RUTH PROVES LOVE'S WAY

[Of Special Interest to Children]

IZA WOOD-SAMMAN

This is the story of a little girl named Ruth who lived in England and went to the Christian Science Sunday School.

One Sunday morning it was raining very hard, and Ruth's mother said, "Now we must put on our mackintoshes!" Ruth understood quite well that nothing can make us believe we cannot get to Sunday School. No, not even a rainy day!

It was quite a long walk to the church, and there were no streetcars where they lived. It meant walking all the way. As they walked along, Ruth said, "Mummy, I would like a little umbrella of my own."

"You do not need an umbrella, do you?" her mother asked her. "You have your mackintosh, mac-hat, and big boots on, so you are all right!"

"Yes, Mummy, I do need an umbrella 'cause my hair is getting wet." Her mother knew that it was considered quite impossible at the moment to find in the shops in England, where they lived, a child's umbrella. However, before she could reply, the little girl said, "I really do need an umbrella, Mummy, and Love will know the way."

Ruth's mother was glad to hear her say this, for it meant that the child had learned that God is Love, that she had clear faith and trust in Love's supply, and that to her to make a demonstration of Truth was easy and natural. Then the mother said, "Tell me, Ruth, what else you know about Love."

"Well, Mummy, Love is God, and 'cause God is all around us Love is all around us. See? And, Mummy, Mrs. Eddy did find all about divine Love, and she did write a book."

"And what is the name of the book.?" asked the mother.

"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," answered little Ruth. "But, Mummy, some of the children in the Sunday School call it their truth book 'cause it is ever so true and lovely."

A little pause, and then Ruth said: "I really do need a little umbrella. Teacher said it must never be just a want 'cause sometime things that are just a want might not really be very good for us. If we need something, Love knows the way."

The mother was silent for a moment, thinking of the natural expectancy of good in the child thought. Ruth was holding fast to the truths she had been taught in the Sunday School; she was trusting in Love's way. The mother felt grateful for the provision of the Sunday School. She knew that here not only her little girl, but every boy and girl up to the age of twenty finds a loving welcome and has the opportunity to learn about God and prove the Christ, Truth.

When Ruth came out of Sunday School, it was still raining. And as she and her mother walked along to a small restaurant for lunch, the rain splashed off little Ruth's hat right onto her curly hair! She whispered to her mother, "Love will know the way," and then she said: "Teacher told us that the Bible says, 'Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him' (Matt. 6:8), and that 'divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need,' and, Mummy, that is on page 494 of Science and Health. Isn't that right, Mummy?"

"Yes, dear, that is quite right," answered her mother.

They were now near where they were going for lunch. Ruth and her mother had been there several times before. As they entered the little restaurant, the lady who owned it greeted them with a cheerful "Good morning," saying to the mother: "When Ruth has finished her lunch, may she come into my private room? I have a little present for her."

Lunch over, Ruth said, "May I go and see Mrs. Green now, Mummy?"

The answer was, "Yes, but do not be too long."

Away tripped the little girl, knocking ever so quietly at Mrs. Green's door. "Come in," she heard. Ruth pushed open the door.

"And now, Ruth," said Mrs. Green, "I am going to ask you a question. What present would you most like for a rainy day?"

Ruth did not have to wait and think! Immediately she answered the question. "A little umbrella," she replied. Mrs. Green went towards a cupboard, opened the door, and there was a child's umbrella, a lovely blue-colored one on the shelf.

"It is not a new one," said Mrs. Green, "but I thought that it would be just right for Ruth!"

Mrs. Green saw the joy in the child's eyes as she jumped up clapping her hands together with delight. "Oh, thank you," said Ruth, and ran out to her mother with the little umbrella in her arms, calling out to her: "See, see, Mummy! Love knew the way."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Poem

"THE BABE WE ARE TO CHERISH"

March 6, 1948

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit