“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” It is a rule in Christian Science never to re- peat error unless it becomes requisite to bring out Truth. [25] Then lift the curtain, let in the light, and countermand this first command of Solomon, “Answer not a fool accord- [1] ing to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him,” A distant rumbling and quivering of the earth foretell the internal action of pent-up gas. To avoid danger from this source people have to escape from their houses to the [5] open space. A conical cloud, hanging like a horoscope in the air, foreshadows a cyclone. To escape from this calamity people prepare shelter in caves of the earth. They who discern the face of the skies cannot always discern the mental signs of these times, and peer through [10] the opaque error. Where my vision begins and is clear, theirs grows indistinct and ends. There are diversities of operation by the same spirit. Two individuals, with all the goodness of generous na- tures, advise me. One says, Go this way; the other [15] says, Take the opposite direction! Between the two I stand still; or, accepting the premonition of one of them, I follow his counsel, take a few steps, then halt. A true sense not unfamiliar has been awakened. I see the way now. The guardians of His presence go before me. I [20] enter the path. It may be smooth, or it may be rugged; but it is always straight and narrow; and if it be up- hill all the way, the ascent is easy and the summit can be gained. God is responsible for the mission of those whom He [25] has anointed. Those who know no will but His take His hand, and from the night He leads to light. None can say unto Him, What doest Thou? The Christian Science Journal was the oldest and only authenticated organ of Christian Science up to [30] 1898. Loyal Scientists are targets for envy, rivalry, slander; and whoever hits this mark is well paid by the umpire. But the Scientists aim highest. They press for- [1] ward towards the mark of a high calling. They recog- nize the claims of the law and the gospel. They know that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. They infringe neither the books nor the business of others; and [5] with hearts overflowing with love for God, they help on the brotherhood of men. It is not mine but Thine they seek. When God bids one uncover iniquity, in order to exterminate it, one should lay it bare; and divine Love will bless this endeavor and those whom it reaches. [10] “Nothing is hid that shall not be revealed.” It is only a question of time when God shall reveal His rod, and show the plan of battle. Error, left to itself, accumulates. Hence, Solomon's transverse command: “Answer a fool according, to his folly, lest he be wise in [15] his own conceit.” To quench the growing flames of falsehood, once in about seven years I have to repeat this,—that I use no drugs whatever, not even coffea (coffee), thea (tea), cap- sicum (red pepper); though every day, and especially at [20] dinner, I indulge in homoeopathic doses of Natrum muri- aticum (common salt). When I found myself under this new rÉgime of medi- cine, the medicine of Mind, I wanted to satisfy my curi- osity as to the effect of drugs on one who had lost all [25] faith in them. Hence I tried several doses of medicine, and so proved to myself that drugs have no beneficial effect on an indivi
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