Many times, when feeling despondent,...

Dorothy Edith Bylo

Many times, when feeling despondent, I have turned to a copy of The Christian Science Journal or Sentinel and read the testimonies, which have never failed to help me and to bring to mind my own blessings which have resulted from the earnest study of Christian Science.

When I left school, the future looked very black for me, for I had failed in many examinations through being unable to concentrate and grasp what was being imparted to me. My mind was constantly wandering from the subject, and I disliked the hours in the classroom.

As I viewed my capacities for a career, things seemed rather hopeless. Then I began attending a Christian Science Sunday School, and the teacher there was so loving and kind that gradually there crept into my awakening thought the wonderful truth that because I was God's child I was as intelligent as His other children, and that I was endowed with the necessary ability to do the things that I loved and that were right for me to do. So I was able to turn to music, and, through the application of Christian Science, to pass all the necessary examinations.

Later on I had to prove, too, that I could do those things which I had failed to do at school, so demonstrating the fact that one is capable of doing whatever is necessary for his own enlightenment and the benefit and happiness of others. In applying the truths of Christian Science to my study of singing I have learned that music symbolizes the beauty and harmony of the universe and is often the means of bringing peace and comfort to others. I see more and more clearly the great opportunity that musicians have to help others by expressing the qualities of God in their work.

I have been healed of a so-called artistic temperament by realizing that human emotions, as expressed in human art, cannot control us, but that we can control them. I have been freed from destructive criticism and stubbornness. I am grateful above all for the new sense of divine Love I have learned in contradistinction to that which involves personal possessiveness and jealousy. Our home is gaining an ever-increasing sense of happiness in accordance with the Bible saying, "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Prov. 24:3, 4). My desire is for more understanding and gratitude for this wonderful revelation, so that I may appreciate more and more the full significance of Church as "the structure of Truth and Love" (Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 583), and that I may put into practice constantly the grand truths I learned during class instruction from a dearly loved teacher.

I seemed to grasp the letter of Christian Science teaching easily, but sometimes used the letter to cover up small errors. Hardly recognizing this myself, I went through an experience which caused unhappiness, not only to myself, but to others. Turning to the Bible one day, I read (Ps. 19:12). "Cleanse thou me from secret faults," and also (v. 14), "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Then, later, turning to Science and Health, I found this injunction on page 571: "Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you."

With the help of a practitioner, I began to see we are apt to be unaware of some of our faults. So I continued to hold to the fact that God would reveal whatever needed removing, and also, that I could know myself so well that I could quickly discern the things which were preventing the clear transparency necessary for Truth's appearing. After a while I saw that I had been intolerant of the opinions of others; that I talked too much with indignation, and so sacrificed that refinement of expression which blesses others. Many other hitherto unseen errors came to light to be destroyed, and gradually but very definitely the whole trouble began to fade away. I found that talking but not practicing Christian Science can only be harmful to oneself, and that Christian Scientists must cling steadfastly to the daily practice of their learning, if they would benefit from its truths. I am so grateful for everything I have gathered from this Comforter, and for our dear Leader, who had the courage and spirituality to give the truth to us for all time.— (Mrs.) Dorothy Edith Bylo, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia.

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