Article May 12, 1906 Issue

Getting Rid of Burdens

EMMA EASTON NEWMAN.

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

Hebrews, 12:1.

THE study of "An Allegory" in "Miscellaneous Writings" by Mrs. Eddy has illumined for the writer the meaning of the first six words of the above quotation. All Christians know that sin as manifested in the grosser forms—"the works of the flesh"—must be abandoned, but if one would see progress in his own consciousness from month to month and from year to year, if he would so live that others may be won to his way of thinking and living, all "weights," all defects of character, disposition, and habit, must be discarded. Those who come in daily contact with him are constantly watching and passing judgment on him, either consciously or unconsciously. For one opportunity that he may have for proving how his faith will help him to meet and master some great temptation to sin, there will be a thousand in which to show forth the Christ-spirit in the exigencies of daily life. It is therefore important for him to drop everything which may in any wise hinder his progress. Is he carrying the weight of a stubborn will, day by day, putting it in evidence now and then, and ready to combat any one who suggests that it is not only useless baggage, but that in devoting himself to his burden he is prevented from looking up to the "vision splendid" of the will of God? He who is honest with himself can see, in looking back over his life, so many instances wherein the weight of self-will has hindered progress. Perhaps he has become so confused in his thinking as to be convinced that it is God's will which he is carrying about. If such be the case, he needs to be awakened to the fact that God's will is not an oppressive weight to carry, but is strong enough to uplift and carry him over all the rough places.

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