"The faith that will not shrink"

J. A. BARRIS.

A short time ago, while visiting a town in a western state on business, I noticed in the hotel at which I was stopping, a modest sign, "Christian Science Meetings held at the home of Mrs.—." As it was Wednesday, I decided to attend the meeting, and inquired the way to the street named on the sign. No number was given, so I asked a small boy where Mrs.—lived, and was told, "at the end of the next block." I made my way in the direction indicated, and came to the house, which proved to be a very small one-story cottage in the middle of a large lot. A sign on the outside, evidently by an amateur painter, told of Christian Science meetings held there. In the yard were two boys, one cutting the grass. I glanced at the place, and as it did not look very inviting in the growing twilight, I decided not to go in.

I walked on a short distance and then stopped, and the thought came, "If you do not go in on your own account, why not on theirs. No doubt that visitors are few, and they will be glad to see you." After hesitating a while, I went back, and the boy who had been cutting the grass opened the gate for me. When I asked him if there was a meeting to be held there, he smiled and running ahead ushered me into the house. The house was evidently the home of very humble people. A well-worn carpet covered the floor of the main room, in which were a few pieces of furniture.

A woman and a young girl, evidently neighbors, greeted me, and by-and-by, six children, ranging in age, I should judge, from five to fourteen years, came in. They were neatly dressed, with shining faces, and among them were the two boys whom I had seen in the yard. Finally the Reader, a sweet-faced woman, the mother of the family, came in. She greeted me very warmly and introduced me to the others. When the meeting opened, it consisted of the mother, six children, the neighbor woman, two young girls, and myself. It began in the usual way, then the mother read from the Bible and Science and Health. We sang, "God is present everywhere," and the words never seemed more beautiful and appropriate. When the time came to give testimonies, no one for a moment responded. Then the mother said, "What, children, a whole week gone by, and no blessings of which to tell?" Thereupon each of the four oldest got up and told of some demonstration made during the week. One had been unloading ties from a car and had injured his foot, but through his understanding of Science had been able to overcome it so as to continue his work. Another worked as messenger in a telegraph office, and told of being able to overcome loneliness and sleepiness.

When the children were through, each of us added a testimony, and then the mother's turn came. She spoke of the lesson she had learned from the violets the children had gathered in the woods. They blossomed just where they found themselves, and gave forth their sweetness, no matter what their surroundings. So should it be with Scientists. We should, not wait until our surroundings change, but make the most of what we have. She told of being left several years before to face the world alone, with ill-health, a family of six small children, few worldly possessions, and nothing to depend upon but a small understanding of Truth. She told how, through her trust in God, she had been restored to health and her needs had been met. The antagonism of her friends and neighbors had been turned at least to tolerance, and some of them, knowing the circumstances, were becoming interested in Science.

Her evident sincerity and her gratitude for the blessings received through this truth, impressed me deeply. I had come to give, but had received an hundred-fold. I learned that this little band, together with a few others who were absent, were trying to raise twelve dollars per month for the rent of a public hall, and were very joyful over the near prospect of success, and that they had already given two public lectures. I wish I could share with others a part of the spiritual uplifting I received through going to this meeting. I am sure that divine Love led me to it. I came away with a great desire to work more earnestly and courageously for Truth. I have since learned that the hall has been secured.

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