“Truth demonstrated is eternal life.” (S & H, 289:1; citation #10)
I love re-reading Dorothy Rieke’s article entitled “Immortality Brought to Light” with the Lesson on “Life.” Recalling recent comments Mary made regarding demonstration during the most recent Bible Study and Roundtable discussions, and noticing the repetition of the word “demonstration” found in this week’s Lesson, when I read the Rieke article this time, not only did the word “demonstration” jump out at me more than before, but also the words “added things.”
In referencing an article available on the PF website, entitled “Accepting Demonstration” (by Margaret Morrison – CSJ, Feb. 1947), Dorothy Rieke makes such statements as these: “Any manifestation that might take place in our human experience as a result of this demonstration of Truth is but an added thing….The right job coming our way, the physical problem healed, the finding of a home, the manifestation of supply, are but the added things….if we testify consistently as regards what is actually true, we leave the door wide open for the added things. However, if we attach to our demonstration of Truth the word ‘but’ and add a negative thought, we close the door on the added things….Why not leave the door wide open, so that these added things can flow into our everyday living in abundance…without any compromising ‘if’s’ or ‘but’s’ or ‘maybe so’s’?”
Turning directly to the article “Accepting Demonstration” itself, we find these clear statements about what demonstration is: “To be wholly satisfied with and to rejoice fearlessly in divine Love, knowing that ideas alone are substance, and that as the reflection of Love [we express] the ideas of Love and [are] fully supplied – this is the ultimate demonstration….Never shut the door with a ‘but’ on the things that are added….Dwelling in this knowledge of the truth, rejoicing in it, being satisfied with it, reflecting it in daily thought and deed, is….demonstration. The things that are added will be forthcoming, but they are not themselves demonstration.”
“…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).
“Your ability to demonstrate is ‘Immanuel’ – God with you….the Carpenter Books…he talks about it over and over, how to demonstrate, how Mrs. Eddy demonstrated, how she insisted on demonstration in her home – this is what it’s all about…” (Roundtable 1/10).
THANK YOU to this week’s Lesson writer, and to ALL the Lesson writers each week, as we are prompted to explore the ideas brought out in the Lessons more fully, to expand our understanding of the truths we learn, and to thereby bring more healing into our lives, and into the lives of others, as well!