Article December 31, 1910 Issue

"THE GOSSAMER WEB"

DAISY WOODWARD.

On page 403 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy speaks of "the gossamer web of mortal illusion." The writer has recently been much impressed by the aptitude of the above words, descriptive of mortal illusion in its many forms. Probably all of us have at some time or other paused to admire the construction of a spider's web. How beautiful is the dainty network of silken threads, sometimes seen on a winter morning outlined with gems of hoar frost sparkling in the sun. What a temptation to the unwary little fly to enter, but how short-lived the pleasure, for what appeared so harmless and beautiful soon proves to be a cruel trap from which there seems little chance of escape.

So is it with certain forms of sensuous attraction which deceive us by appearing on the surface so beautiful, so harmless, and so necessary, as we imagine, to our happiness and comfort. How easily we blind ourselves to the nature of these so-called pleasures, and indulge in them, until like the poor little fly we wake up to find ourselves seemingly entangled hopelessly in the web that error has woven for us. Sometimes we struggle violently and impatiently to free ourselves, murmuring against the cruel spider which has ensnared us; sometimes we sink despondently, fearing that we have not the strength to rise above our difficulties. Our efforts become feebler and feebler, until we hear the whisper of a "still small voice" which says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," and we eagerly ask ourselves, Where is the Spirit of the Lord?

Then comes the joyful answer, "God is Spirit and Spirit is omnipresent; therefore liberty, freedom, is everywhere, and for all who are willing to claim man's divine birthright. Spirit is the only attraction, and as we begin to realize this truth, and resolutely turn away from material pleasures, we shall find "the gossamer web of mortal illusion" swept away, and in its place we shall fearlessly enjoy "the glorious liberty of the children of God."

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