A GROUP of sad faced relatives were bidding farewell to a young girl dressed in mourning. It was evident that there was great solicitude for her welfare, and the tenderest love was expressed. Forced cheerfulness, however, only partially concealed the anxiety of the little group, and as "All aboard" was called, she was gently embraced and given these parting admonitions: "Take good care of yourself," "Be sure to dress warmly," "Do not sit in a draft." As the train pulled out of the station and the young girl caught the last glimpse of her loved ones, tears rolled down her cheeks and she buried her face in her hands.
A wave of compassion swept over a student of Christian Science who had been a silent witness of the parting. How little the human heart had to offer its loved ones by way of protection! Would obedience to the so called laws of health which the young girl was so strongly admonished to obey, really heal the sad heart which was plainly the cause of her delicate appearance? Though each admonition were to be carefully obeyed, anxiety no doubt would still find something to fear. The student repeated to herself the Master's rebuke, "O ye of little faith." Then his admonition to take no thought for the body, what we should eat or what we should wear, came to thought. Poor frightened sense, which clings so tenaciously to matter for life, when life and protection are never there!
Constantly the Bible affirms that man's life is dependent upon God, not matter. In the gospel of St. John we read, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." Our life, then, as Christian Science teaches, is sustained wholly by God, good, and is no more within matter than is God. Therefore to take care of one's self is not to obey material but spiritual law, not to consider conditions of matter but conditions of consciousness.
