"The mounting sense"

MABEL REED HYZER

"The mounting sense gathers fresh forms and strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self, and drops the world." Thus writes our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, on the first page of "Miscellaneous Writings." How truly this clearly stated fact describes the mental experience of an earnest student of Christian Science. "The mounting sense" certainly and surely "gathers fresh forms and strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self," these definitely supplanting the false sense of the world, which is dropped.

One way in which "fresh forms and strange fire" become apparent is through the student's eager desire to do more for others than he has ever done. "Dissolving self" demands the fruits of pure unselfishness, and the student's eyes are opened to the genuine and deep joy of making others happy, of healing them when Christian Science healing is desired, or otherwise ministering to their needs.

In the beginning of this new experience the zeal of some is greater than their wisdom, and they may have found themselves doing or giving unwisely and without wholesome results. However, as zeal is tempered, the desire to be really helpful is increased, and they go more surely, if more carefully, about the happy activity of giving. Then the experiences of having unintentionally encouraged dependence, or of having been a prey to purposely dishonest motives, grow less, and the student seeks and finds the guidance of divine Mind to express the most helpful attitude toward all others, including those in need.

Many years ago, the Directors of The Mother Church, following out wishes previously expressed by our beloved Leader, carefully and prayerfully worked out a definite plan to help Christian Scientists in need of resting places, as afforded by the Sanatoriums, wherein to study and to gain fresh inspiration, to realize their healing, or, as in the Pleasant View Home, to find a peaceful and wholesome permanent residence.

Surely these well-established avenues of assistance provide opportunity for Christian Scientists to maintain a continuous, joyful giving in a sure and effective way. In such giving benevolence has found a high expression. To support these institutions because one loves the Cause of Christian Science, and therefore humanity, is one way in which "the mounting sense" can gain "fresh forms and strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self."

Those who have been guests at the Sanatoriums, whether the visit was prompted by immediate need for healing or by a desire for a quiet place to study, have quickly realized what precious havens they are. Christian Scientists who have visited the Pleasant View Home and have seen there the beauty of environment and the atmosphere of peace and contentment, have gone away glad to be connected with an organization which devotes such loving care to worthy ones.

Perhaps the argument comes that there are so many activities of the organization which require financial assistance that one cannot be active in all these ways. But this would indicate lack of correct metaphysical work for the Cause of Christian Science in its entirety. For when one is definitely striving to express right knowing, one is not willing to neglect any one of the established activities of The Mother Church. And through this same right knowing, or the faithful recognition that God, good, alone is real, one may find oneself abundantly supplied with the means to assist along all right lines.

When right, effective knowing is exercised, our periodicals may be subscribed for, the fixed expenses of branch church maintenance be met regularly, authorized Christian Science lectures provided, branch churches dedicated. And at the same time the alert worker realizes that, even as a wise gardener will not tend a branch and neglect the vine, so the members of The Mother Church are eager to see the vine and all its branches grow and expand in a right, orderly, and liberal way.

With greater support from the Field, what may not our Benevolent Association Sanatoriums accomplish in the future! When the belief of limitation in the activities of these institutions is eliminated by the loyal support of Christian Scientists all over the world, then will Christian Science be provedly lived and loved by its adherents. In how much greater measure may the vision of our Leader be realized when we ourselves are awake to that vision!

Let us joyfully proceed to eliminate fear and false belief, and let us give! Did not the gentle Master say: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

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