Article November 23, 1912 Issue

GROWTH MADE POSSIBLE

EVELYN DEPEW MILLER.

In my window stands a fern of unusual beauty. Some time ago it occurred to me that this plant, though symmetrical and thrifty, was not making any growth. Upon examination I discovered that it was "seeding." As the chief province of a fern when used for decorative purposes is beauty and not propagation, I decided to cut back the fronds which were producing spores. My intention wavered when I found that the spores appeared on the largest and finest fronds, the removal of which would seriously mar the appearance of the plant. I, however, adhered to my first decision and pruned the plant relentlessly, so that, as compared with its former appearance, it did present a sorry sight when the pruning was completed. Soon, however, evidences of rapid growth became apparent; the old fronds became larger, new ones appeared, the green took on a livelier hue, and the whole plant seemed to have imbibed new life. This growth has continued until the fern is now more beautiful than at any time before its pruning.

This experience has been to me an illustration of the growth of the individual in Christian Science, and the analogy is apparent. While living under material conditions and obeying the behests of mortal mind, one's life may manifest symmetry and harmony to a certain degree—to such a degree, even, that both he and his friends are satisfied with it. But let Christian Science come into this individual's experience, and at first he may be overwhelmed with the sacrifices that seem to be demanded. Our text-book says, "Few understand or adhere to Jesus' divine precepts for living and healing. Why? Because his precepts require the disciple to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye,—that is, to cast aside even the most cherished beliefs and practises, to leave all for Christ" (Science and Health, p. 141). But let the disciple adhere to "Jesus' divine precepts for living and healing;" let him "cut off the right hand;" let him "pluck out the right eye;" let him set aside his "most cherished beliefs and practises;" and what is the result?

At first life may look empty and bereft, as did the fern after its pruning. Then comes the rehabilitation, and the disciple awakes to find that he has sacrificed nothing but worthless encumbrances. He had been gradually accumulating traits of character and habits of thoughts and life which were checking his further growth. This accumulation had been imperceptible to the casual observer—even to himself; but the searching rays of Truth brought it to light, and in separating himself from them the disciple not only loses the obstacles to his further growth, but gains new sources of strength and new opportunities for development. As he advances in understanding, he manifests a more harmonious and symmetrical development in every relation of life. His health is restored, his daily work is performed with more ability and despatch, his business becomes more successful, his social qualities grow more pleasing because more genuine. His mental horizon widens. In short, he begins to see spiritual realities.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

GROWTH MADE POSSIBLE

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access