The Gates of Jerusalem

S. ELLA SHELHAMER

In the book of Revelation, following a vivid description of the twelve gates of Jerusalem, we read, "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." In the Glossary to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 584) Mrs. Eddy defines day as "the irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love." It is obvious from this that they who would enter the gates of the holy city must become imbued with the light of divine Science, their thought cleansed from the darkness of error or material sense. The separate gate for each of the twelve tribes of Israel surely prefigures the individuality of God's ideas and shows that the approach to the Holy of Holies is by way of individual demonstration. Therefore the incident which marks a milestone in spiritual progress for one person may not constitute the same for though the metaphysical reasoning accompanying such an experience may be helpful.

We may not be called upon as was Moses to turn aside to behold the bush which "burned with fire," but we may hear the voice of God saying, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Nor may we be commanded as was Elijah the prophet, to "go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord;" but all who will are privileged to listen to the "still small voice."

It may be helpful in this connection to relate an experience which proved far-reaching in the early practice of one Christian Scientist. On being called to the home of a young and afflicted mother, it was seen that the first imperative need was to care for the wants of some small children and to bring order out of disorder in the home; for it was not possible to give a quiet treatment under the existing conditions. No other hands were available for this work, so the task was undertaken. At first a sense of repugnance at the nature and magnitude of the work was almost overwhelming, and a little whisper crept into thought that such work was not to be included in the practice of Christian Science; moreover, was it not at that moment delaying the all-important treatment? This erroneous suggestion was met with a vigorous denial, and a fervent prayer was sent up for help. This prayer took the form of petition, and the silent appeal was, "Father, help me to do Thy work in Thy way." At times all that could be retained in thought above the sound of weeping children and the stress of work was the latter part of the sentence, "Thy work in Thy way." This lifted thought above disorder and inharmony into communion with divine order and eternal harmony.

Later it was learned that the first desire of the uplifted thought of the mother of the little ones had been for just that order, cleanliness, and beauty which were actually made manifest in the humble home. Thus it was learned that willingness and a fervent desire to be divinely guided is a most efficacious mode of helping.

On page 9 of her book "Rudimental Divine Science" Mrs. Eddy writes, "The spiritual power of a scientific, right thought, without a direct effort, an audible or even a mental argument, has oftentimes healed inveterate diseases." Paul in his letter to the Corinthians writes, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence."

May it not be possible that some blessed opportunity to enter the gates of Jerusalem has been lost to us because of questioning and revolt at the nature of the prescribed work? Though the difficulty seems formidable and the task lowly or irksome, divine Love waits to smooth the rough places and to glorify the homely task, if we be willing and obedient, thus enabling us through an exalted sense to turn with renewed vigor to the call of duty. Whether in church or office, in the home or by the wayside, there is the call to service for each and every one of us, and Love is there to point the way and appoint the task. To labor in the Master's vineyard should be the aspiration of every Christian Scientist, but to outline the relative importance of work is to hinder demonstration. The time to work is now; the way to work is as God directs, and the place to work is usually just where we are.

It is not enough that we are regular attendants at the church services; it is not enough that we daily study the Lesson-Sermon; nor is it enough that we subscribe for our periodicals and read them. There is the trumpet call throughout the world to-day for higher effort along every line of endeavor, and particularly to the Christian Scientist. There is disease to be healed, sin to be overcome, and death to be conquered. The world is asleep in materiality, and it is our task to awaken it out of sleep. This may not be done by waiting for others to bear the burden of the day; we should know that the consciousness imbued with Love and Truth can no more resist reflecting healing than can the sun cease radiating light. Christian Scientists should therefore be loyal, steadfast, devoted, self-sacrificing followers of the Christ as was their Leader; so may they "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise."

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.

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