Article March 29, 1924 Issue

"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."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"Why should the work cease?"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access