Some years ago I served my branch church as Second Reader. A few months after taking up this duty I caught cold, and it manifested itself in a total loss of voice. In spite of my prayer, as taught in Christian Science, to solve this problem, when Saturday evening arrived I still had no voice. My wife and I used to read the Lesson-Sermon together as a last preparation for the Sunday service. Although she sat right next to me, she could not hear what I was reading.
Before starting for church Sunday morning, I had asked another church member to be ready to take over. Arriving at the church, I asked the First Reader if she would not rather have the substitute go on the platform with her. But she answered lovingly and wisely, "No, this is your job. The members elected you Reader. Remember, when the Israelites were to pass over Jordan under the leadership of Joshua, the waters did not yield till the priests bearing the ark of the covenant stepped right into them. Often error will not yield till we step right up to it."
Thus fortified, I took my place on the platform. During the first hymn not a sound passed my lips. During silent prayer I endeavored to cleanse my thought of all fear but could not help wondering what would happen when I was to lead the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. When the time came, my voice came out strong and clear. I read at the Danish service and, after the usual interval of fifteen minutes, at the English service, with a clear voice that reached to the farthest corner of the auditorium.
