Article January 27, 1912 Issue

"THERE MAKE READY"

DAISY BEDFORD

It is interesting to note that nearly every student of Christian Science will, when describing how he first became interested in this subject, use some such words as these, "I remember the first Wednesday evening meeting," or, "At the first testimony meeting I attended," and then go on to describe the particular testimony or feature of the service which arrested his attention and caused him to look more closely into the teachings of Christian Science. Such being the case, it is surely important that every one shall, to quote the words of our Leader, bring to "this banquet of Christian Science ... what they possess of love and light" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 149), that no weary and heavy laden one be turned empty away. In Christian Science we know how necessary it is that every detail in its observance should be carried out as perfectly as possible, and we need also to realize the great privilege which is ours in being able to voice at these Wednesday evening meetings our gratitude for all the benefits which we have received through the understanding of Truth.

It has been said that we give our best testimony when we have no testimony to give, but this may prove misleading to the inquirer, and needs explanation. As the healing power of Christian Science unfolds more and more in each individual consciousness, the mists of sickness, sin, and disease begin to dissolve, and eventually they will melt away into their native nothingness. This exemption from discord of every kind should draw from us an unceasing pean of praise and the glad acknowledgment of God's goodness, inasmuch as God's hand has led us away from the rocks of evil-speaking, self-will, envy, and malice, as well as from so many physical ailments which cannot find entry into the consciousness that is filled with Truth and Love. Could we not give testimony at any moment of the day to the beauty of holiness, the goodness and loving-kindness of God, and the innumerable proofs of His all-protecting care? for sorrow overcome either in ourselves or others, for the illumination of some passage of the Bible hitherto meaningless, or the privilege of hourly offering the cup of cold water to those desiring spiritual regeneration and healing? Indeed, one sometimes wonders what holds him back from carrying out the psalmist's exhortation: "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

People will oftentimes ask a practitioner why such and such a discord does not yield to the touch of Truth, and one may sometimes be led to feel that the explanation lies in the failure to acknowledge what has already been done for them. In Science and Health (p. 3) we read: "If we are ungrateful for Life, Truth, and Love, ... the only acceptable prayer is to put the finger on the lips and remember our blessings." It is well to find out, if possible, what is preventing us from giving thanks. Most frequently it is a fear of criticism, the fear of what others may say about it; in short, personal sense. We need to remember that we are speaking to our Father in heaven, and that mortal mind criticism cannot touch those of whom it may be said: "Their angels [pure thoughts] do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."

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