Editorial August 19, 1916 Issue

Trying and Doing

Annie M. Knott

ONE of the meanings of the verb to try is to attempt, or to put forth an effort, and it is simply astonishing how often trying is made to take the place in human experience of actual doing. It is possibly a step in advance of the position of those who "say, and do not," and who for this reason were severely censured by Christ Jesus; but those who merely "try" to do what God's law requires, need to arouse themselves for truer effort. If there is any doubt on the part of a sincere follower of Truth as to what he can accomplish, he has but to recall the assuring words of St. Paul, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." The apostle undoubtedly reached this conviction by pressing on from trying to doing, from attempt to achievement.

When Moses was bidden to lead his people out of captivity, he did not even say that he would try. Like the men in Jesus' parable of the great supper, he began to make excuses, but one by one these were set aside by the divine Mind,—by Him who speaks and it is done, who commands and His decree stands fast. When Moses pleaded his own lack of eloquence, he was told to go to Egypt and speak to Pharaoh, and God said: "I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." God did not demand of him results, for these were dependent upon omnipotence; but unwavering obedience was called for, and Moses soon learned that aught less than this would interpose a barrier between the divine will and its activity on the human plane.

After Moses had gone to Egypt and had done all that divine wisdom required of him, he was ready at the command of Truth to bid the children of Israel "stand still," or "go forward," ready himself to obey, despite their outcries and reproaches. A path through the Red Sea was then prepared, and guided by Mind's symbol, "the pillar of fire and of the cloud," they safely reached the shore. Soon thereafter the command was given to Moses and his people to hearken diligently to the voice of God, then to "do that which is right in his sight," and with this dual command came the promise of exemption from disease, accompanied by the divine declaration, "I am the Lord that healeth thee."

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