Article October 7, 1905 Issue

Love's Gifts

ALMEDA N. TRACY.

Paul said, in speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, "Ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." I have received so much since coming into Christian Science, my blessing and gifts have been so manifold, that I have been glad when I read this passage that it did not say it was not blessed to receive, but only that it is more blessed to give. Soon after we began the study of Christian Science, we moved to the far West, and were, as I believe, the first Christian Scientists in Arizona. The never-failing love that was reflected to us by the little band of Scientists whom we left behind in the East, cannot be described. It led us to realize what the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer means. Divine Love was indeed reflected in the love which was manifested to us in many ways.

Being young in the study of Christian Science, we did not possess many of the books, and there were not so many published then (some twelve years ago) as there are now. Our hymnal had only been issued a short time, but a dear Scientist gave us a copy as a parting gift. Another gave "Retrospection and Introspection" by our Leader. Afterward, "Pulpit and Press" was sent to us, also a later edition of Science and Health. A letter was received asking if we had "Miscellaneous Writings," and saying that we should have it. Again, one sent two dollars, saying that perhaps our subscription to The Christian Science Journal had expired. Afterward, through the love of that dear band, we received a copy of "Christ and Christmas" as a Christmas gift, one of the very first issued.

I can never express the joy and the blessing which these gifts brought to us, cheering and inspiring us to live the truth they taught. For all these benefits we are indeed greatful, and in the last few years we have not been unmindful of the beautiful lesson thus taught us, and we have been ever ready to receive the greater blessing which comes to us from giving in like manner to Christ's hungry and thirsty ones. Neither do I fail to remember with gratitude our beloved Leader, who has unlocked the treasures of Truth for us and whose teaching makes all good things possible. In our experience the love that is commended by her was expressed and was not found wanting.

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