On a dark, chilly morning when the frost was painting cold window panes, wheels went creaking over the rough roads, and newsboys shivered in unfriendly breezes with caps closely drawn over their faces, there came over me a wave of thankfulness for the warmth and cheer within the home. This thought began to unfold in a very natural way from the human sense of harmony, when a message from above called it higher. What is seen is but type and symbol of the universe of Mind. Humanly speaking, man may seem to be dependent on material surroundings for comfort; but, scientifically, man's harmony depends on the love of God which he reflects. Having this consciousness, he has joy in himself—a "beauty and bounty, hidden from the world" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 321). Having this warmth in his home-thought, one can view from a standpoint of superiority the dismal, cheerless presentations before the senses; indeed, may see them only as something to be replaced by a brighter reflection. Happiness is not affected by an unfriendly atmosphere, mental or material, outside, for Light and Love are a present reality, a substantial possession, a constant treasure, to spiritual consciousness. Did not Jesus say "the kingdom of God is within"? A pertinent question here demands attention. Is this possible in experience, or only a beautiful theory, like so many of its philosophical predecessors? Has another false hope risen to tantalize weary searchers after abiding peace? May an individual attain this conscious good? Ah! there is the practical point, and it may not be evaded. Happiness, comfort, joy, peace—the words are as old as language, but in experience how incomplete. The broken arc, rather than the perfect circle would be the fit symbol of human existence. How can harmony, just within reach yet so illusive, be grasped, made permanent, and forever enrich our lives?
The unillumined human thought may not answer these questions, but those taught in Christian Science are ready with an affirmative. They have been shown by precept and worthy example such a life and love. By practice they have learned that selfless love enriches the nature and gives conscious abiding peace, because it approaches the Infinite and eternal. Its promise cannot be a cheat. Surely it is born of God and has in itself the proof of permanence. "We know in part, and we prophesy in part," says St. Paul. We accept the whole. Science declares, because a part is proven. Further than this, those taught from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, know that the only way to love unselfishly is to keep the First Commandment. There is but one Mind, and the highest human privilege is to acknowledge this, and to destroy all that is unlike this Mind. In so far as this unworldly but Scriptural method of mental effort has been applied, it is the practical, demonstrated answer to the question, Can happiness be permanent? Even at this early stage of Christian Science history, observers outside the ranks are attracted by the cheerful faces of its followers. A closer acquaintance reveals this as the exponent of a happy consciousness within. This home-thought of Christian Scientists is radiant with warmth and comfort, while, without this understanding, the chill of error reigns.
I well remember my first impression on coming among the students. Because of my turning to Science, chilly looks, cold words, and neglect seemed to appear. Those formerly reckoned good—my best friends—had no room in the inn of their mortal thoughts for the "young child" of Truth. Yet, knowing Truth was re-appearing, I clung to Christian Science alone, till I found my real brethren, and the way into the family of God. Then the true cordiality was met in reflection of one Principle, Good, and I began to realize what God's kingdom on earth might be. All are brethren who own one Father, Mother, God. There is something substantial beyond human ken in the mental atmosphere of loyal Christian Scientists. Something not to be found elsewhere on earth; a quality of faith in Good that is Substance. One may mark the difference on coming, even from the highest human sense of kindness, into the presence of a little circle of faithful students. The love of God is shed abroad in their thoughts. They have somewhat overcome mortal beliefs and partly entered into the liberty of the sons of God. Having this spiritualized thought, what would this present world be to them without the warmth and comfort of divine Science? Even what it was before this living Truth dawned upon the mental darkness, and brought sweet hope. It has given the "oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Can the world offer anything to compare with this joy—the joy of conscious oneness with God? To know man's ability to reflect God's thought is daily inspiration. Having this pure motive, walking in this attitude, brings the advent of a new sense of Life, and with it comes a divine call so to reflect this life, that all who see it shall come into this better understanding of Good.
