Article March 6, 1937 Issue

"As willows by the water courses"

ALBERT F. ENGEL

Recently , while on a visit in the country, the writer's attention was drawn to a willow tree whose massive trunk and abundant foliage testified to the presence of ample water and nourishment. But it stood on a barren hillside with no water supply visible anywhere in the vicinity. Upon inquiry it was learned that the owner of the land, when a small boy, brought a willow twig from a growth on the bank of a neighboring river, and planted it at the edge of a small stream which then flowed from a spring bubbling up at that spot. There it had taken root and grown quickly to large proportions. Years later the spring was capped, and the water piped to a distant reservoir for use on the farm. But the roots of the great tree had then reached the source of the spring, and it had lived and grown resplendently green, healthy, and well nurtured. There was no need for direct evidence of its abundant water supply, since its welcome shade expressed an affluent though unseen store.

Here, indeed, is a helpful object lesson illustrating the utility of Christian Science. Pressed with human affairs, and oftentimes working silently and alone amidst scant evidence of spiritual light or divinity, the student of this Science finds that he can abundantly draw upon the infinite source of his spiritual understanding. Years of devoted study and consecration to the truth of Christian Science have provided him with constantly available inspiration and perspicacity, which cannot fail him. He knows that his hand is ever in the Father's, and that the spiritual comprehension of Truth's ever-presence will radiate and reflect spiritual grace with undying serenity and freshness. The Scriptures presage this mental supremacy in these words from Isaiah: "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses."

The genuine Christian Scientist's well-being is of spiritual planting. He is in the material world, but not of it. Early in his experience, through sincerity and trustworthiness, he learns to rely upon the store of spiritual good which encompasses all. He is a regular attendant at the Christian Science church services, and, if a church member, may be active in some phase of church work.

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