Article May 12, 1917 Issue

An Incident

S. WINIFRED WILEY

One day as the writer was quietly trying to work out in Christian Science a seemingly difficult problem, her gaze was lifted to a picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; but instead of the beautiful and inspiring subject, there stared back at her the reflection of her own face in the glass which covered the picture. Rather impatiently she said, "Oh, I do not want to see you!" and immediately moved her chair a trifle. On again glancing toward the picture, instead of the offending image of the mortal self she saw plainly reflected from the opposite wall the words of our dear Leader, "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them" (Miscellany, p. 210).

The lesson was plain. Although she had been sincerely seeking Truth, there yet remained enough of material selfhood, with its hopes and fears, to hide the clear radiance of spiritual vision. Was not that after all the whole of the problem, no matter what its seeming form,—to get rid of self? And with the slight effort in that direction the way was revealed, even the filling of one's thought with Truth and Love. Perhaps we do not always notice the word "filled," and think that if a fair proportion of our time and thought be given to our studies, then all will be well; whereas Mrs. Eddy says: "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty" (Science and Health, p. 183).

The incident, though slight in itself, served to deepen the sense of consecration and to spur the student on to more valiant efforts toward self-abnegation as a practical proof of the gratitude felt for the innumerable blessings which the study of Christian Science has brought into her experience. Truly through this experience was fulfilled the psalmist's realization, expressed in these words: "He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters."

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