"Why should the work cease?"

HELEN S. DEAN

While studying a recent Lesson-Sermon, as outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, the writer was deeply impressed by the story of Nehemiah, as symbolical of the human experiences of many Christian Scientists to-day.

First of all, it will be remembered, the realization came to Nehemiah, as to all of us, that the wall of protection against evil was much in need of being rebuilt, and he grieved because, through neglect, it had been laid low. Then followed the resolve to repair the damage, which worthy determination has its counterpart in the desire, so strong in each individual, and of which Mrs. Eddy speaks in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 98), when she says, "We come to strengthen and perpetuate our organizations and institutions; and to find strength in union,—strength to build up, through God's right hand, that pure and undefiled religion whose Science demonstrates God and the perfectibility of man."

Immediately after the starting of his work, Nehemiah encountered the attacks of enemies, who tried in every way to hinder and prevent the building of the wall; first by ridiculing him and discrediting his ability; then, as they saw he was really accomplishing the work, they said: "What do these feeble Jews? ... Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall." How like our own efforts after good, attacked as they sometimes are by the scoffs of unbelievers, and the assertion that our work will not stand! But we must say, as did Nehemiah, "So built we the wall; ... for the people had a mind to work."

When the enemies found that Nehemiah and his helpers worked faithfully on, they grew more subtle, and tried with friendly enticements to persuade him to come down and enter into their deeply laid schemes; but Nehemiah sent messengers saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" It is just at a point like that where so many of us seem to lack the necessary courage. We all know that the work of building up our wall, that glorious work which is for eternity, not time, is hindered, unless we, like Nehemiah, turn a deaf ear to those suggestions of error which would delay or prevent our progress.

Because of the fidelity and steadfastness which he manifested, and because he looked only to God for strength and guidance, Nehemiah was able to finish the building of the wall. What gratitude and rejoicing were expressed by many whom that wall was destined to shelter and protect! Why, then, should our work cease? Why are not we more alert to detect the subtle ways by which error tries to divert us from our building, thereby depriving us of the joy and satisfaction of real and complete achievement?

No day can be a failure which starts with the resolve, "I will do my best to be more kind, loving, and considerate than I have ever been before."

W. R. R.

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