Article January 17, 1920 Issue

"The least of all seeds"

MARGARET W. DYER

AFTER the resurrection, when Jesus brake bread with two disciples at Emmaus, we are told that their hearts burned within them as he opened to them the Scriptures. They then perceived the immortality of the Christ, and were enabled through this experience to follow and to do the works of their great Exemplar, with a clearer vision than theretofore. As in this experience, so we to-day feel our hearts burn within us as we study the Scriptures, together with the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. The light which Christian Science throws upon the Bible makes plain to our understanding the spiritual truths, and they appear actual and attainable. While reading for the first time "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" by Mrs. Eddy, a student of Christian Science was deeply moved and felt warmth of heart as these disciples did. An overwhelming sense of gratitude and love demanded that she should strive more earnestly to demonstrate the teachings of Christian Science,—that she should make some sacrifice, do some great work as a proof of her appreciation for what the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science had done for the world. What a debt she owed this wonderful woman, who had given up all and persistently worked away until she had established upon a firm foundation a church whose mission is to heal and to redeem all mankind.

This desire to do some great work, to make some extreme sacrifice, was very strong, and the student began to ponder by what means she might accomplish this. It must be a task worthy of great effort, she thought,—and several hours were spent in thus contemplating. Then as if some one had spoken, she heard this: "Why, right now, right here under your very eyes there is plenty of work for you to do, if you are in earnest." "Ah, yes," thought the woman, "but what are these things? They are so small, only the ordinary trifles every one is confronted with. I want to do something that really counts." Here the "voice" answered, "What about this irritable and impatient disposition you have not overcome? Here, too, is an obstinate claim of poverty, and a cross and fretful baby, all asking you to apply what you understand of this healing truth and banish these discordant conditions."

Very humble did this little woman feel, and what huge proportions did these problems, which before seemed so trivial, assume. The work appeared stupendous; was she equal to it? Were her love and desire deep-rooted enough steadfastly to persevere until these errors were destroyed? And where could a greater work for her be found? All these questions she asked herself. Once again was whispered into her thought that here was an opportunity to prove her consecration and to begin at once. She did begin at once. The argument of a cross baby cutting teeth had been of many weeks' standing, and many times had tried to baffle and discourage her. This problem was dealt with, an inspiration being born of the following words concerning the mustard seed: "Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." The result was an immediate and permanent healing. Hour by hour and day by day were the other tasks taken up. The words from "Miscellaneous Writings" by Mrs. Eddy (p. 118) many times brought strength and comfort: "Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty of employment and the divine principle worketh with you,—and obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory."

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