Article September 15, 1923 Issue

"Me, and mine, and all"

THESTER A. MC CLENNAN

The orderly unfoldment which takes place in the thought of an individual who is progressing in the understanding of Christian Science is indicated in Mrs. Eddy's beautiful poem, "Mother's Evening Prayer" (Poems, p. 4), in the last line of the second stanza: "His arm encircles me, and mine, and all."

The first proofs of healing through the touch of the Christ, Truth, fill one with joy and gratitude; and the beginner whispers, "His arm encircles me." Then there is a reaching out to help, perhaps, those near and dear; and added gratitude is felt and expressed when this healing truth is proved for loved ones also. The song rises higher; and gladly we proclaim, "His arm encircles me, and mine." This stage of advancement may satisfy for a time; but to the progressive worker the brighter vision will come, demanding more consecrated effort, further laying down of self in the desire that all, near and far, may share the blessings of infinite Love. Not only "me, and mine," but all mankind, are embraced in our dear Leader's vision; for, as she tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 266), "Universal Love is the divine way in Christian Science."

Attendance at our church services may be considered from this point of progress; and we shall not then go to church only for the good we expect to gain ourselves, but also for the sake of helping others. The writer recalls an experience, early in her study of Christian Science, when a Sunday morning service was sought for the purpose of obtaining help from a Christian Science practitioner, there being no one at home willing to go on such an errand. Burdened with a sense of illness and the symptoms of an attack of influenza, a snowstrom was braved and the church reached. When the simple church service was ended, it was found that no assistance was required from a practitioner, as the realization of the healing truth had been effective. The journey homeward was made with rejoicing, and a happy sense of well-being.

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