Article July 20, 1935 Issue

The Everlasting Strain

LENA HULME

Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 568): "For victory over a single sin, we give thanks and magnify the Lord of Hosts. What shall we say of the mighty conquest over all sin? A louder song, sweeter than has ever before reached high heaven, now rises clearer and nearer to the great heart of Christ; for the accuser is not there, and Love sends forth her primal and everlasting strain."

The ages resound with the song of praise and thanksgiving to God for His deliverance, protection, guidance, and healing. Noah built an altar to the Lord to express his gratitude for deliverance from the desolating experiences of his time. Moses and the children of Israel sang, "and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously."

How often we read in the New Testament that "they glorified God" after seeing, or experiencing, the unparalleled healing power manifested by Christ Jesus. He thanked God for the seven loaves and the few fishes, and was enabled to feed four thousand. Jesus reached sublime heights of gratitude by giving thanks for the cup, which he knew symbolized the cross he was to bear, before he drank of it. He gave thanks for the experience he knew awaited him in Gethsemane and on Calvary. What an example for us! It is easy to give thanks after release from the thralldom of sin, sickness, or lack, but it does not seem easy to do so while suffering from these erroneous beliefs. Obedience to the teachings of Christian Science makes it possible to follow our Way-shower. Adverse circumstances may be rightly regarded as opportunities to prove what we know about God. as occasions for rejoicing, not for sadness or self-pity. "God is ... a very present help in trouble," sang the Psalmist.

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