Article July 22, 1916 Issue

Obstacles Removed

FRED C. PUTCAMP

When a mere boy the writer was given the task of plowing for the first time a field which had been cleared of heavy timber. The stumps of the trees were numerous, many of them of immense size. The task was a difficult one, as there did not appear to be much soil which could be prepared for the seed, since the roots extended several feet in all directions and seemed to have a firm grip on the earth. Nevertheless, after a period of patient labor the field was made ready, and then came a sense of satisfaction that the task was finished; but time proved that it had only been begun, for every year the work had to be repeated. It was a great joy, however, to find that the task was growing easier, for at each plowing some of the smaller stumps would loosen their hold and could be pulled out and burned, and it was found possible to get nearer the larger ones as the roots decayed and began to give way to the plow. This process continued for several years, until it was noticed that only a few of the numerous stumps remained. It was also observed that each time one of them was removed, the grain grew more luxuriantly there than elsewhere, so much so that in looking over the field in harvesttime, one could distinguish the exact spot where the old landmark had stood.

Years later, when the study of Christian Science was taken up, the lesson of the stumpy field proved a valuable one. In the first attempts at studying Science and Health it was found that many obstacles stood in the way of understanding, and a sense of doubt and discouragement as to the possibility of ever raising a crop of spiritual good from such a field took possession of the reader. But our Leader says, "It is certain that the divine Mind can remove any obstacle" (Science and Health, p. 424), and Love whispered, "Let patience have her perfect work." So with renewed energy and hope the reading was taken up and continued for years, and now the field is beginning to promise a more abundant harvest at each reading.

As in the material field, so in the study of the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, each time a mortal mind concept is removed a higher growth of grain (spiritual understanding) is attained, and the very spot where the obstruction seemed to be contains a richness of soil that brings forth a greater harvest of spiritual food. This is due to the fact that error of every kind seems real only to mortal belief, and when the soil is cleared the seed of Truth springs up and gives a rich harvest.

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