “This book healed me: Science and Health”, the interviewee shared that they had the idea to read Fruitage anew by noting the attitude of each of the testifiers.

The testimony which appears on pages 649-650 of Science and Health may serve as an example. The person—Carrie Kruses*—is disappointed and discouraged. 

At a very low ebb, she began reading Science and Health mainly because her landlady kept asking how she was getting along with it! Her thought moved from disappointment and discouragement to relief and happiness in the “few weeks” during which she read Science and Health in its entirety. The testimony concludes with a prayer for “more wisdom and understanding and more love for all mankind”.

What lovely fruitage!

Julie Swannell

PS One could also wonder about the attitude of the landlady. ☺

*See original testimony Jan. 14, 1904, Christian Science Sentinel.