The Father’s House

IN times of doubt or of sorrow the struggling human sense must needs rely upon the anchor of faith which keeps thought from drifting astray till the storm is past. In these hours Christian Science comes to light the gloom and reveal the way for very many who otherwise might suffer ship-wreck. By this new understanding of Truth the Master’s statements are illumined, and their relation to our individual experiences is made clear and practical. It is readily seen that our old, material sense of his words is inadequate for the working out of our problems, and that the light which we need is spiritual.

Jesus’ declaration, “In my Father’s house are many mansions,” has been a great source of comfort to many, but it has also given rise to much unprofitable speculation. It would seem, however, that one lesson is clearly conveyed by it; viz., that the Father’s house is the universal domain of divine Love, and that the needs of all God’s children are amply provided for therein. It would also seem that the many mansions referred to by the Master, represent the different stages of consciousness through which we must pass on our way to a full understanding of divine Principle,—our Father-Mother God. To mortal sense our present abode may be lowly, it may even be o’ershadowed with sorrow or suffering, but a growing recognition of the presence of divine Love will dispel the clouds and reveal a home radiant with the light of Truth, and in the hours of still greater illumination there will be glimpses of the walls of jasper, of sapphire, and of emerald. Christian Science teaches us how we should demean ourselves in such a “home of the soul,” and that we may invite to its shelter all sick and weary wanderers.

The cheering words, “I go to prepare a place for you,” tell us that the Christ—the divine idea—ever goes before us, anticipating our needs and providing for them, and that as followers of Truth we, too, should be preparing for others, places in consciousness where no sense of evil can find entrance, either as sin, disease, or death. As Christian Scientists we may well ask ourselves whether we are following Christ Jesus in this regard, whether we, in our Christlike living, are revealing the “many mansions” to those who are straying in the mazes of materiality, and who believe that the only way to the “Father’s house” is through the valley of the shadow of death.

In our Leader’s writings we are clearly shown how all may trace the footsteps of the Master, and thus find their rightful place, provided by infinite wisdom. We should know that each of us is now in one of the many mansions, and that all good is therein, and for us, if we but recognize it. It is our present task to cast out every belief in evil. sin, disease, discord, for we can ill afford to let discordant tones break in upon our unfolding recognition of the eternal harmony. No one who reads of the “Father’s house,” ever supposes that sin, sickness, or death has any place therein. Christian Science endorses this view, and further insists upon the necessity for such an understanding of divine Truth as will show that we are not consistent followers of Christ unless we prove our Christian loyalty in thoughts, words, and deeds befitting the Father’s house, into which nothing can enter that defileth “or maketh a lie.” The thought of this stately abode is beautifully expressed in Holmes’ poem, “The Chambered Nautilus:”—

Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past! Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life’s unresting sea!