Article June 17, 1916 Issue

Intruders on the Scene

AMY C. FARISS

As the student of Christian Science advances, hundreds of incidents that before were heedlessly passed over now show forth distinet lessons, and to illustrate some point in his argument he is likely to find himself referring to this or that happening. Some time ago such an illustration came to the writer's attention, and it has since stood out as an example of the tenacity with which the human mind clings to its utterly incongruous but pet beliefs.

Well-balanced opinion, unerring judgment, and conscientious reasoning on the subject at hand, may be some of the arguments either audibly or inaudibly advanced. Behind this expression of self-estimate one may look with pride at an array of ancestors whose exceptional independence of opinion is not to be forgotten, and who seem lined up to settle all doubts as to their unquestionable wisdom. Encased in such an attitude of thought, one may petulantly wonder why the healing truth of Christian Science so long delays its tender ministry, how one who is humble, ignorant so far as knowledge of the world's ways is concerned,—how he can rise with glowing face at a Wednesday evening meeting in some Christian Science church and so simply and effectively tell of God's healing power, the light of which even yet rests upon his face and wipes away what yesterday may have been concarned lines. Perhaps even farther astray as to the real reason for delayed blessings, the unhappy listener is apt to return home and once more wrap himself in his tatters of pride and prejudice,—these two assets from which he is not yet ready to part.

In Science and Health (p. 201) our Leader says: "We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us." We should let go our foolish, false self and find the healing that is surely here for every one of God's children. Above all, let us not send a call back across the ages to bring forth more of what can only hinder, but rather turn fearlessly to the new promise that today has dawned in Christian Science.

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