"AND he had in his hand a little book open," John writes in Revelation; and farther on John states that the little book "shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." In the little book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 559), Mrs. Eddy says, "It will be indeed sweet at its first taste, when it heals you; but murmur not over Truth, if you find its digestion bitter."
As one begins the study of Christian Science, through the pathway of investigation or a yearning for the truth, one rejoices over its sweetness. The love of God is so good to know; the tenderness of His care one wants to spread before the world; the joy of the great discovery of the new-old truth dawns upon consciousness and fills thought with the ever-presence of good. As one progresses a little farther along this path of conscientious effort which leads into God's vineyard, surprise may await the searcher to find that it is at times a rugged road. Obstacles are there to be surmounted. Why should this be? Is not God all there is? How could an obstruction arise when one knows . that divine Love fills all space? Mayhap the path leads into active church membership, as of course it does, before very long, with all who truly see the Christ. There, the beginner feels confidently assured, nothing but harmony will be found; yet, bewilderment confronts one. What is the difficulty? Problems are to be solved, steps to be taken; and there is not always unity of thought.
As one puzzles over this, perhaps his first thought is of rebellion, it may seem so utterly out of accord with good. Then, possibly, criticism creeps in. Why is not a more harmonious sense manifested? There should be one Mind apparent to all. And so the argument runs on. Finally, as the Lesson-Sermons are studied and pondered daily; as various demonstrations are made; and as church work is conscientiously and lovingly done, there unfolds to thought the meaning of what John heard the angel say; and humbly we realize Mrs. Eddy's admonition, as quoted above. The dogma of the ages still clings to the thought reaching out for a better understanding of God and man's relationship to Him; Pharisaism and self-righteousness appear as parasites; and self-will seems to be a means whereby the world's opposition to the truth attempts to hinder the upward step.
