Article May 17, 1913 Issue

"AND SHUT THY DOOR."

ADAH M. JANDT.

One bright summer morning I sat drinking in a lovely scene. From a lofty site I looked down upon a beautiful lake among the sand-dunes of Michigan. Dark pines bordered it on the left clear to the water's edge; farther on, broad green terraces sloped gently down; while on the right the golden sands were piled high, with here and there a soldier-like, poplar boldly outlined against the sky. Overhead the sky was a perfect blue and, as Mrs. Eddy says, "bird and blossom were glad in God's perennial and happy sunshine, golden with Truth" (Science and Health, p. 121).The scene filled me with quiet joy and gratitude, and all was a symbol to me of the beauty and love which had come into my life through Christian Science.

Presently a letter was handed me. I opened it expectantly, knowing from whom it came. But instead of the anticipated friendly message, I found to my astonishment expressions of criticism, misjudgment, envy, and even hatred. I read it through with a feeling of grief and resentment welling up in my thought until I became quite miserable. Then, when I looked up, I was amazed at the apparent change in the scene before me. The sun was still shining, the birds were still singing, the water, the sands, and the trees were all there, but they no longer charmed me. Everything seemed dull and uninteresting, and I wondered what I could have seen in it of beauty. As the sense of discord grew, I suddenly recognized its cause,—I had been admitting the reality of the evil expressed in the letter, had given it room in my consciousness. Instantly I knew what I must do in order to dispel the darkness, namely, welcome the light of Truth and shut the door to the intruding testimony of mortal sense.

I had often found a healing balm in three articles by Mrs. Eddy in her "Miscellaneous Writings," entitled, "Love Your Enemies," "Taking Offense," and "Injustice," and I eagerly sought them now. Gradually, as I read these inspiring thoughts of love and peace, the light began to dawn, divine Love became clearer and nearer, Truth instead of error was seen to be real, and I was able at last to declare the allness of God, good. Then, as I looked out upon the scene which had seemed to change so suddenly, I rejoiced to find that it had regained all its beauty, and I realized anew that "all beauty and goodness are in and of Mind" (Rudi-mental Divine Science, p. 6).

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