Some years ago I became an invalid. I was at the time president of the South Dakota W. C. T. U., and my breakdown was attributed to overwork. I was afflicted with stomach trouble, neurasthenia, and various other organic troubles,—suffering many things of many physicians. I had spent nearly ten months in one of the largest sanitariums of the country, and left the institution without health and with little hope.
A friend urged me to try Christian Science. I very reluctantly did so, but in a few treatments was marvelously healed.
With returning health I again entered the lecture field. In almost every home in which I was entertained I told in a simple manner the wonderful experience that had come to me through Christian Science treatment; and many an invalid sought help and was healed.
I recognized the healing as a marvelous revelation, but the understanding of the Divine Principle whereby I was restored to health came slowly. There was a struggle over every point that did not coincide with my life-long theological ideas, having been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood. The theory concerning matter and evil baffled me. But I longed to know the truth, and in anguish of soul I cried, Oh for Truth, the alway, everlasting Truth. Morning, noon, and night I hungered for the light, and yet I feared its effulgent rays; feared to have the curtain lifted, shrank from having doors unbolted, feared to have the windows of my soul unbarred; and yet I longed and longed for light. The ghosts of prejudice and fear would hold me back. I saw in their weird faces the scorn of men to frighten and deter, and I seemed to hear the words "The kingdoms of this world are yours if you will fall down and worship me." But I realized that to do this meant bondage to carnal sense, to do this meant to be a slave. And then I heard a voice to soft and still, "Fear not,... it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" "a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." And then I prayed, Oh God, thou art the light, break now the prison bars of sense and let thy child go free. And that prayer is being answered day by day and hour by hour in the fuller realization of the Truth that makes free. And from the depths of my heart I cry, Abba, Father.
A year and a half ago I took class instruction under one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students. I said in my heart, "It is enough; I have found the Truth, and though it cost me the friendship of the world, and though frowns instead of smiles may be my greeting, I must follow this wondrous light that leads to Harmony and Love."
Never for one moment have I regretted giving up my work for the enlarged work of Christian Science, which includes all I was trying to accomplish and infinitely more.
He who would ascend the mount of holiness must keep his eye on the search-light of Truth and make for the highest peak on which its rays fall. No matter if you walk alone, follow the gleam. No matter if you are misjudged, misunderstood, and persecuted, follow the gleam. "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you," "what is that to thee?" The closer we follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Master the more we shall incur the hatred of the world. But if we stand on the highest point presented by the light of Truth we shall go on from peak to peak, from victory to victory.
The secret of friendship is just the secret of all spiritual blessing. The way to get is to give. The selfish in the end can never get anything but selfishness. The hard find hardness everywhere. As you mete, it is meted out to you.
