Expression of Gratitude

BY EMILY B. F. SHANKLIN

It is hard to express one's gratitude in words, for the great light of Christian Science, or to tell how marvelously its rays lead out of darkness into light, but I feel that I should long ago have attempted to give something of an experience, that might help some one still struggling in the bonds of invalidism.

From childhood I was a member of the Episcopal Church, my father having been a clergyman of that denomination. While I had every faith in my church, yet from earliest years there was an unfulfilled longing to know and understand more of a God who seemed afar off. When my father passed away, I found myself unprepared to face the world and earn a living through teaching, but this seemed the only course open. From time to time ill-health forced me to give up my work, but in spite of this, a desire to become a trained nurse caused me to send in an application to Bellevue Training School, N. Y. It was accepted, and for one year, I succeeded in going on with the course, though each day brought its battle with physical pain and weariness, finally a complete collapse forced me to return to friends in Toronto, worn out in body and mind.

The two years that followed were trying ones, I was under the care of the best physicians in the city, but received no benefit. During that time I tried to learn resignation, to what I then thought, was God's will, and as the months of pain passed by endeavored to become reconciled to a life of invalidism.

Words cannot tell what the first conversation with a Scientist meant to one whose way seemed so hedged about with suffering. During that conversation, clouds of fear and hopelessness rolled away, a door opened, and the light of freedom, hope, and expectancy poured in. While in the hospital I had often wondered why we did not know a better way to reach the sick and suffering; now the way was revealed.

In a few days after my first conversation about Christian Science, I began treatment, and in three weeks' time my physical ills disappeared. This sudden transition was indeed a surprise. I found myself able to walk miles whereas before taking treatment, every step seemed more or less fraught with pain. My friends prophesied there would soon be a relapse, but although I have had many battles to fight in the past nine years, a clearer understanding of Christian Science has brought added strength, mentally and physically.

For the release from physical suffering, I was indeed grateful, but I have since been far more grateful for the great searchlight which has been turned upon my consciousness, finding its way into the darkest recesses of mortal thought, uncovering sin and selfishness, yet lovingly revealing a way of escape from every ill to which flesh is heir.

At first we little realize how many obstacles will arise to obstruct our way up the hill of Science, but our beloved Leader, Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, goes before us with words of cheer and encouragement. In "Miscellaneous Writings," p. 276, she says, "In the dark hours, wise Christian Scientists stand firmer than ever in their allegiance to God. Wisdom is wedded to their love, and their hearts are not troubled." This brave Leader teaches us that we need no longer be slaves to circumstances but, on the contrary, can assert man's freedom and dominion by obeying the command of the Master literally, to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. Through the teaching given us in the inspired pages of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," we have learned more of Jesus as the Wayshower; his promises become vital realities, and we find the same Father to whom Jesus prayed, "a very present help in trouble."

Those who have caught even a glimpse of this glorious Truth, can no longer shirk individual responsibility, the signs must again follow every true effort to be Christ-like, no circumstances can hinder our growth, no enemy from without can stay our footsteps, for our beloved Mother has clearly shown us, that our only enemy is whatever defaces the Christ-image in our own consciousness. Let us pray that we may express our gratitude in deeds rather than in words, and not be found sleeping when the hour demands constant vigilance. The mesmerism of self-love and ambition must not again darken our vision, and cause us to lose sight of our tireless Leader, whose loving prayer is, that her followers may become worthy exponents of the Truth as taught in Christian Science.

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