Article August 9, 1913 Issue

BEING AWAKENED

MIRIAM B. CLARK.

While returning from a recent outing, a lesson was brought home to the writer in an especially vivid manner. As we neared a bridge at which the track made a turn, our car stopped, and naturally we looked for the reason. On the rail fence adjoining the bridge a drunken man was lounging, so close to the track that, had our car moved on, it would have struck him, and serious results would undoubtedly have followed. He was, however, so satisfied to remain in his dangerous position that he refused to move at the request of motorman and conductor; and when one of them disturbed the self-deceived slumberer, taking him by the shoulders and leading him away from danger, the response was a rebellious fretfulness and complaint.

Then the thought came, How true this is of lazy, intoxicated mortals, who love stupid ease, who complain because of the constant demands to come up higher and dwell in the safe place, "in the secret place of the most High"! They would prefer to be let alone, though in a position dangerous to spiritual growth; and if a friend proves himself to be really a friend, and, seeing their need, dares to disturb their false peace, or even causes them to suffer momentarily, they are not grateful for the arousal. Do we murmur over problems and experiences which force our progress heavenward, causing us to see by degrees that the gods of this world cannot satisfy us, that only the peace which Christ, Truth, gives can still the human restlessness and satisfy our desires and longings? The answer comes, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you."

Jesus was familiar with the rebellious attitude of lazy mortal mind, as evidenced by the response given him when healing the demoniac coming out of the tombs: "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not." The man who thus spoke was tormented to such a degree, and was so blinded, because gratitude had not yet been awakened, that for the moment he failed to appreciate Truth's work in stirring the evil for destruction. Jesus' command to error, "Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit," was for the blessing and healing of the man, who soon found himself "sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind," even as have so many in this age through the blessed ministry of Christian Science.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
CHURCH WORK
August 9, 1913
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit