At the Beautiful Gate

ZITA F. BLANKENBAKER

Nowhere, perhaps, is there a more beautiful example of the healing work done by Jesus' disciples than that related in the third chapter of Acts. Peter and John were about to go into the temple, it being the hour of prayer, when they beheld, sitting "at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful," an impotent man lame from his birth. This man, who was accustomed daily to ask alms of the passers-by, made his usual request of the two disciples, hoping for a piece of money. Then came that memorable reply of Peter's, which gave to the lame man the one gift he had never thought of asking or of receiving—the use of his body: "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

How many of us, like the lame man, have sought at some time material possessions, and perhaps received them, only to find that they contributed no lasting good! Whether it be wealth or fame or material love that is desired, the result is the same in each case—a mere fleeting sense of gain, which may vanish at any time. However, after we have entertained false beliefs and discovered their futility, our hopes and desires are often elevated to a broader view of life, an enlarged perspective of the substance which is spiritual and eternal, and therefore indestructible.

Mrs. Eddy's definition of the word "temple," as found in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 595), is, in part, "The idea of Life, substance, and intelligence; the superstructure of Truth; the shrine of Love." To the person who has lived for years with only a hazy concept of God as a far-away, supernatural Being, a glimpse of Christian Science comes as a drink of water to one perishing with thirst. The writer well remembers the time when God, to her, was unsubstantial, instead of an ever present help. When, finally, she turned to the gateway leading into His kingdom, and caught sight of a few of the glories beyond, a sense of burden which had seemed unbearable was lifted, and she experienced for the first time the presence of the Comforter, who, Jesus said, would lead into all truth. There was work, however, to be done before she could enter the promised land. Selfishness, love of material ease, and many other erroneous beliefs needed to be destroyed; but she came to realize that, as each error is conquered, the gate opens that much wider, disclosing new and lovelier treasures.

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy has given humanity the practical knowledge they need to attain the kingdom of heaven on earth. A most helpful instruction of hers is to be found onpage 261, where she says, "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." To do this is to shut out every dictate of material sense and to let the divine, infinite Mind, which is ever present and all-powerful, direct each step. As we refuse obedience to aught but our Father-Mother God, whose children we are, we shall see that no longer is the way to spiritual perfection barred to our advancement. Then we shall be able to pass through the beautiful gate into the temple—into the immortal consciousness of Life and Love.

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