Article December 9, 1922 Issue

"Peace and joy and power"

ISRAEL PICKENS

To all Christian Scientists the beautiful poem, "Mother's Evening Prayer" (Poems, p. 4), the words of which were penned by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, is especially significant and inspiring, it being so wonderfully expressive of the tender, loving care of the Father-Mother God for the Christ-idea. Not until recently had one individual, at least, caught so fully the glorious meaning of the first line of this prayer in verse, which is sung in all Churches of Christ, Scientist, and which reads, "O gentle presence, peace and joy and power."

On a Sunday morning a slight accident, to mortal belief, had befallen that individual, and even though seemingly small, it had nevertheless succeeded, for the moment, in its subtle purpose of clouding thought. Upon entering the church a sense of depression prevailed for him, but it was quite momentary, for the healing came with the reading of that first line of the hymn, quoted above. Such a sense of joy came in the realization of God's presence and power! The error had immediately vanished; the belief of accident was forgotten. Spiritual light had radiantly burst forth, and a peace had been gained that indeed "passeth all understanding."

Coincident with this experience had come a study of the healing of the blind Bartimæus, in the Lesson-Sermon, the Scriptural narrative being found in the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel. In his darkness and distress, Bartimæus had cried out for help. His faith had enabled him to reach out towards the presence of the Christ, and he thus found an answer to his cry. Through Love's tender mercy the message came, "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee." And again of Bartimæus we read that "he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus." He had come to the feet of the master exponent of the Christ, and there found the healing and saving light of Truth. Is not this the same experience that is ours? Do we not need likewise to cast away the garment (cloak) of error,—false fears and sinful lusts,—and stand in the light, the spiritual vision of Truth? Then are we partakers of the wondrous nature of His "gentle presence," wherein has also been found "peace" and "joy" and "power,"—power over all that is unlike God.

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