Article August 12, 1911 Issue

THE FIRST STEP

M. F. EUSTIS.

No word surely is more often on the lips of Christian Scientists than love, and in their acts nothing should be more apparent; but for several years after accepting Christian Science as the truth, after trying to make it practical in my daily life, and receiving great benefit therefrom, I yet felt that I had not reached the heart of it, for the true sense of love was yet an unacquired treasure, notwithstanding Mrs. Eddy has so plainly told us how to gain it, and that "Love imparts the clearest idea of Deity" (Science and Health, p. 517).

When I asked some who seemed to understand this teaching, how to love, I was told, "You must love every one." But I answered that this was impossible because the many were quite unlovable to me. A year ago, I again asked a Christian Scientists the question, "What is it to love? What does it mean? How shall I go to work to love?" He answered that to love is to feel kindly, then he told me how he once disliked the English sparrow; but when he awoke to the fact, he began to note its brave flight in the winter storms, and there was thus awakened a kindly feeling toward the little foreigner. He also spoke of the little thoughtful things that were done for and by him in traveling, things that always called forth a kindly response. I left this Scientist with my eyes opened to my first needful step. I must waste no more time in wondering as to what love is but I must by kind thoughtfulness for others begin to reflect to human sense the Love that surrounds it but to which its eyes are not opened.

The next day had been set aside for shopping, a task which was so often accompanied with thoughtless acts and impatient words that I had more than once said to myself, "I am glad they do not know I call myself a Christian Scientist." But now in place of pitying myself for having to be in the crowded shops and cars I found myself watching for an opportunity to be kind; and what a different place town was! Such sweet smiles and hearty thanks as were given me, and each time I longed to say, "I'm a student of Christian Science. Isn't it beautiful?"

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THE FIRST STEP

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