When one begins to be interested in Christian Science it is a great help to hear or read of others who have had experiences similar to his own. It increases confidence to know that with the aid of this Science others have been able to rise somewhat above material beliefs and have commenced to understand the power of good. Through the study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, the student is enabled to interpret the Bible spiritually. In so doing there is found a similarity between the experiences of the Scriptural characters and his own. It is indeed encouraging to learn what those men and women accomplished. The earnest seeker after the truth is filled with assurance that what one has done another may do. He can go his way rejoicing, confident of the omnipotence of God. In reading the Bible, each receives the help he needs. No one can fully interpret the Scriptures for another, yet what one has received helps all.

In studying the character of Moses it is found that his viewpoint at first was material. Having been reared in the court of an oriental monarch who was tyrannical and unjust, it is not surprising that Moses believed that material might and power were right. With the mistaken notion that good can come from evil, he started his career with a deed of violence and secrecy. He soon learned that killing a mortal did not lessen evil conditions; but that the thought which caused the conditions must be changed. When this was revealed to him, he believed himself helpless to alter the conditions. He therefore was filled with fear and fled. Those who are searching for the truth probably have had similar experiences; they were submerged in their beliefs of material living; they sought release from their bonds by material means, and as they wrestled with the inharmonious condirtions and received no relief, they were filled with fear and despair. It was then that they were forced to turn to Truth for help.

Moses fled into Midian, which means strife. He left his old surroundings, but was unable to find peace until he began to understand the power of good. He therefore had risen in a measure from the belief in material power when he rescued the daughters of the priest of Midian. At that time Moses repulsed the shepherds but did not try to slay them as he had the Egyptian. This deed of kindness shows that he was expressing more good and was losing some of the material impressions that he had received from his years of living in Pharaoh's household. The fuller realization of spirituality was becoming apparent to him, and in that degree he was reflecting God. Thus when the student commences to read Science and Health and is helped to flee from, avoid and cast out, some of the old beliefs, there may not be harmony at first, for there appears to be strife between the old beliefs and the new thoughts that are flooding his consciousness. As more of the truth is understood, however, the old fear and doubt decrease and it is learned that the only power that evil can even seem to have is the power that mortals give it.

Moses became a shepherd on the "backside of the desert," where he "came to the mountain of God;" he had to be humble and lose his false pride. It was certainly a lowly position for one who had been reared in a king's palace amid all the pomp and grandeur of an oriental monarch; yet it was only by knowing there is but one God and that man must obey Him, that he could become prepared to lead his people out of bondage. He had to be as trustful and obedient as the sheep that he tended, before he could teach obedience and confidence to the people of Israel. Upon the "mountain of God" his thoughts were purified, enlarged, and elevated until he comprehended his complete dependence on God. As the student commences to give up the erroneous beliefs of life in matter and to understand the truth about man, he must start by being a good shepherd, tending and cherishing the innocent and true thoughts that are revealed to him through the study of Christian Science. As these thoughts occupy his consiousness he has started on the ascent of the "mountain of God." Good is unfolding to him, and as he progresses he is freed from the slavery of wrong thinking and is assured of the grand vision in store for him. As he advances he can exclaim with the psalmist: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

The truth was gradually revealed to Moses. He was aware of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, yet when the demand came to help others he depreciated his understanding of good, regardless of the assurance, "I will be with thee." Then the doubt assailed him as to the validity of the message, "I am that I am." The student of Christian Science has perhaps had similar tests. As the clearer ideas of Truth have come, there has been what seemed a wonderful demonstration of the power of God. There has come the knowledge that this truth is for all mankind and that it is a duty and privilege to present to others this message of God's goodness. Then what happens? Excuses and doubts present themselves, such as: I have not sufficient understanding; or, I may not be equal to demonstrating this Science. He, too, may forget in the moment of self-consciousness the promise of God, "I will be with thee."

Moses hesitated to undertake his mission and argued with the Lord. Although he was constantly seeing the proofs of the power of God, he was still diffident and was in this doubting mood when he asked for some one to share the task with him. After a time he obeyed and his trust in God grew stronger. His confidence was strengthened as the power of God was revealed to him in one demonstration after another. The splendid work he accomplished through absolute reliance on God is familiar to all. The student of Christian Science also has to struggle against the mesmerism of materiality, notwithstanding he has had proofs of the power of God in numerous demonstrations. The beliefs of mortals are so tenacious that there seems a doubt as to the accuracy of this revelation. There is apt to be the desire to shirk the responsibility of helping others by letting some one else do the work.

If Jesus had not learned to obey unselfishly there would have been no Way-shower. If Mrs. Eddy had not served God and labored for mankind Christian Science would not have been given to a suffering world. All who are trying to apply this teaching must learn that only as they help others can they advance; for this truth is for all. Jesus helped every one who sought his help; so this Science is universal in its teaching. It may be harder to fasten on the armor of good and go forth to battle than to stay on the "backside of the desert" on the "mountain of God," away from the noise and strife, yet the cross must be taken up; and if the promises of God are heeded, then the desire to help others will come. The cup of cold water can be given in His name, and the knowledge will come, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

There is only one course to pursue, and that involves absolute obedience to Principle. This obedience will not be depressing but uplifting. The assurance, "Certainly I will be with thee," is the staff upon which to lean. With the promise of the psalmist, "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass," the way will be one of rejoicing. As Jesus went up into the mountain to pray, so each one of us will find seasons of refreshment as the invigorating truth becomes clearer. Moses gained confidence as he saw the proofs of the power of God; so the earnest student of Christian Science can go on his way strengthened through Truth demonstrated day by day and by this blessed promise of the Christ: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Copyright, 1920, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Falmouth and St. Paul Streets, Boston, Massachusetts Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.