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.

Later I learned that the demonstration was not of a moment; the vision of Truth was to be applied to the age, its doctrine to be understood and expressed. There was need to free thought from confusion and place it in orderly array for development; and as each step appeared in the onward march these lines by Mrs. Eddy came to me (Science and Health, p. 506): "Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear."

Clear understanding is the most valuable asset that a man can have, and the correct teaching of Christian Science aids in the regeneration of mankind. As one is ready to take a step in Christian Science, the way is always opened by divine Love, as shown in the following experience. I applied for class instruction at a time when the local church was building; but upon considering the matter I felt that the money should go to the building of the church instead, and it was given. This seemed a sacrifice, but a few months later the reward came; for the sum given was returned in an unexpected way, with words of commendation which brought tears of gratitude and joy. So in the demonstration of true substance we learn, as did the ancient prophets of Israel, that we may

Smite the living fountains
From the rocks along the way.

My gratitude is great for the Christian Science lectures. The first definite thought of the nature of God came to me while listening to one, and brought with it a desire to study and learn more of divine Mind and its reflection. I would speak of the debt owed to the Christian Science publications, golden links in the chain which binds all in spiritual unity in the Christly mission of awakening and uplifting mankind; teaching that all are truly students of Mrs. Eddy; that all we know of Christian Science has come to us through her interpretation of the teachings of Christ Jesus and their revelation of God, so that, strictly speaking, none can truly say that he is of Paul or Apollos, but rather that we are of God and His Christ. In this spirit we are glad to acknowledge our indebtedness to this true woman and say as she does on page 127 of Miscellany: "We thank the Giver of all good for the marvellous speed of the chariot-wheels of Truth and for the steadfast, calm coherence in the ranks of Christian Science."

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