Article July 31, 1943 Issue

The Real versus the Counterfeit

[Of Special Interest to Youth]

MELVILLE JOHN VICKERMAN

Recently a student of Christian Science found difficulty in rising above an acute sense of despair. He was newly installed in an advance base of the United Nations, and the surroundings were a far cry from the harmonious atmosphere of home. On previous occasions when it had been necessary to be away from the family circle, a comforting retreat had always been found amidst the loving hospitality of Christian Science friends. This time, however, he was completely on his own.

That a true spiritual concept of home must be gained was, he knew, his necessity. During the ensuing days, he earnestly employed his small knowledge of the facts of Science to subordinate the false claims of material sense testimony; but his heart seemed unwilling to express the joy his thought was trying to acknowledge. Discouraged by his failure to overcome his difficulties, he decided to write and ask a practitioner for help. Even as the letter was being dispatched, a "still small voice" whispered that already his prayer had been answered.

Continuing with his efforts, the young student searched the Bible to see what Christ Jesus had said about home. In Luke he found the Master's answer to a certain man who, desirous of following him, had asked that he might first bid farewell to his household. Jesus replied, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." This demand startled the student into the realization that he was looking back. He was hindering his own progress.

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