Article March 18, 1905 Issue

"Work out your own salvation"

ADELE HULL WOLFE.

Some five years ago, adrift amidst angry waves of illness and despair, I was toiling at the oars when, in the teaching of Christian Science, Christ came walking upon the sea and there was a great calm. Above the roar of the tempest was heard the echo of that immortal voice from Galilee, "Be of good cheer; it is I," and the storm ceased. I knew that Christ had indeed come to dwell among men and was speaking to this age through a prophet raised up from the valley and shadow to bring hope to the world.

After the fashion appointed by man, thirteen years had been vainly spent in seeking immunity from pain. Then suddenly to hear the hymn of freedom voiced after the manner of Christian Science, and to have its rhythm proved through the restoration of mind and body, was almost bewildering. While the ear inclined quickly to catch the refrain of hope uttered in this diapason of peace, it was slow to bend to the warning that all who join the heavenly hosts must pass under the rod which enforces the command, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Many bitter lessons had to be learned before the realization came that Christian Science does not permit any one to lie luxuriously back and be comfortably towed into an unearned heaven. Truly there is no royal road to harmony, and, be the healing slow or fast, there are no vicarious crowns in glory. Physical healing comes as the harbinger of redemption, not its attainment; but, thrilling under its beneficent touch one may mistake a mere loving of Christian Science for the living of it, and then a grieving wonder is aroused that chastening should come.

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