THERE have recently appeared in the Christian Science periodicals several articles dealing with the subject of man's supply and referring to the story of Elisha and the widow who came for help in overcoming a great sense of lack. The problem of limitation, and particularly financial limitation, is one that may be said to come to all, so the experience of one student of Christian Science and the line of reasoning which led to the beginning of the solution of this problem may be of help to others.
This student had come to Christian Science some years before, not for physical healing for himself, but through the healing of his wife, and he had an earnest desire to know and do the will of God. He had occupied a good position as officer in a corporation, but shortly after being elected reader in a branch church the control of the corporation passed to other interests and the position was lost. Since first becoming interested in Christian Science he had wanted to take up the practice of it in a public way, and having a little money, he now determined to devote all his time to this work. Things went along more or less moderately well for a while, but it seemed that though possibly he might be willing to encounter the difficulties and uncertainties of an irregular income, perhaps he was asking his family, all of whom were Christian Scientists, to make the greater sacrifice. After thinking this over carefully and prayerfully for some time, he determined to reenter business life.
Upon consulting some influential friends it was arranged that at the expiration of his term as reader, a few months later, he should take charge of the office and purchasing department of a large land and irrigation company. In the mean time, having been an expert accountant, he was engaged to reorganize and take charge of the accounts of another company, giving part of his time, with the prospect of becoming more widely interested in it at a later date. Matters went on in this way until his term as reader came to an end,—he had always felt that this service called for his first consideration,—when the officers of the land company were notified that he was ready to enter upon his duties. With great astonishment it was then learned that the affairs of the company were practically at an end and the position he was to have occupied had ceased to be. Immediately afterward, the company whose accounts he had reorganized became so heavily involved that he had to sever his connection with it. Thus he was left without any income, but with plenty of courage and hope, and he proceeded to hunt for work.
