THE beginner in Christian Science, reveling in the new-found joy of physical healing or forgiven sin, may be surprised to learn that there is a cross to be borne uphill to the mount of vision. Apprehensively he may read in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 450), "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death." For the moment he may be rebellious, and think that this warfare into which he has been plunged is conscription rather than enlistment. The attitude he assumes, however, matters little. Having named the name of Truth, he can never evade it; and if not lovingly to-day, then to-morrow he must shoulder the cross and begin the upward journey.
The belief in intelligence and action separate from God, which the beginner encounters, did not have its inception with the discovery of Christian Science. It rose as the mist from the ground that first sought to dim the glory of God's creation; and all who have striven to walk in the light have met its opposing arguments with every upward footstep. It is true that Christian Science has quickened human perception to apprehend the secret workings of evil; but it is the herald of "good tidings of great joy," for it has placed within the hands of its followers a priceless means of defense.
Careful study of the historical events of the Bible in the light of Christian Science affords much aid to the students of Truth. Underlying the literal account of Balaam's perilous journey to Moab, with the angel's interception, lies a message of great import. Balaam was somewhat acquainted with the belief in minds many, holding that mortal thought can wander at will from one to another and incite to good and evil intents and purposes. The king of Moab recognized Balaam's so-called ability, and employed him to curse the armies of Israel. Balaam, however, declared, "The word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak." He then proceeded along his way to the designated vantage points, but the result was the reverse of what the king of Moab had anticipated; for three times, instead of cursing, Balaam blessed the army of Israel. The record declares of his experience at the top of Peor, "And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him." Then out of his mouth proceeded a psalm of benediction upon the children of Israel.
