Questions & Answers
In the deep shadows of the past I dwelt, and ever seemed distressed; I looked ahead, and could not find A gleam of hope or rest. Then Christian Science came with promise sweet Of joy in the eternal now; To-day I every moment greet, Grateful that God has shown me how.
A vine beside a window grew— An open window; creeping through, It found, in semi-darkened hall, A bare expanse of barren wall. Days passed, nor leaf nor flower was seen; A tiny tendril softly green Extended, lengthening day by day, Beside the stair, a weary way.
What is hope? "Tis but a seedling Rooting in the sod, Which with timid strength, upheaving, Lifts at last the clod Of the senses' deep depression, Finding thus the light And the promise of fruition,— Understanding's might.
" What is truth?" a man of power once asked Before an angry crowd, who firmly stood Demanding God's elect should then be led To give up Life, they thought, through human blood. These people could not grasp how God's idea In other form than mortal man could be: The very truth they sought was present there.
We thought when we were troubled, or in sorrow, or in pain, If our pow'r of will redoubled we perhaps could smile again; We would try to keep our dear ones from the sorrow they would feel If we dropped the forced appearance of a joy that was not real. And we sometimes quite succeeded in our effort—for a time; But a stronger pow'r was needed; pain can will pow'r undermine.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. —Gal.
Be still and know that God is good And God is everywhere: He holds us ever in His love, There is never aught to fear. Be still and know that God is Truth And Truth is ever nigh, It is our help in every need If on it we rely.
At-one with God, our loving Father-Mother, His children all—and man to man is brother, Reflecting His dear love to one another. Grant us Thy love.
O Hungry heart, why stand and gaze, Outside the open door? The Christ himself bids enter, What would ye have him more? Within you'll find contentment, rest, Peace, harmony, and love; The truth that maketh all men free Will all your cares remove. O hungry heart, come, taste, and see How sweet is life and true; The promises that Jesus gave Were meant for me and you.
To live—not for some joy that lies ahead, Some beautiful but vague Elysian field; But find that in real living joy is shed In radiant light that daily blessings yield. To work—not to accomplish some great end, Some distant fortune or long sought career; But, in those duties that to-morrows send, Learn that the goal we seek is ever here.