Had Jesus believed that Lazarus had lived or died in his...

J. M.

"Had Jesus believed that Lazarus had lived or died in his body, he would have stood on the same plane of belief with those who buried the body, and he could not therefore have resuscitated it" (Science and Health, p. 75). This passage came to me recently at the right moment, and I saw clearly the great distance between the seeming and the true man made in the image and likeness of God.

Years had passed during which I had been striving to gain this realization, and when the crucial test came divine Love upheld and sustained me beyond the most sanguine expectation. The shadow was erased and nothing left to cause fear or sorrow.

For sixteen years I had used no material remedies in manner, but there came a time when a divided thought crept in and materia medica was accepted by a member of our family. Scientists only can understand the natural conflict in thought of opposing methods, although little of Christian Science was voiced on our part, and every aid was given to doctors and nurses, thus winning them over to a friendly attitude toward our Cause. We honored these friends who were using their highest knowledge to alleviate the suffering of our loved one; and in return they expressed regret at invading our home, and gave full recognition of our helpfulness and efforts to carry out their instructions.

"The sting of death is sin." If we have fulfilled, according to our highest light, our obligations of love and duty to those who have passed from mortal sight, and are persuaded, yea know, that they are advancing in truth, what cause remains for sorrow? I say "know," for as Scientists have proven even in a small degree the power of the Principle of Science over the lesser problems, does that not presage the certainty of its power over the greater?

In the old thought, where feelings of personal loss and self-pity would arise unbidden, we now find gratitude for Love that meets every human need, and added obligations of profound love and loyalty to our dear Leader who has made it possible by her teaching to triumph over the "sorrow death."

That "there is no death" (Science and Health, p. 428), was never so clearly realized as in this late experience. I saw that the form of clay was not the child of God, who always was and is in the bosom of his Father.

A momentary stumble caused the dear one to resort to matter, but that was proven inadequate and error destroyed itself. From this false consciousness he has awakened to know that his Life was never lost, and now "eys clearer grown the truth may see." This vision has opened for him the way for a greater progress toward Spirit. In this knowledge sorrow is assuaged, and there remains only the chastened heart, gratitude for divine Love, and a renewed vow to higher consecration to Truth and Love.

J. M., San Jose, Cal.

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