"Ask, and ye shall receive"

JEANNETTE K. NORTON.

"Let us unite in silent prayer."

I wonder if these words, as they are used in the Christian Science service, ever fell upon the ear of a searcher for truth and light,—for a practical, comforting religion,—with the pulsating harmony with which they fell upon mine. It seemed like a benediction, the descent on the little congregation of the real "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" for all seemed so happy and cheerful.

I had come from a faithful service of many years, in an old line church. For a long time I had felt unsatisfied and had repeated creed and prayers without thinking much of their meaning, and with a longing for comfort, for some tangible support to lean upon in my daily life. That night I found it, and during the moments of silence my heart went out with love and gratitude to God. As the first beam of truth lighted my soul, it answered "not my will, but thine."

Nearly every one comes to Science because of some great cure, heard of or experienced. But I came in health and comparative comfort, in search of Truth and light, and I have found a cheeriness and a new strength that removes or lightens all obstacles in my daily path, a mental uplift that minimizes all annoyances and makes little ills disappear before it like dew before the sunshine. My home had always been filled with love and harmony, but now it seems richer, deeper, more holy, and it sheds its love beams beyond its own limits.

I have noticed that children come sweetly and naturally into Science, and it seems to solve many problems for them. The scientific understanding of Truth aids them in their school work, and harmonizes their play hours. It teaches them charity for one another, helpfulness, patience, and obedience to the law of right.

One of the great blessings for which the faithful Scientist longs and strives is the removal of fear from his daily life,—fear of sickness, death, poverty, accidents, or any other form of misfortune that is supposed to befall humanity, and which destroys peace of mind. How can persons ever expect to keep well, if they fill their minds constantly with thoughts and images of sickness and pain? How be prosperous if they continually hug their tatters of despairing poverty and distress to their breasts, bewailing the fate that makes them poor? How be happy if they live in continual dread of misfortune?

I find that Scientists strive to live in love, truth, and obedience to God's laws and commandments; they aim to love their neighbor as themselves, to cheer the disconsolate, heal the sick, cast out fear and help others to help themselves. They trust in God's goodness and guidance, and have broad, generous charity for all. Though glad to tell of Christian Science to all who are seeking, they do not thrust it upon the uninterested. I find that it is not easy to be a Scientist, to follow in the Master's footsteps, drink of his cup of bitterness and uncomplainingly bear the cross, but I am convinced it is the true and only way to reach and wear the crown. We must keep our hearts and minds filled with love and good cheer, so that there is no room for wretchedness. We shall then gain the first step, and God, seeing our efforts, will bless and strengthen us. Standing "porter at the door of thought," as Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 392), letting none but the good and just thoughts hold sway, evil must be banished in every one of its hideous forms, and good dominate our lives, before we are real Scientists.

Let us pray for greater spiritual understanding, let us deny the existence of evil, and with love and courage born of true faith, push on until we see the light, then walk in its soft beam with our hand clasped in that of our Father.

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