In Genesis (15:1) we read that "the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." I can truly say that for thirty-five years Christian Science has been my shield and my "exceeding great reward."
Fear and self-consciousness caused me to refuse to introduce a lecturer the first time I was asked to do so. But the next time this privilege was offered, I accepted, trusting in God's power and love to show me how to overcome these obstacles. The weeks before the date fixed for the lecture were not easy. I worked and prayed, but the expected peace and confidence did not come until two or three hours before the lecture. Just when I was feeling the very worst, I took up the Christian Science Hymnal and opened it at Hymn No. 136, which begins.
I love Thy why of freedom, Lord,
To serve Thee is my choice.
