Article October 16, 1909 Issue

MAKING A DEMONSTRATION

M. CORNELIA HOPPOCK.

We learn from our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, that "giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us" (Science and Health, p. 79). It was with this thought that I heard the call to bring "all the tithes into the storehouse," for we had overflowed the seating capacity of our church and were now in the act of buying an expensive piece of property on which to build another edifice. Only a part of a month was given to bring in our gifts, and I had not the sum on hand which I wished to contribute. Error whispered of taxes which must be paid, and other dues to be met, which would leave nothing for our dear church. Being willing to make a sacrifice, my thought rested upon some property which I owned, and which might with some difficulty be disposed of. With only this in view, I promised the money, holding in thought the unlimited supply which is always at hand for God's dear children. I felt at once that a lack of means meant lack of understanding of His affluence.

I knew personally some individuals who said they had given all they had to God's work, or had sacrificed what had been reserved for another purpose, and shortly after had received these amounts, and more too. So, with this encouraging testimony before me and twelve days in which to work it out, I began to use the letter of the promises in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's verification of them, imbibing the spirit as I read thoughtfully these passages. I perceived in the scientific sense a rule, the Christ-rule, just as there is a fixed law in mathematics, and that I must adhere strictly to this rule, which to me meant never to let my thought drop from the ideal mountain-height of revelation; and in the joy of working I felt myself to be stepping up into a higher altitude, a little higher each day.

A number of days passed away, and still I had no expression or manifestation as a proof of my work, but the amount I had promised now looked much smaller to my mental vision, until it seemed that the mists were dispersing, and I felt sure of being near the summit. As difficulties still seemed to block the way, I felt that I was willing to give up all I had in order to make this demonstration; and, unlike many other times, I meant that this experience should be a lesson to me, and that I would receive from it an understanding which would be my reward — for I never once doubted but that this must be accomplished. I also felt at the time of giving the pledge that I was sowing a seed in Christ's name, according to a fixed and unfailing rule; and afterward the passing of the days was to me the developing of the plant, and the final manifestation was the blossom or fruit. I worked with great faith, hardly ceasing some days, so intent was I to see only the one straight path. I listened for the "still small voice" to command me, and acted upon these thoughts as they were presented to me, and I remember the feelings of gratitude which enveloped me as I heard, and how with a hearty "Thank you," mentally, I plodded along, obeying.

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