Article July 7, 1906 Issue

Right Doing and Its Reward

E. E. S.

WHEN I began to discern the beauty of this grand truth, Christian Science, I yearned to be in the Field, at work for the Cause; and I regretfully returned to the business world, with perhaps a thought that I was not worthy of the higher service; little realizing that an earnest desire to do makes it impossible to be idle, since every thought should mean "work." I had been in my present position three months, when one Saturday morning my employer called me into his office, and total me that because of insufficient business I was to take a two-weeks holiday; then, if conditions warranted it, I could resume work. My first thought was of our Leader's words, "In the way Thou hast" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 400). I next asked, "Is God's way ever unjust? Would I leave my employer at two hours notice?" "No." "Does not the same law govern employer and employe?" "Yes" Then came the conviction that since I knew right, I must have courage to voice it if necessary. It did prove necessary and I said, "Mr.—, if you were busy in your factory (and that you are not, is no fault of mine), would you expect me to leave you at two hours' notice? because I would not do it; however, I am willing to do whatever you think is just and right." I returned to table and continued my work, when in about ten minutes I was recalled and reinstated for one week longer, at the expiration of which I would be expected to take a vacation of two weeks. To this I cheerfully agreed.

On Monday morning, when the first mail was opened, one of the partners said that a fresh order for goods had been received; the next day one much larger came, and the following day I was told that I might not have any vacation at all on account of the pressure of work. A little later a mistake of one hundred and fifty dollars was made, in my employer's favor. He asked me what I thought of it, and I at once declared for the Golden Rule. In a few moments he came to me again and said "I would not like any one to keep that sum from me, and so I shall call them up and tell them about it;" which he did, with the result that they asked him to enter upon another transaction. He did so, and received an extensive order.

A few days later my employer asked what I thought of the week's business. I replied, "I think it is only the beginning, and a reward for your willingness to see right and then do it. I also think that your one reading of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by Mrs. Eddy is beginning to have its effect." "I see," was his only reply. To me it was beautiful to "stand still and see the salvation of God."

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