Article September 28, 1918 Issue

Gratitude Expressed

SARAH BEATRICE SLOTE

I desire to express my deep gratitude for the life and works of Mary Baker Eddy and for the Christian Science movement which she has founded. Before I grasped this truth, I had, in the endeavor to analyze the various human theories, material, medical, and theological, concerning the certain of the universe and man, reached the conclusion that all was a "muddle," and to-day I know that my physical breakdown was not because of material conditions but because of the lack of a spiritual ideal upon which to base my views of existence. In the last thirteen years Christian Science has meant life and sight to me, and I have come to know that one may often be persecuted by one's own beliefs. but that this error does not reach true living.

Although God's law works consistently and the wonderful preservative power of Truth remains eternally the same, individuals arrive at conclusions in devious ways. Thirteen years ago I laid aside glasses, and was immediately severely tested. I accepted a position in a private library where I was obliged to use my eyes constantly in reading very fine print and manuscripts. One day I found that I could not see the page, and after using every argument and endeavoring to realize that sight is spiritual, not physical, still I could not see the page. Finally I learned back in my chair, saying that if the work were done that afternoon it would have to be done by divine power, not by my own. After a few moments I found myself naturally and almost unconsciously taking up the pen and proceeding with my work. Although physicians had said I would need to wear stronger glasses each year, I have never felt the need of them since that experience and have used my eyes constantly, believing that the use of any God-given faculty strengthens, while nonuse weakens it.

Clearance of thought is mental clearance of sight, for materiality would cloud spiritual vision; persistence wins the demonstration. To be healed of belief in climate was another need of mine, for I had been told by physicians that I should live in a mild climate. After coming to Christian Science, I recall having to wait for a car one day on the corner of a suburban street during a severe wind and snowstrom. There was no place where I could find shelter without exposing myself to the chance of missing the car. I was not very warmly clad, and soon began to feel an intense pain in my chest and a sense of fever. When the car came I was dizzy and confused. In the hour's ride I struggled with the ailment, and met and overcame it at last with the declaration that there is in reality no such thing as mortal mind and its beliefs, also by knowing continually that divine Mind is always open and attent to righteous prayer. I had other similar demonstrations that winter and have never since felt the hardship of winter weather. I know that it was my determined opposition to error then that has enabled me to manifest such excellent health to-day.

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