,price1 #b4jj4 ,,the ,,right ,,knock ,a ,story by ,,helen ,,van-,,anderson ,author of ,it ,is ,possible1 ,the ,story of ,teddy1 ,the ,journal of a ,live ,woman1 etc41 etc4 ,go to your bosom2 ,knock there2 and ask your heart1 what it doth know --,,shakespeare4 ,,thirteenth ,,edition ,published by ,the ,new ,york ,magazine of ,mysteries #bb ,north ,william ,street1 ,new ,york ,city ,copyright1 #ahhi1 by ,helen ,van-,anderson ,all rights reserved ,,the ,,right ,,knock ,copyright1 #aijc1 by ,the ,new ,york ,magazine of ,mysteries ,all rights reserved ,,contents4 ,,chapter4 ,,page4 ,i4 ,,mrs4 ,,hayden1 #i ,,ii4 ,,the ,,girls ,,at ,,home1 #ag ,,iii4 ,a ,,fire ,,and ,a ,,retrospect1 #be ,,iv4 ,,beginnings1 #cj ,v4 ,,the ,,old ,,doubts ,,again1 #cf ,,vi4 ,,too ,,good ,,to ,,be ,,true1 #dd ,,vii4 ,a ,,new ,,hope1 #ei ,,viii4 ,,what ,,the ,,world ,,said1 #fc ,,ix4 ,a ,,struggle ,,with ,,self1 #gj ,x4 ,,hints ,,of ,,help1 #gi ,,xi4 ,,leaving ,,home1 #hc ,,xii4 ,,mrs4 ,,pearl',s ,,lecture1 #ij ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,true ,,foundation1 #ie ,,xiv4 ,,questionings1 #ajd ,,xv4 ,,what ,,is ,,not ,,true1 #aab ,,xvi4 ,,studying ,,and ,,proving1 #abe ,,xvii4 ,,what ,,is ,,true1 #aca ,,xviii4 ,,it ,,must ,,be ,,so1 #ada ,,xix4 ,,the ,,spiritual ,,birth1 #aea ,,xx4 ,,tangles ,,and ,,talks1 #afb ,,xxi4 ,,inspiration ,,and ,,the ,,bible1 #agb ,,xxii4 ,a ,,church ,,committee1 #ahd ,,xxiii4 ,,prayer1 #aib ,,xxiv4 ,,every-,,day ,,practice1 #bjb ,,xxv4 ,,understanding1 #baa ,,xxvi4 ,a ,,new ,,problem1 #bbb ,,xxvii4 ,,undercurrents1 #bbh ,,xxviii4 ,,the ,,power ,,of ,,thought1 #bcd ,,xxix4 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,meeting1 #bdc ,,xxx4 ,,practical ,,application1 #bdi ,,xxxi4 ,,confidences1 #beg ,,xxxii4 ,,practical ,,application1 #bfb ,,xxxiii4 ,,grace1 #bgd ,,xxxiv4 ,,practical ,,application1 #bha ,,xxxv4 ,,practical ,,application1 #bia ,,xxxvi4 ,,found ,,at ,,last1 #cjj ,,xxxvii4 ,,after ,,three ,,years1 #cjh ,,preface4 ,although most excellent food is to be found on the table of metaphysical thought1 there has never yet been a metaphysical story setting forth a picture of every-day life1 in its search for1 and attainment of satisfaction through the knowledge of ,christ ,philosophy4 ,knowing the pressing need of such a book among the many inquirers and students on this theme1 and with the hope of helping to fill that need1 this story is told4 ,it is a book of facts1 not fiction1 although wearing the dress of fiction4 ,every case of healing1 every seemingly marvelous experience has come under the observation of the writer and can be authenticated as a veritable fact4 ,that there are hundreds1 yea1 thousands to-day1 who leave their homes and go to distant cities for the sake of pursuing the study of ,christ ,philosophy1 or receiving the benefit of its healing ministry1 is proof enough that the story of one woman's experience will be interesting and helpful to all4 ,while the lessons contained in ,mrs4 ,hayden's letters are not exhaustive1 they are valuable for their very simplicity1 and are thoroughly practical1 complete instructions for the beginning and continuance of the study of this wonderful truth4 ,with every lesson supplemented by personal experiences1 the reader sees not only the theory but the practice demonstrated1 and in this simple story he may find the mirror of his own inner hopes and aspirations1 with a broader view of their possible attainment than he has yet seen4 ,carlyle says3 ,if a book come from the heart1 it will contrive to reach other hearts4 ,the ,right ,knock is presented with no other apology than this3 it has come from the heart4 ,,helen ,,van-,,anderson4 ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,present ,,edition4 ,to a new and awakened public the author gives greetings and begs to say a few more words about ,,the ,,right ,,knock4 ,after all these years of work along the lines laid out in the book and with a wide knowledge of prevailing systems of mental training1 the author is happy to be able to say with unbounded confidence that there is nothing to excel this system for beginners1 for those desiring to lay a lasting foundation4 ,the emphasis laid upon the necessity for persistent1 regular and systematic practice of word speaking by audible repetition1 is great1 but none too great4 ,for the faithful student this never fails to bring results1 never fails to put him in the way of understanding and demonstration4 ,with regular practice and constant application in the daily life1 with good judgment as to the details of practice1 length of time at one exercise1 etc41 the pupil is assured in one way or another certain convincing experiences which develop individuality and1 with that1 his ,god-like gifts4 ,thousands have proven this4 ,the unnumbered letters of gratitude1 the kind words1 the warm hand-clasps1 the many testimonials of sick beds forsaken1 depressed spirits revived1 vices discontinued1 of physical and moral strength regained1 prove that the work of the ,spirit is not to be measured by puny human standards of judgment1 prove that simple things--the things from which we expect the least1 in which we put the least ambition or worldly desire may be those which will yield the hundred fold of real blessing4 ,the test of any spiritual truth lies in its demonstration and in the inspiration and faithfulness with which it can be lived4 ,be true to the truth and you will demonstrate it4 ,live the ,christ life and the works will follow2 yet seek truth for its own sake1 not for its power4 ,a word about ,christian ,science4 ,sometimes persons aver of ,,the ,,right ,,knock that it teaches ,christian ,science pure and simple4 ,with all due respect and a recognition of the grand and marvelous work done by ,mrs4 ,eddy1 the author feels called upon to say1 in justice to ,mrs4 ,eddy as well as herself1 that this is not true4 ,there are undoubtedly many similar statements1 yet there are many differences which the careful reader will discover4 ,please note1 for example1 that not matter itself1 but matter as the real substance or power1 is denied4 ,not sickness of the body1 but sickness of the ,spirit1 is a falsity1 etc41 etc4 ,in brief1 the author of ,,the ,,right ,,knock believes there is a name1 place and condition for everything1 and that the discrimination of the plane on which a thing or condition exists1 is the key to placing it in the right relation to the whole4 ,in conclusion1 the author would say most earnestly1 study one writer or teacher at one time1 just as you would study music of one instructor at one time4 ,it is not the many books but the ,book within which is to reveal all things4 ,god speed you4 ,,helen ,,van-,,anderson4 ,,the ,,right ,,knock is now in its ,,thirteenth edition1 a fact which speaks for the great helpfulness of the book1 and proclaims without further comment its world wide ,scope4 ,,the ,,right ,,knock4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,when you have resolved to be great1 abide by yourself1 and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the world4--,emerson4 ,there was a brilliant light in all the windows at ,terrace ,hill4 ,even the verandahs were gorgeous with the gayest ,chinese lanterns1 and every bush and tree in the lawn did duty as chandelier4 ,flowers1 too1 festooned every arch and embowered every corner1 while rare vases fulfilled their esteemed privilege of holding and showing fragrant blossoms4 ,everybody declared the decorations superb1 and agreed that no one but ,mrs4 ,hayden could display such exquisite taste and such perfect judgment in selection and arrangement4 ,animated groups of gayly attired guests sauntered up and down the rose-bowered walks1 or promenaded the verandahs1 while sounds of music and merriment from the house proclaimed the joy that reigned throughout4 ,oh1 how beautifully ,mrs4 ,hayden entertains6 remarked ,kate ,turner to her friend ,grace ,hall1 as they stopped beside a marble fountain to survey the scene4 ,i wonder what place such a woman would take in society without her wealth1 she continued4 ,probably wouldn't have any place1 ,i am sorry to say1 because there are thousands of women just as capable and bright as ,mrs4 ,hayden1 yet because they have no social position1 or rather no money to buy themselves one1 they are unrecognized and alone1 said ,grace1 with a tinge of bitterness in her tone4 ,i could never fancy ,mrs4 ,hayden alone or unrecognized1 although ,i only know her as a society lady1 and that mostly through ,mrs4 ,nottingham4 ,there is no telling what a person really is till they have gone through a trial of some kind1 or had something disagreeable to bear4 ,then one of two things happens3 you will see either a saint or a sinner1 and ,i am not sure which ,mrs4 ,hayden would be4 ,she hasn't yet seen a flame from the fire of adversity1 ,i'm sure4 ,see how wonderfully she is blessed with this beautiful home1 a good husband and three nice children4 ,oh6 it must be lovely to have everything you want1 sighed ,kate1 under her breath4 ,poor ,kate6 ,she was alone in the world1 making the best of life with her talent for music and through a mutual friend had been introduced to ,mrs4 ,hayden1 who1 after hearing her play1 immediately engaged her for ,mabel1 and always invited her to the parties1 more as a musical attraction1 than out of any real regard1 for ,mrs4 ,hayden had an abundance of friends without troubling herself to cultivate in any warm fashion1 the friendship of a poor little music teacher1 thought ,kate1 somewhat bitterly4 ,but after all1 ,kate1 life would need more than luxuries to make it my ideal of happiness4 ,i should want every human being to be agreeably employed2 every woman1 no matter how much or how little she might have1 should be occupied with something that she could put her heart into and speak to the world through her work1 whether it be painting pictures or darning stockings4 ,now ,gracious1 you are riding your hobby and you ought to see you can't ride with all these fine people in your path4 ,come down at once or ,i'll desert you6 ,let's go in and hear that waltz1 and ,kate laughingly pulled the hobby-rider into the path that led to the conservatory where they could listen to the music4 ,what a beautiful home ,mrs4 ,hayden has6 said ,mrs4 ,ferris to her neighbor with the severe collar and plain hair1 as they examined the exquisite frescoing on the parlor ceiling4 ,yes1 but she ought to look into poor homes once in a while4 ,she don't use her money in the right way4 ,just think of the good she might do for our church1 if she would contribute to the charity fund1 or take some poor families to look after4 ,the fat neck folded itself over the severe collar and the face settled into rigid lines of judgment4 ,mrs4 ,dyke was a practical woman and talked in a practical way4 ,being a wonderful church worker she naturally considered it everybody's duty to give when they did not work for the cause of religion4 ,she belonged to the ,first ,methodist ,church on ,high ,st41 and talked about our church as though there were no other4 ,mrs4 ,ferris was at a loss4 ,she had said something that had not brought forth a pleasant result4 ,she merely wished to be sociable1 and what more convenient topic than these beautiful surroundings8 ,she was a meek little woman1 who always wanted to say something agreeable or soothing1 and she felt quite frightened at the mistake she had made4 ,she wished somebody would come to the rescue1 but there was no immediate prospect1 and she scarcely knew how to proceed again1 but ventured to ask if there were many poor people who needed attention now4 ,yes1 indeed there are no less than fifteen families in the mission quarter nearest ,mrs4 ,hayden who would consider it a privilege to pick up the crumbs from her table1 and ,i am afraid she'll have to give an account some time when the reckoning day comes1 for those who have not 'given cups of cold water1 or visited the sick languishing in prison4' ,the air almost trembled with a suggestion of something4 ,little ,mrs4 ,ferris looked longingly towards the door and just then spied her husband who was seeking her4 ,after she was gone1 ,mrs4 ,dyke looked grimly about1 and not finding any one to listen1 she relapsed into a meditative silence4 ,people always wondered what made ,mrs4 ,dyke so popular that she received an invitation to every aristocratic party1 but it was according to the old adage1 ,where there is a will there is a way4 ,this was a gala night for ,hampton4 ,such large social parties were always an event1 and no one refused an invitation to ,mrs4 ,hayden's1 for it always meant beautiful rooms1 carpets1 pictures and bric-a-brac1 superb refreshments1 and a splendid time generally4 ,mrs4 ,hayden was a favorite with the world because she fed the world with sugar plums1 and after smacking its lips it was always ready for more4 ,and she usually had one to drop in4 ,to-night it was a remarkably sweet one4 ,this was a general affair1 and every big body and big body's cousins and friends were there4 ,to be sure they discussed their hostess as freely as though they were not big bodies1 but with rare exceptions the discussion was complimentary in the extreme4 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 what she said1 what she did1 what she wore1 what she served as refreshments the last time1 what were the probabilities next1 her children1 her husband1 what they all did and said and how they acted1 etc41 were always interesting themes4 ,sometimes1 to be sure1 there were adverse remarks like ,mrs4 ,dyke's1 but few made them4 ,yes1 ,mrs4 ,hayden was decidedly popular1 and although no one was ever heard to tell of any particularly grand or noble deed she had done1 she was supposed to be doing good all the time4 ,there were those who1 in earlier years1 would have pointed her out as an enthusiastic philanthropist1 eagerly helping whatever project needed her most1 but gradually she had dropped it all1 no one knew why1 and now her principal work was to shine in society1 at least this was the general verdict of the adverse few who judged from the superficial standpoint of the world4 ,of her inner life they knew nothing as the world knows nothing of any one's inner life4 ,there may be depths or shallows in any character never dreamed of by the most intimate friend1 much less by the babbling world4 ,mrs4 ,hayden moved about among her guests with a stately grace4 ,she had always a pleasant faculty of adjusting the broken links of conversation1 supplying a repartee or asking a question1 introducing strange gentlemen and reviving timid debutantes with a pretty compliment or a gracious smile4 ,my dear1 ,i wish you would play something1 she whispered to ,miss ,turner as she passed her1 ,i think the group in the drawing room need a little change2 and no wonder1 for there was ,mrs4 ,dyke in a hot dispute with a ,unitarian over ,robert ,elsmere1 while her pastor sat near1 occasionally adding something to ,mrs4 ,dyke's emphatic remarks4 ,it's a most blasphemous piece of presumption to present such a picture as that of the church4 ,as if it were in its last stages of decay1 indeed6 ,it was well such a weak-minded idiot as ,robert ,elsmere died at the beginning of his career4 ,i could never forgive the author if she hadn't killed him1 she was saying in an angry voice4 ,we can take it simply as a symbol of the decay of his religion1 and that is comforting1 added the minister1 complacently4 ,i am not at all in sympathy with the holy ,catherine1 with her prejudice and bigotry4 ,if it wasn't such a true picture of the many ,catherines we find in real life1 ,i should be quite disgusted1 but ,i do love to see real people in novels1 then ,i know so much better how to deal with them1 said a pretty young lady who aspired to be called intellectual because she liked to study character4 ,indeed1 ,catherine had a deep religious nature1 which might be worthy of emulation in many respects1 and she is certainly a high ideal of wifely love1 ,mrs4 ,hayden interposed at this critical juncture4 ,well1 ,i didn't read the book for ,catherine1 but for the sake of knowing ,robert and what he did to make such a stir in the world4 ,i'm opposed to novels1 as a rule1 and read as little of one as ,i can1 said ,mrs4 ,dyke1 smoothing her lap and looking at the minister4 ,mrs4 ,hayden motioned to ,kate to play1 and presently the rooms were filled with harmony4 ,kate ,turner was a natural musician1 and to-night she fairly excelled herself4 ,the little passage at arms just recorded had inspired her with emotions that could only be expressed in music1 and she played some time to the continued delight of her listeners4 ,she finished at last with a song that stirred every heart1 and even ,mrs4 ,dyke was visibly softened4 ,verily 'music hath charms to soothe a savage breast1' murmured the intellectual young lady1 who was sorry that discussion of ,robert ,elsmere had been interrupted4 ,she rather enjoyed ,mrs4 ,dyke1 for she was an immensely interesting character4 ,this reception1 like all others1 came to an end at last4 ,everybody expressed themselves as highly delighted with their entertainment1 and one by one reluctantly took their departure2 the gay lanterns on the lawn and among the shrubbery went out1 the lights inside the splendid mansion were finally extinguished1 and only the quiet starlight illumined ,terrace ,hill4 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 from her high bay window1 looked out over the sleeping city1 then at the ,north ,star that beamed so brightly above her--that unerring beacon-light that guides so many lost mariners into port4 ,some deep thought must have moved her1 some hidden impulse stirred her mind4 ,she sighed4 ,there was no visible reason for it4 ,then she turned and went down the stairs to the nursery4 ,her two babies were sleeping sweetly4 ,mabel was asleep in her room1 and all was quiet4 ,the hush seemed oppressive after so much gay confusion4 ,now she was in another element4 ,now she was the mother1 then she was a fashionable woman4 ,she hastened back to her room1 once more gazed without and then thoughtfully retired4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,christianity is not a theory or a speculation1 but a life2 not a philosophy of life1 but a life and a living process4--,coleridge4 ,kate ,turner walked slowly along the street at the foot of ,terrace ,hill4 ,she looked up at the beautiful home where she had spent the previous evening1 and as she saw the velvet lawn and terraced walks bordered with bright flowers1 she half pitied herself because she was only a plodding music teacher4 ,she was not envious1 but she had such longing aspirations to be somebody in the world2 she wanted so many things1 needed so much to complete her education1 and starved herself in so many ways for the sake of completing it1 that sometimes she grew discontented with her lot4 ,fortunately her moods did not last long1 however1 and especially when she went home to her artist friend1 ,grace1 with whom she shared rooms4 ,they were both making their own way in the world1 and were a great help to each other1 as well as a great comfort4 ,kate was wondering what ,mrs4 ,hayden did every day with her leisure4 ,she should think she would be tired always going to parties and lunches and operas1 or receiving calls4 ,but then1 ,i am thankful to know her1 she concluded1 casting a last glance at the stately mansion before turning the corner4 ,after all1 life might be worse for me1 and ,i can be a happy nobody if not a famous somebody1 she said to herself1 as she ran upstairs1 after stopping at the baker's for a loaf of bread and a pot of jam4 ,well1 ,gracious1 what noble message have you given to the world through your work to-day8 she cried1 a moment later1 gaily peering into the studio through the portires that separated their parlor from the work room4 ,is that you1 ,kate8 ,well1 ,i've been trying the whole afternoon to make this ,hebe look like a modern ,hypatia1 but---- ,in other words1 interrupted ,kate1 you would change innocence into intellect4 ,now1 look here1 ,grace1 just leave this dainty girl alone4 ,she would never do to serve the gods if you gave her the aspect and bearing of a goddess4 ,let her alone1 or the world would not recognize her as a representative woman1 laughed ,kate1 inspecting the picture with critical eyes4 ,kate1 stop laughing1 and tell me truly if you think it would not do to give her a little more independence4 ,you know it's the worst thing in the world to give a woman even an inkling that such a thing exists1 said the mischievous ,kate1 with a total abandonment to consequences as she gave the artist an impetuous hug4 ,well1 let us have tea1 and we'll discuss the subject later1 said ,grace1 somewhat mollified4 ,i am afraid1 ,gracious1 you are something in the same mood ,i was when ,i started home to-night1 but ,i concluded to let 'dull care' take care of itself1 and be merry while the sun shines1 which means as long as we have enough to pay our rent1 and the prospect of a little more next month1 continued ,kate as she brought a tiny oil stove from the depths of a closet and proceeded to put the kettle on4 ,i have been so full of thoughts of the nineteenth century that ,i found it hard to go back to the ,pagan ages1 but here this picture is ordered1 and ,i must finish it by next week1 so ,i guess this one will have to go without my message1 said ,grace1 a little gloomily1 for above all things she loved to put her own individuality into her pictures1 which she generally did with rare success4 ,you mustn't have just one ideal of woman1 or you'll lose the art of painting the sweetest phases of womanhood1 replied the busy housemaid from the sepulchral closet4 ,oh6 if ,i have such excellent models as you make in that checked apron and dusting cap1 ,i can do nobly4 ,grace laughed good humoredly as she cleaned her palette and set ,hebe in one corner4 ,now1 my dear1 isn't there something ,i can do to help arrange the feast8 as she went into the little back room they used for a kitchen4 ,yes1 wash the grapes and open the jam while ,i cut the bread and pour the tea4 ,a few minutes later they were tte--tte at the little table1 and as they sat down ,grace said with a comical smile3 ,quite a difference between our banquet of last night and this1 isn't there8 ,i should remark there is1 but after all1 ,grace1 ,i believe ,i am quite content4 ,as ,i was passing along at the foot of the hill this evening a momentary dissatisfaction came over me that ,i couldn't have a few advantages like ,mrs4 ,hayden's1 not hers of course1 but similar ones1 with a smile at the distinction1 and then ,i wondered how she spends all her leisure1 for of course she has the whole twenty-four hours at her disposal1 and--well1 to be brief1 ,i would not want to live without some object in life1 and so ,i thought it best the way it is now4 ,very wise conclusion1 ,kate1 that's just what ,i always say1 and really who is there with whom we would care to exchange places8 ,there are so many kinds of people and so many things for humanity to contend against1 ,i don't know that ,i should want to change burdens with anyone4 ,mrs4 ,dyke1 for instance1 would you not think yourself fortunate to be like her8 said ,kate1 with a merry twinkle in her eyes4 ,oh1 deliver me from that comparison6 ,why1 she carries everybody's sins on her shoulders2 ,i even heard she had taken ,robert ,elsmere to throw at the world6 laughed ,grace4 ,but not his wife2 she didn't read about her4 ,wasn't it too funny to hear her go on last night1 and the way she looked at the minister to emphasize her position8 ,yes1 but how many there are like her--read just enough to know there are such and such characters and such and such incidents4 ,now of course she has heard the minister define ,robert's crime1 as he would call it ,i suppose1 so she thinks she can use the whole argument1 replied ,grace1 a little scornfully4 ,mrs4 ,hayden interposed just at the right time4 ,i was glad she did1 too4 ,it seems she has considered ,catherine's position and could speak a good word for her1 said ,kate1 sipping her tea1 thoughtfully4 ,well1 if she calls her an ideal of wifely love1 ,i don't admire the reality1 exclaimed ,grace1 with more vigor than elegance1 as she put down her tea-cup4 ,i got positively impatient1 she continued1 when ,i read about her cruelty to ,robert1 judging him in that inquisitor's fashion4 ,poor fellow6 ,i think he died of a broken heart4 ,but1 ,grace1 she did what she thought was her religious duty1 and it must have been hard for her to withdraw herself so completely when she loved him so much1 said the more charitable ,kate4 ,do you call that love which would let him go tramping off alone1 with not even a word of sympathy1 and so afraid that her religion would be contaminated she could not even hear him preach8 ,i don't pretend to be religious1 but any religion stands on a poor foundation if it can be swept away by anybody's opinions4 ,it wasn't that2 it was because she thought it was wrong to listen to heresy1 as she supposed it was1 and---- ,how did she know8 ,had she taken pains to find out8 ,did she study it carefully and have a reason for her cruel judgment8 interrupted the wrathful ,grace4 ,well1 she was conscientious and was doing what she had been taught was right4 ,kate1 if there is anything that makes me out of patience with people it is when they hang all their actions on what somebody else says1 and that excuse is simply barbarous in this case4 ,remember that in religion one must follow what he thinks to be right1 and ,catherine ,elsmere represents a large class of people2 in fact1 the majority of religious people4 ,kate was naturally inclined to be charitable1 and this1 added to her early training in a religious home1 as well as her position as a church member1 made her understand ,catherine's position from a conscientious standpoint much more than ,grace4 ,she could readily appreciate the fixed law of conscience ,catherine had made for herself by pledging her sacred word of honor to her father1 whom she revered as an infallible authority1 as most people revere the legends and doctrines of the church4 ,i admit that it is right to follow the dictates of one's own conscience1 but ,i believe in having an enlightened conscience1 and a reason for opinions4 ,for that matter1 so did ,robert have a conscience1 and while ,i don't understand his religion1 ,i respect his honesty and effort4 ,there are a great many beautiful things in what he says1 but there must be a mistake somewhere in a religion that can not save to the uttermost1 and his didn't4 ,i haven't found one that does1 said ,grace1 with some irony4 ,nevertheless1 ,grace1 there is nothing to warrant your assertion in the ,bible4 ,the ,christian religion is full of the most blessed promises of salvation in everything1 said ,kate1 gently1 but flushing a little as she spoke1 for she disliked talking religion with ,grace1 who was so skeptical1 although if compelled to do so1 it was a matter of duty to stand up for her ,christian principles4 ,yes1 ,i admit it gives many wonderful promises1 but where are they realized8 ,it seems to me the very fact that the church has not proven them1 made such people as ,robert ,elsmere doubt them even as possible of fulfillment4 ,why ,grace1 surely you don't disbelieve in the power of ,god to fulfill the promises8 exclaimed ,kate1 deeply pained4 ,i am talking from ,robert ,elsmere's standpoint1 answered ,grace1 evasively4 ,my sympathy is with ,catherine1 for to her1 religion was a living answer to her deepest needs and feelings1 and to doubt that answer was nothing less than sacrilege1 said ,kate1 with a bright red spot on either cheek4 ,well1 answered ,grace1 throwing down her napkin1 ,i want to see a religion that will stand infinite investigation without falling into ruins1 and ,robert reasoned himself away from the old beliefs and dogmas because he investigated them4 ,he used his ,god-given reason1 and ,i think that is to be used as well as the blind1 unquestioning faith of ,catherine4 ,there are times when we need faith and times when we need reason1 but faith applies to religion and reason to the things of the world1 replied ,kate1 recalling what she had heard a few ,sundays before4 ,well1 to me the ideal of religion is a marriage1 a union of faith and reason--but this is idle talk4 ,what does anybody know of such perfection as ,i demand anyway8 ,grace impatiently pushed her chair away from the table1 and went to look at her picture again1 in a decidedly gloomy mood4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,such is the world1 understand it1 despise it1 love it2 cheerfully hold on thy way through it1 with thy eye on highest loadstars4--,carlyle4 ,it was a week since the party4 ,mrs4 ,hayden had been to the opera and returned late4 ,her husband was absent on a business trip1 and she felt a vague uneasiness come over her as she entered the room4 ,she knew not why1 but it seemed unusually lonely without him4 ,she seldom went out alone1 but to-night she had gone out as much to while away the time as to hear the music4 ,after paying her usual visit to the nursery1 she went to bed1 but slept little for several hours4 ,about #d o'clock she was awakened by stifling fumes of smoke and startling cries of fire4 ,was it too late8 ,she sprang up and ran to the nursery stairs1 but the scorching flames met her1 and she retreated to the window1 shrieking for help1 only to get a glimpse of someone through the smoke climbing toward her4 ,hold on6 cried the fireman1 and reached out his arms for her just as she fell back fainting4 ,grasping her firmly1 the brave man dragged her out of the window1 and began his perilous descent4 ,when about half way down1 the ladder fell1 but its burden was expected1 and mattress and bed-clothing saved them from what might have been worse4 ,as it was1 the fireman escaped with a few bruises and slight scorching1 and ,mrs4 ,hayden with a broken limb4 ,first they feared she was dead1 but after a few moments she revived and moaned feebly for husband and children4 ,little ,mabel clung desperately to her mother1 and sobbingly told her only the house was burnt4 ,fred and ,jamie were safe1 and now she must get up and be glad4 ,poor child1 instinctively she knew the value of life above all other things4 ,how did it happen1 where did it start1 and who saw it first8 were the queries on every side4 ,some one down at the foot of the hill had seen a tiny blue flame licking the corner of the roof4 ,the fire alarm was touched1 the bells set to ringing1 and the observers leaped up the terraced stairways and arrived at the top just as the whole house burst into flames4 ,the fire company had not arrived in time to do anything1 as it was impossible to climb the hill with their heavy trucks1 and their hose was not long enough to reach the flames1 so the house was gone4 ,many people had gathered from all quarters in the fashion peculiar to fire crowds1 but now they had seen the spectacle1 and1 as there was nothing further to see or do1 they slowly dispersed4 ,mrs4 ,hayden and the children were removed to the hotel and a telegram sent to ,mr4 ,hayden1 informing him of the catastrophe4 ,when he arrived1 twelve hours later1 he found his wife confined to the bed with a nervous fever and a broken limb4 ,the children were safe and well cared for1 and though his elegant home was in ruins1 ,john ,hayden was deeply thankful4 ,marion would1 of course1 get over the trouble1 and things were much better than they might have been1 he said4 ,so he tried to look on the bright side1 and after a few cheering words and a loving kiss he left her1 to run up the hill and view the ruins4 ,it was early twilight1 and as he beheld the smouldering debris1 and realized that the comforts and luxuries1 possibly the necessities of life had gone up in the smoke that even now curled in sullen wreaths from the blackened heaps1 he bowed his head and wept4 ,it was but a moment1 but that moment was the bitterest of his whole life4 ,he knew better than anyone else that this was probably the beginning of financial misfortune1 for a very important transaction was even now pending that he feared would take his all4 ,as a merchant he had an honorable reputation and position1 but this unfortunate speculation would ruin him4 ,failure seemed inevitable4 ,but he hoped to save enough to pay every debt and still be able to live1 even though in a modest way4 ,now he would not even get his insurance on his house1 for in his financial embarrassment he had failed to renew his policy1 which had expired but few days before4 ,he would now have little besides this spot1 this beautiful hill4 ,yes1 it was valuable1 and in time could be sold for what it was worth1 but not now1 and in the meantime what should he do8 ,how would ,marion take it8 ,why had he not told her before he went away8 ,but he had known it himself only a few days4 ,oh1 my dear wife1 would that we could commence life as we did when we were first married6 he groaned4 ,his mind went back to the past4 ,he looked again into her sweet1 girlish face1 into her clear1 earnest eyes4 ,he remembered how they had both desired to live a religious life1 how he1 having been brought up in a religious home1 undertook in vain to explain the ,bible where it was dark and unreasonable to her4 ,he remembered how fruitlessly she had tried to be converted1 and that he had found even through her earnest seeking that he had naught but the letter of religion and was also as helpless as to the manner of salvation4 ,and then they had given up trying4 ,she sought1 for a while1 to satisfy herself by doing for others1 giving her time and energy to the poor that found her out and besieged her for favors1 while he had been satisfied to let religion alone and believe with the majority concerning the doctrines and dogmas4 ,as the years went on1 and prosperity came to them1 he had grown more and more indifferent1 and finally1 when they moved away from their early home and entered a new city1 they had begun a new life1 as it were4 ,he remembered1 regretfully1 that she had entered the competitive ranks of society1 at his wish at first1 because he thought it would add to his popularity as a merchant and increase the number and quality of his customers4 ,too well he remembered that the elegant parties and party costumes were first his own instigation1 and now that these were likely to be taken away1 he felt responsible for her happiness1 and had a secret misgiving1 born of his early religious training perhaps1 of retribution and judgment4 ,he hoped indeed that she would be able to rise above circumstances1 but he was utterly at a loss to know how she would take it1 for although he knew that deep down in her heart were still traces of the early longings1 he felt vaguely there was no way to satisfy them any more now than in the past1 and probably they would only increase the difficulty of finding happiness4 ,john ,hayden was kind-hearted and upright in all his ways1 strictly honest and conscientious1 but apt to be a little one-sided in his judgments1 simply because1 as a rule1 he reasoned from one standpoint1 thought in one groove4 ,he had never considered the questions from this point of view1 and therefore they were seriously perplexing4 ,like many another he lived within his own world1 and knew naught of any other4 ,in the later years of their married life he and ,marion had grown a little apart in the closest confidences1 but it was caused by circumstances more than anything else1 and notwithstanding the present misery he was sure of her love4 ,poor girl1 ,i must hasten back to her1 he murmured1 as he rose from his uncomfortable position4 ,after all1 ,i can thank ,god for my family1 my health1 my honor1 for no matter how much we may suffer1 no one else shall suffer through me4 ,there was a little pang at the thought of the privations in possible store for the family through him1 but he had resolved to make the best of circumstances and be brave as possible4 ,once more he looked over the scene1 but there were only dim black shadows in the starlight1 and he went down toward the twinkling lights of the city below4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,society is like a piece of frozen water2 and skating well the great art of social life4--,letitia ,elizabeth ,landon4 ,too bad about ,hayden1 isn't it8 said one business man to another after the crash came4 ,yes1 ,i am sorry for him1 but he is coming out honorably1 and ,i hope he'll commence again before long4 ,well1 he is made of the right stuff if he did make one mistake1 and ,i guess he will never make the same blunder again4 ,too bad though about his house4 ,no insurance at all1 and that was a magnificent property4 ,indeed it was1 and ,i hope for his wife's sake he can sell the lot and get another home for her4 ,can't do it now though--real estate is too low for any use in ,hampton4 ,yes1 that's so4 ,the only way is to mortgage1 and that seems a pity in this case-- and they passed on out of hearing4 ,john ,hayden1 standing within the doorway of the open store1 had overheard the remarks1 and while they pained1 they cheered him4 ,from that moment his resolve was taken1 and as soon as everything was honorably settled he applied for credit of his old friends in the wholesale houses and they gladly gave it1 for his reputation was unimpeachable4 ,then he rented a modest little store and began anew4 ,mrs4 ,hayden lay sick seven weeks1 and arose a weak and nervous invalid1 doomed to carry a still limb all her life1 the physicians said4 ,they could not discover why her limb was stiff1 but there was no help for it4 ,how did she bear the change in her life and circumstances8 ,when her husband told her1 she just put her arms around his neck and whispered2 ,all right1 ,john1 ,i shall do the best ,i can to help you bear it4 ,and from that moment they began life again4 ,she did not even complain when they were obliged to move into a small cottage in the suburbs1 but it was hard for her to be ignored and forgotten by the elegant social world1 where she had so recently been an acknowledged leader4 ,alas6 she had no sugar plums for society now1 so it soon forgot her existence4 ,there were1 however1 some exceptions among her former friends1 and she was glad to welcome among her few visitors1 ,kate ,turner and ,grace ,hall1 who had grown to love ,mrs4 ,hayden more than they would have thought possible when she seemed so high above them in the social scale4 ,she is turning out a saint rather than a sinner1 said ,kate one evening1 as they were discussing the ,haydens and recalled the conversation of the night of the party4 ,just wait awhile4 ,many people can be heroic in great things1 but are sadly deficient when it comes to the little things1 said ,grace1 with her usual caution4 ,i believe ,i could be a heroine myself1 if some grand opportunity came1 she added1 smiling4 ,oh1 ,grace1 don't trifle so2 you know this is a very serious matter with ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hayden1 and they are both doing nobly1 cried ,kate1 with tears in her eyes4 ,well1 queen ,katherine1 ,i don't mean any harm1 and you must not think anything of my brusque speeches4 ,as you know1 there is a tinge of skepticism in me which ,i can not help1 and my ideals are so much higher than the realities of life1 that ,i am always painfully conscious of the difference4 ,well1 what would you wish ,mrs4 ,hayden to be like1 for instance1 in order to come up to your ideal of the heroic woman8 asked ,kate in a softened tone4 ,kate dear1 ,i love ,mrs4 ,hayden as much as you do1 and would not for a moment disparage her virtues1 but it strikes me as a philosophical fact that as a rule1 human nature can and does display wonderful courage in great emergencies1 but fails miserably in details1 and this ought not to be so4 ,nothing would please me better than to see one life prove that ,i am wrong4 ,that is all true1 ,gracie1 about humanity in general1 but she is lovely1 and ,i am sorry for her having to be lame all her life4 ,it's a perfect shame that she must lose even her health1 for of course she will never be strong again4 ,another defect to be noted somewhere in the universal economy4 ,it seems to me we are pretty helpless creatures1 generally speaking1 for it all appears to be a matter of chance whether we get well or not1 when we do get sick1 mused ,grace1 bent upon drawing her own conclusions4 ,poor girl6 ,life had been rather hard for her1 and she judged it as it appeared1 and there did seem a great flaw somewhere which she was trying her best to solve by noting every phase of life as she found it4 ,naturally bright1 keenly intellectual and very independent1 she was a philosopher as well as an artist1 and always ready for a tilt with the world on its most petted opinions4 ,hers was a reasoning mind that observed all inconsistencies and discrepancies in anything she studied1 and there was generally a little acidity in her judgment of the world and its bigoted ways4 ,i can't see why ,mrs4 ,hayden should not be cured completely1 continued ,kate1 ignoring her companion's last shot1 for it wasn't so bad that anybody knew of until she got up4 ,my dear madam1 said ,grace1 striking an owlish attitude1 you have not read the latest opinion expressed by one of the most learned professors in the ,allopathic school of medicine in ,paris4 ,he stood before the class of graduating students and said3 ',gentlemen1 you have done me the honor to come here to listen to a lecture on the science of medicine4 ,i must frankly confess ,i know nothing about it1 and1 moreover1 know of no one who does4 ,any one who takes medicine is fortunate if it helps him1 but more fortunate if it does not harm him4' ,whether our friend is fortunate or unfortunate is a question hard to decide4 ,i move we discuss another subject4 ,kate laughed in spite of herself1 and ,grace got up to take another view of the ,modern ,hypatia1 which at last was growing into a visible creation under her skillful brush4 ,isn't that a woman for you8 she said1 pointing to the picture admiringly1 as she held it under the gas light4 ,yes1 ,i like her better than ,hebe4 ,she has a look of reserved power about her that is captivating1 but there is something in her face that makes me sad1 something that is lacking4 ,what is it8 ,tell me1 for ,i can see nothing6 ,grace questioned impetuously4 ,wait a minute1 perhaps ,i can define it4 ,there6 hold it so4 ,let me see1 and ,kate walked off a few paces4 ,yes1 it is dissatisfaction1 an incompleteness1 as though she had not found what she sought4 ,can you see that1 ,kate8 ,then ,i am at the same time the most happy and unhappy creature alive1 cried ,grace1 breathlessly dropping into a chair and holding the picture fondly near her face4 ,why8 said the astonished ,kate4 ,don't you know ,i am forever putting myself into my pictures8 ,and ,i've succeeded too admirably with this one4 ,the poor thing has caught my unconscious fault of finding defects everywhere4 ,oh1 ,i must get it out of her some way2 how shall ,i1 when to me she looks so perfect8 ,you better get it out of yourself first1 if that is the trouble1 replied ,kate1 with a great wave of pity in her voice4 ,i wish ,i could4 ,oh1 why do ,i have to see everything in the wrong way8 ,it seems to me life would be heavenly1 if ,i could know only the good in everything4 ,grace put down the picture and gazed at it with stern1 accusing eyes4 ,i shall leave this one and begin another to-morrow1 she finally announced in a subdued tone4 ,i am glad you won't rub this out1 for she is too lovely1 said ,kate1 softly1 as she went about1 gently putting things in order1 picking up her music and arranging the books4 ,grace sat there brooding over her life problems with a new thought in her mind4 ,she dimly realized that a woman must have a genuine message herself before she tries to give it to the world4 ,and alas1 her message was sadly deficient1 she found4 ,mechanically she took a book from the table and opening it at random1 read3 ,if the whole is ever to gladden thee1 ,that whole in the smallest thing thou must see4 ,that is not bad philosophy1 whose is it8 she thought4 ,she looked at the book4 ,it was ,goethe's poems1 but she was not in the mood for reading1 and she sat thinking till late at night4 ,this was a new sentiment4 ,she would digest it and test its practical truth4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,take up the threads of life at home1 ,let not the stitches drop2 ,the busy world will know 'tis done ,though ne'er it pause nor stop4 ,nothing can bring you peace but yourself4 ,nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles4--,emerson4 ,a year passed away1 and ,mrs4 ,hayden grew no better4 ,she was not as cheerful as she had been at first1 and instead of growing into the brave1 patient woman she longed to become1 she had grown fretful and irritable1 and was in many ways different from the ,mrs4 ,hayden ,kate and ,grace had talked about so enthusiastically4 ,none knew better than she1 how miserably she had failed to live the life that was soul satisfying--the life that brought forth fruits4 ,in all the years of her prosperity1 in the midst of the gayeties and luxuries1 she had secretly longed for something she never found1 and in one sense it had not been hard for her to give up the life of ease and idleness1 because she had hoped to find in the new duties a new peace and satisfaction1 had hoped to live up to her ideal of a noble woman1 and it was with her whole heart she had promised her husband her help and sympathy1 but in all the eighteen months1 she had been but a burden2 even calm forbearance and cheerfulness had ceased to be virtues4 ,the children1 not having a nursery1 must needs be anywhere and everywhere1 and in spite of her efforts to the contrary1 their noise annoyed her4 ,to-night she sat thinking it all over1 in one of her most despondent moods1 for be it said to her credit1 things did not always appear as gloomy as she represented them to herself4 ,the ruddy firelight flickered over her in fitful gleams of light and shadow4 ,the children were out romping in the twilight1 enjoying the first snow of the season4 ,her husband had not yet returned from the store4 ,what was the use1 anyway1 pursued the relentless conscience--even the wish to be good was always choked by a complete forgetfulness2 and before she could catch her breath the words were out1 so1 although she had believed nearly all her life that one might grow into goodness1 she was quite rebellious to-night with the thought of its impossibility1 and she felt bitter1 too1 to think of the long years of uselessness stretching out before her4 ,scarcely thirty-five and yet she felt like a cross1 crabbed old woman1 and shuddered to think of all the years to come1 if they were to be like the past1 and there seemed no help for it unless she could conquer herself4 ,the doctor had done what he could to cure her dyspepsia but she was a veritable slave to her capricious stomach4 ,she felt one of her oft-recurring sick headaches coming on and every thought grew blacker and more disconsolate4 ,oh6 she wished supper were over and the children safe in bed1 so she could be free from their noise1 and here they come6 she thought1 as a great stamping and laughing was heard in the hall4 ,oh1 mamma6 such lovely snowflakes1 just like a fairy's quilt1 and they have been falling all over us till we're like people in frost land4 ,just look1 mamma6 cried ,mabel1 who liked a romp as well as the boys1 although she was thirteen4 ,three-year-old ,jamie and five-year-old ,fred came trooping in behind4 ,well1 mamma1 ,god has turned on the snow faucets1 announced ,fred1 with characteristic importance4 ,an' all 'e fevvers is tummin' down fum 'e 'ky1 shouted ,jamie at the top of his voice4 ,and mamma1 can't we have a sled and go coasting this winter8 queried ,mabel1 not noticing in her eagerness that her mamma was very sick4 ,oh1 don't make so much noise4 ,take them away and keep quiet1 ,mabel4 ,i can not endure so much confusion4 ,they went out clanging the door behind them in spite of their efforts to keep quiet1 and as their voices grew fainter1 she thought with another remorseful pang3 ,i have sent them away again4 ,why must ,i yield always to self instead of overcoming8 ,presently1 however1 all attempts at thinking were lost in the efforts to get the camphor1 bathe her head and find some comforting spot whereon to rest her aching temples4 ,a subdued family gathered around the table that evening and everyone felt the necessity of being quiet as possible4 ,even ,fred and ,jamie understood that they must keep still1 and managed to keep their voices down to something less than a shrill whisper4 ,mrs4 ,hayden partook only of a small cup of tea and was then assisted to her room1 where she expected to remain for at least two days--the usual time4 ,her husband spent the evening rubbing her head1 bathing it with camphor and keeping the house quiet as possible4 ,the next day dawned cloudy and grey1 with a faint mildness in the air1 indicating a thaw4 ,mabel went to school1 ,fred and ,jamie amused themselves in the back parlor until they were tired and then flattened their noses against the window1 trying to see how many drops of melted snow fell from the porch roof4 ,i want a snow man1 wailed ,jamie1 suddenly remembering what papa said about the snow long ago4 ,well1 you can't have it1 said ,fred1 with great decision1 who generally opposed anything on principle4 ,yes1 we can4 ,we can go out and make one1 persisted ,jamie4 ,jack ,frost'll bite your fingers4 ,no he won't4 ,he will-- ,he won't eever-- ,he will1 'cos mamma said so1 said naughty ,fred4 ,jamie's little face clouded and the lip began to quiver2 then a sudden thought striking him1 he jumped up1 beaming with delight1 and cried1 as he ran towards the hall3 ,mamma said ,jack ,frost couldn't find me when ,i had my overcoat and wed mittens on1 and my wed cap4 ,you can't reach your coat an' you've lost your mittens1 insisted ,fred1 with perseverance worthy a better cause4 ,o1 yes ,i can4 ,i can 'tep on my high chair1 dragging it after him4 ,i can get my things on first1 said ,fred who suddenly decided in favor of the snow man1 and hurriedly suiting the action to the word1 rushed to get his coat which hung under ,jamie's1 just as ,jamie reached his little hands up to get his4 ,fred gave a tremendous flirt and pull at his coat which overbalanced his little brother and down came the high chair and ,jamie plump upon the luckless ,fred1 whose angry squeals and kicks1 mingled with ,jamie's loud shrieks of terror made a commotion that brought ,anna1 the housekeeper1 to the rescue4 ,what is the matter8 as she plucked ,jamie from the general debris4 ,fred pulled me down-- ,jamie jumped on me1 said both at once as soon as they could get their breath4 ,an'1 ,i aint lost my wed mittens1 an' my little white leg is broke off1 cried ,jamie suddenly1 spying the oft-mended leg of the high-chair1 which in this melee1 had completely severed company with the rest of the chair1 and now mutely appealed for help to be put on again4 ,there1 there1 papa can mend it all right again4 ,don't cry1 little man4 ,now ,fred1 you must stop crying and play nice with ,jamie and not quarrel so much4 ,there6 ,i hear mamma's bell2 ,i must go see what she wants4 ,run away and be quiet1 for mamma can't stand a bit of noise to-day1 and ,anna left them again to their own devices4 ,jamie carefully laid the little white leg away in his box of playthings1 and then both children went back to the window to watch the drops again4 ,i see one1 two1 three1 seven1 four1 ten-- slowly counted ,jamie as the crystal drops fell4 ,oh1 ,i see a ice berg1 an' ,i'm goin' to get it for candy1 shouted ,fred as he ran out on the porch and seized an icicle4 ,it seemed so nice out there that he stayed and called ,jamie to come1 too4 ,they were delighted with the new plaything and new sights1 and any thought of being cold or needing their coats never entered their minds1 so the icicle1 the beautiful drops1 and finally the snow claimed their attention until they were at last happily engaged in the much-desired occupation of making a snow man4 ,it was near noon and the sun had finally rifted the grayest clouds1 and was sending such warm smiles on the snow-laden earth that trees and fences1 roofs and ridges burst into tears of joy4 ,so1 often does the sun-shiny smile melt the ice-bound prison of discontent or misunderstanding4 ,fred and ,jamie were in the midst of their interesting creation when ,mr4 ,hayden came home to dinner4 ,boys6 boys6 he called from the gate as soon as he saw them4 ,you'll catch your death of cold2 run into the house1 quick6 ,why haven't you something on your heads and rubbers on your feet8 and without waiting to hear their vociferous reply1 he hurried them into the house4 ,oh1 but it was such fun1 papa1 an' we was goin' to put two coals in his head1 cos' his eyes was black1 you know1 an' your old mashed hat for his head1 an'-- ,an' me foun' a 'tick for his arm1 interrupted ,jamie1 who must be sure papa knew all about this wonderful man4 ,yes1 he looks very promising1 and ,i guess ,i'll have to finish him for you2 but you must not go out again to-day4 ,just think what would we do if you should be sick while mamma must be in bed4 ,poor mamma1 she would feel bad and cry because she couldn't help you1 and it would make her feel very sorry indeed to know her little boys went out without somebody saying they might4 ,well1 papa1 we didn't mean to go 'thout our things on1 but two of the beautifullest icebergs hunged down an' we played they was candy an' all the pretty drops said stop1 stop1 stop1 an'-- ,yes1 an' the 'no was full of 'tars 'at shined right up at us an' laughed an' played hide an' seek wiv each other4 ,an' ,jamie wanted to make a snow man1 suddenly remembered ,fred4 ,cos papa did when he was a little boy1 an' he telled me sometimes so could ,i-- ,oh1 you little rogues1 it is well you can trace it back1 laughed papa1 catching each small man1 and placing upon his knees4 ,why1 look here1 your shoes are all wet1 and your fingers red1 and your clothes sprinkled with water4 ,this will never do4 ,take off your shoes1 ,fred4 ,here1 ,anna1 he called1 as he heard her in the dining room1 bring some dry stockings and aprons4 ,these boys have been out in the wet snow1 and must be changed right away4 ,put a flannel round their necks1 too4 ,i'm afraid they'll have the croup to-night4 ,with as much haste as possible1 he stripped off their wet clothes1 chafed their hands and feet1 and with an anxious look left them1 to go and speak to his wife who1 when suffering from headache could allow no one to enter the room except her husband or ,anna4 ,that night the whole household were aroused by the hoarse and unmistakable cough of croup4 ,jamie had taken cold1 as his father feared he would4 ,the doctor was sent for in wild haste1 and after several hours of watchful care and frequent taking of hive syrup or ipecac1 ,jamie was at last sleeping quietly1 and every one felt that after this1 at least1 those children should be so well guarded that escape would be impossible1 and the dreaded enemy kept out4 ,this was always a result of exposure1 and ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hayden had often wished for the time when ,jamie would outgrow the attacks as that really seemed the only thing in which lay any hope4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,build thee more stately mansions ,oh my soul1 ,as the swift seasons roll1 ,leave thy low vaulted past4 ,let each new temple nobler than the last ,shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast1 ,till thou at length art free3 ,leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea4 --,o4 ,w4 ,holmes4 ,how do you do ,mrs4 ,hayden8 ,you see ,i come in without ceremony as usual1 but ,i heard you'd had one of your headaches again1 and ,mrs4 ,reade seated herself cosily on the sofa near which ,mrs4 ,hayden sat languidly trying to read4 ,oh1 ,i have about recovered my usual strength1 but of course ,i must be careful and not get excited or overworked1 though my work ,i am sorry to say1 does not amount to much4 ,after a few moments commonplace conversation1 ,mrs4 ,reade said1 carefully3 ,now ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,i believe there is a help for you somewhere4 ,wouldn't you like to try something new8 ,why1 you know ,i would try anything that would give relief1 but ,i have exhausted everything that ever was heard of1 and now every remedy seems very transient or of no effect at all4 ,mrs4 ,hayden leaned wearily back in her chair and seemed to think there was no use discussing the subject any longer4 ,after a few moments thoughtful silence1 ,mrs4 ,reade looked up at her friend and said1 timidly3 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 have you ever heard of ,christian ,healing8 ,no4 ,what is it8 ,i can't tell1 only that it is just the most wonderful panacea for all ills that ever was discovered and they say it can be learned1 and applied by everybody4 ,do you mean that ,i could learn it and could then cure myself8 ,yes1 that is what they claim4 ,why1 ,mrs4 ,reade1 what is all this wonderful news1 and if it is true1 why hasn't the world heard of it before8 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hayden with an amused smile4 ,mrs4 ,reade did not return the smile but a still more earnest look came into her eyes4 ,she bent over her bit of sewing for a moment and then looking up1 as though resolved to speak the truth at any cost1 she went on3 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 it is the fulfillment of the promises in the ,bible1 that to them that believe1 these signs should be given4 ,you remember the passage don't you1 where ,jesus gave ,his disciples the same power to heal that ,he had8 ,well1 but that was long ago1 and the promise was for the disciples1 ,i suppose4 ,no1 it was for everybody2 and do you know1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,i can hardly wait to learn this new method1 ,i am so interested4 ,how did you hear about it8 ,when ,i was down to ,mapleton last summer ,i heard something about it through a friend of mine1 who was cured of chronic congestive headaches1 and now my cousin1 ,miss ,greening1 from ,norfolk1 has come on to spend the holidays with us1 and strange to say1 she has been cured of weak eyes--just came straight from ,princeton where she was treated1 and--and--well1 the fact is1 ,i want you to come over and see her and may be you can be cured4 ,mrs4 ,reade was quite frightened for having said so much1 but was reassured by the growing interest in ,mrs4 ,hayden's eyes4 ,and you know these things to be true8 ,why1 it is wonderful4 ,how is it done1 by prayer8 ,not exactly1 but it is by some process of thinking4 ,oh1 ,i can't begin to tell you1 only that it is wonderful1 and you must come over and talk with cousin ,helen4 ,i am afraid to trust myself out in this uncertain weather4 ,can't you both come and take tea with us to-morrow8 ,i hope to be well enough then1 and it would be a great pleasure1 for if there is any truth in this1 ,i want to know it4 ,do come4 ,this was a good deal for ,mrs4 ,hayden to say1 but she was very earnest when aroused to interest4 ,yes1 we will1 said ,mrs4 ,reade1 as she rose to go1 looking straight into her friend's eyes with joyful earnestness1 and ,i am so glad4 ,good bye1 and she retreated as unceremoniously as she had come1 leaving ,mrs4 ,hayden to wonder why she should be so childishly pleased over that invitation4 ,it never occurred to her that ,mrs4 ,reade should be so glad to come merely to tell more about this new way of getting well4 ,mrs4 ,reade was a young housekeeper1 who1 living just across the street1 was in the habit of often running in to ,mrs4 ,hayden with her little vexations1 her triumphs of cookery1 her questions of how to manage little ,may1 or what to do in matters of household furnishing4 ,she was a very progressive little woman1 and1 perhaps owing to the influence of ,mrs4 ,hayden1 was ready at least to give everything a fair hearing4 ,this new craze1 as some called it1 had been presented to her in a way that compelled her attention and commanded her respect1 and especially since her cousin's coming had she been intensely interested4 ,particularly was she desirous of enlisting the attention of ,mrs4 ,hayden1 who not only needed the physical help to be obtained1 but who would be an excellent advocate of the principles1 providing she could endorse them1 as ,mrs4 ,reade was sure she would1 if she could only be made to understand4 ,so it was with great anticipated pleasure ,mrs4 ,reade introduced her cousin to ,mrs4 ,hayden as they went in the next day4 ,now1 ,cousin ,helen1 just tell ,mrs4 ,hayden how you were cured4 ,i am so anxious to set the ball rolling1 said ,mrs4 ,reade1 with an arch look at ,mrs4 ,hayden after they were comfortably settled for their talk4 ,yes1 indeed1 added ,mrs4 ,hayden2 if you have half as wonderful a message as ,mrs4 ,reade fondly imagines ,i shall be delighted to hear it1 but ,i would first like to ask what was the trouble with your eyes1 and something as to their condition when you first looked into this method of healing4 ,i had been obliged to leave school because they were so weak4 ,they were inflamed and bloodshot4 ,i could not bear to go out in the wind1 ride on the cars1 or have any excitement whatever4 ,the occulists said the trouble was caused by a physical defect that could not be remedied1 so you may imagine my despair4 ,father and mother came home from a visit in ,kansas1 and while there they had heard of a lady in ,princeton who was having remarkable success with mind-cure1 as they called it4 ,they coaxed me to go and try it4 ,i had no faith1 but to please them thought ,i would go4 ,it could do no harm1 they said4 ,the journey1 though only sixty miles from home1 was very hard for me4 ,when ,i arrived at ,mrs4 ,harmon's it seemed as though ,i could hardly bear the pain caused by the journey4 ,mrs4 ,harmon allowed me to stay right at her home1 and though only there a week1 ,i was not only cured1 but learned the principles and how to apply them4 ,after the first treatment ,i felt so well and happy she told me ,i could use my eyes to read an hour or so4 ,from the second treatment ,i could use them all ,i wished4 ,it was perfectly wonderful4 ,when ,i went home ,i was cured4 ,that is now three weeks ago1 and ,i have been using my eyes constantly1 have taken several journeys on the cars1 and gone out day and night4 ,mrs4 ,hayden had listened with the greatest interest1 her mind filled with varying thoughts4 ,sudden glimpses of wonderful might-be's1 mingled with doubts and hopes1 had chased each other in wild confusion through her bewildered brain4 ,tell me1 she found breath at last to ask1 what is it1 and how is it done1 and can anybody do it8 ,miss ,greening was delighted to find so willing an audience1 for in spite of her remarkable cure1 most of her family and friends ridiculed her new cure all4 ,oh1 ,i wish ,i could explain to you as ,mrs4 ,harmon does4 ,i am so very new in the thought1 but ,i will do the best ,i can to give you some idea4 ,the main thing in the beginning is to know that you know nothing1 continued ,miss ,greening1 with a smile4 ,the world believes in the character as it appears1 to be the real character1 that the person who suffers sickness1 sorrow1 disappointment1 anger or pain is the real self4 ,we have always taken the people of the world1 as they appear1 to be the children of ,god4 ,this truth teaches that the real child of ,god is in ,his image and likeness and in ,him lives1 is moved and has ,his being4 ,according to the laws of thought1 the thought of one individual affects another1 and on this principle the treatments are given1 but it is the omnipresent life ,principle that does the work4 ,oh1 it is perfectly wonderful1 and if you could see what ,i saw while ,i was with ,mrs4 ,harmon1 you would not doubt a moment4 ,she was busy from morning till night with patients4 ,hardly had time to eat or sleep4 ,it seemed like the times of the ,new ,testament come back again4 ,mrs4 ,harmon cured a man of rheumatism1 where the joints had been stiffened and contracted for years1 in seven treatments4 ,the first week the treatments did not seem to have any effect1 but the second week he suddenly recovered the use of his arm and limbs1 so that he could run and jump or do anything else that a healthy man can do4 ,one young girl1 who was suffering from lead poisoning so that she was given up by three or four prominent physicians1 received nine treatments and1 although not perfectly strong and robust1 was able to walk several blocks and was so well that she did not need further treatment4 ,mrs4 ,harmon treated an old lady of seventy1 so that she laid aside glasses and could see to sew on black cloth4 ,a lady who had been an invalid for sixteen years was cured so that in a week she was able to ride a mile and a half to the lectures4 ,all these things ,i saw with my own eyes1 and if the evidence had not been enough in my own case1 there were all these proofs4 ,and the teaching6 ,oh1 it is beautiful4 ,if we could only live up to that the millenium would surely be here4 ,in her enthusiasm ,miss ,greening scarcely noticed the effect of her words1 else she would have seen ,mrs4 ,hayden's expressive eyes full of a yearning1 silent and strong4 ,can it touch anyone's character or moral life8 she asked after a moment's pause4 ,yes1 indeed2 there is not one thing in life that is not amenable to its discipline4 ,mrs4 ,harmon says it is a great advantage in governing children1 that every mother ought to know it1 for the help in that direction1 even if not for their health4 ,what a wonderful thing it must be2 and yet ,i always thought the days of miracles were past1 if indeed they ever were1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 thoughtfully4 ,these are not miracles1 as the ordinary understanding of that word would imply1 but are done in accordance with ,divine ,law1 the highest law1--not the setting aside of any law1 interposed ,mrs4 ,reade1 who had been deeply interested in the conversation1 but hitherto had been a silent listener4 ,oh1 mamma1 ,i wish supper was ready2 ,i'm so hungry6 cried ,fred1 bursting into the room1 followed by ,jamie and ,mabel4 ,mamma1 can't we have some-- began ,jamie1 and then stopped1 abashed at the size of the audience4 ,no1 dears2 mamma don't want you to eat anything before supper4 ,you know what ,doctor ,jackson said about the little stomachs that were overworked4 ,now1 run away and be good2 when everything is ready mamma'll call you4 ,but we want it now4 ,doctor ,jackson don't know everything4 ,it's only ,god that knows everything1 said ,fred1 with unanswerable argument4 ,come away1 ,fred1 whispered ,mabel1 giving him an impatient twitch4 ,it's so1 anyway2 mamma told me about ,god just the other night4 ,he knows ,i want some ginger 'naps1 whimpered ,jem4 ,never mind2 run out1 as mamma says1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 resolutely1 and the aggrieved trio reluctantly departed4 ,it would be an immense help to me if ,i could learn to manage these three irrepressibles without getting tired all out1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 with a little sigh4 ,wouldn't it be splendid8 ,i think1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 you better let ,cousin ,helen treat you1 and get you all cured1 and then you can go somewhere and learn how1 yourself1 said ,mrs4 ,reade1 as she demurely wound up the ball4 ,mrs4 ,hayden looked up with interested surprise4 ,do you think anything could be done for me1 ,miss ,greening8 ,a great many worse than you have been cured1 why not you8 ,well1 ,i don't know2 it seems so far away and so intangible some way4 ,now1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 try it4 ,let ,cousin ,helen treat you1 interposed ,mrs4 ,reade4 ,what must ,i do1 any mysterious unheard-of thing8 was the answer1 with a look of evident amusement4 ,oh1 no6 ,just sit quietly passive1 and be as hopeful as possible during the treatment4 ,the only thing that might seem hard is to give up all medicine and material applications while you are under treatment4 ,that will not be hard at all1 for ,i have lost all faith in medicine anyway4 ,when do you want to begin1 ,miss ,greening8 ,well1 ,i am willing to try my best to help you1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 but you must understand1 in the first place1 that ,i take no credit to myself1 for it is ,god's work4 ,then ,i have really not tried to heal any one2 since it was so recently ,i was cured myself1 there has been no opportunity1 but as ,i said1 ,i will do what ,i can4 ,miss ,greening spoke earnestly and reverently4 ,it seemed rather new to her to be called upon to prove her principles1 and yet she had such perfect faith in them1 she never thought of wavering4 ,then it's all settled1 and you can take your first treatment to-night1 spoke up ,mrs4 ,reade1 volubly4 ,i'm so anxious to see you strong and well like the rest of us1 she added half apologetically4 ,it will seem too good to be true4 ,i can not realize such a possibility4 ,a thoughtful silence fell upon the little company for a few moments1 and when they resumed their conversation1 it was about something else4 ,at their usual tea time1 ,mr4 ,hayden1 accompanied by ,mr4 ,reade1 came in1 and all were presently called to the dining room4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hayden had dropped all pretension of style in their present circumstances1 and lived like their neighbors1 in a modest but comfortable way4 ,the children came trooping in when they heard the supper bell1 and delightedly filed out to the dining room with their elders4 ,well1 ,i hope you ladies have been enjoying yourselves this afternoon4 ,i notice ladies have that faculty whenever they meet for an hour or so1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 with a genial smile1 as he passed the plates4 ,oh1 we have indeed had a lovely time1 and a profitable one1 too1 ,i hope1 said ,mrs4 ,reade1 impulsively4 ,you have about converted ,mrs4 ,hayden to your ideas1 you and ,helen together1 ,i presume1 remarked ,mr4 ,reade1 as he spread his napkin out to its fullest capacity4 ,i should certainly like to be converted1 if so many wonderful things are possible as ,i have heard about this afternoon1 and ,mrs4 ,hayden showed by the unusual energy in her manner and the brightness of her eyes that something had inspired her to an unwonted degree4 ,well now1 tell me what all this is about4 ,you seem to have conspired to talk in riddles1 exclaimed ,mr4 ,hayden1 with an injured air4 ,why1 it is this new 'craze' they call ,christian ,healing that seems to have taken hold of our worthy partners1 ,mr4 ,hayden1 exclaimed ,mr4 ,reade1 with a half-believing1 half-skeptical air4 ,he really believed much more than he cared to acknowledge1 but until he was better informed of ,mr4 ,hayden's opinions1 he thought discretion the better part of valor4 ,someway we often stumble upon such characters in life4 ,good-natured souls they are1 and so anxious to please everybody4 ,i am not sure but there is a good deal in that1 ,reade4 ,i heard some gentlemen talking about what was being done in ,chicago1 and it is truly wonderful4 ,after all1 we know that the mind has a great influence over the body1 and why shouldn't we discover new abilities and powers in that as we develop in other directions8 ,to be sure2 just what ,i have always said1 and now ,i am having an opportunity to prove it since my wife is willing to listen1 replied ,mr4 ,reade1 with graceful diplomacy4 ,oh1 there is something far beyond what you gentlemen see--something so spiritual and beautiful1 that mere intellect can not recognize it4 ,but you will come to that after awhile1 if you only seek to know for ,truth's sake1 though the recognition of what you see often comes first1 interposed ,miss ,greening1 with a warm flush of enthusiasm on her face4 ,certainly4 ,i believe our capacity to recognize higher phases of thought grows with our eagerness to receive4 ,that is true of any branch of study1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 with conviction4 ,she was well pleased that her husband was so favorably inclined to hear1 and expressed himself so cordially4 ,while she was quite independent in her own way of thinking1 it was still a keen pleasure to have her husband on the same side4 ,he1 on the other hand1 had great confidence in her judgment1 and generally allowed himself to be convinced1 even if he had an opinion in the beginning4 ,they had been especially near to each other the last year4 ,miss ,greening was mentally congratulating herself on having found such a ready audience1 and felt as though she could do anything in the way of healing1 as she talked on and on1 telling them the many things that had happened in ,princeton4 ,she finished by saying1 enthusiastically3 ,when ,i had such wonderful proofs right before my eyes1 do you wonder that ,i looked with awe and astonishment and wanted to know the secret of this power8 ,can you wonder that ,i felt anxious to go forth into all the world and preach the gospel8 ,oh1 how delightful1 ,i thought1 to carry such blessed news and be able to give such blessed proof6 ,so when ,cousin ,ruth's letter came1 asking me to make her a visit1 ,i felt that perhaps an opportunity would offer in which ,i might demonstrate the truth of my precious science1 and here it is ready for me1 the very work ,i wanted4 ,yes1 just as far as possible will ,i use my knowledge1 though as yet it is but little1 to help ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,miss ,greening had waxed eloquent in her unconscious enthusiasm1 and seeing the whole company gazing at her in astonished admiration1 she paused suddenly1 with a vivid flush on her face1 saying3 ,pardon me4 ,i did not mean to monopolize the conversation4 ,that apology is entirely unnecessary1 for we have been listening to something so new that its very newness and unconventionality is quite refreshing1 and certainly interesting1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 warmly4 ,surely1 there must be some healing virtue even in your talk1 for ,i feel remarkably well to-day1 was his wife's delighted addition4 ,how glad1 oh1 how glad ,i am1 fluttered ,mrs4 ,reade4 ,a movement from ,jem caused ,mrs4 ,hayden to notice his extra dish of sauce and huge piece of frosted cake4 ,no1 ,jem1 dear1 you mustn't eat any more to-night1 and you know mamma don't want you to have any cake4 ,o-o-o-h1 peaze1 tan't ,i have some more8 ,not any more to-day4 ,you know you had to be sick all night1 not long ago1 and mamma had to give you some medicine4 ,you don't want to have to take paregoric1 do you8 ,no-o-o1 but ,i want e take6 ,mamma said you couldn't have any4 ,you're too little1 anyway4 ,didn't ,i tell you ,i ought to have the biggest piece 'cause my stomach's the biggest1 an' ,i'm not afraid of stomachache4 ,give me your sauce1 if you can't eat it1 said shameless ,fred4 ,papa and mamma ,hayden looked upon their oldest son in dismay1 as he thus openly delivered his sentiments4 ,hush1 ,freddie1 you mustn't want any more1 either1 nor talk that way to ,jem4 ,you have had enough for to-night4 ,well1 ,i've had six biscuits any way1 and ,fred settled himself back with a satisfied air as though he could stand anything if necessary1 while poor ,jem was taken away from the table crying as if his heart would break at the loss of his coveted sweets4 ,you see1 we seldom have company1 and the children are unused to sweet things as a rule1 because the doctor always says their diet must be carefully attended to1 in order to avoid inflammation of the bowels1 which ,jem once had1 explained ,mrs4 ,hayden with the old look of weariness for a moment settling back on her face4 ,just wait till you have studied ,christian ,healing and then see how to manage1 said ,mrs4 ,reade with sparkling eyes4 ,have you taken such a fancy to this too1 ,mrs4 ,reade8 asked ,mr4 ,hayden1 rather teasingly4 ,oh1 she's almost a crank now1 answered her husband1 with a merry twinkle4 ,well1 it is very good to have such an article in the family4 ,it keeps things lively and announces the world's progress with unerring certainty1 she retorted1 and with this good-natured sally they rose from the table4 ,the evening was spent in a mixture of small talk and earnestness1 and before they departed ,mrs4 ,hayden received her first treatment4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,like an olian harp1 that wakes ,no certain air1 but overtakes ,far thought with music that it makes1-- ,such seemed the whisper at my side2 ',what is't thou knowest1 sweet voice8' ,i cried2 ',a hidden hope1' the voice replied4 --,tennyson4 ,the second morning after this ,mrs4 ,hayden awoke1 feeling much better than she had for months4 ,a strange1 happy feeling possessed her4 ,all that had seemed dark and hopeless now appeared as nothing but gossamer fog-wreaths4 ,the world seemed so joyous and beautiful4 ,god seemed so near1 so loving1 so all-protecting4 ,why had she ever doubted the possibility of health8 ,surely it was easy to feel well when she felt happy2 and yet1 would this last8 ,had this delightful change any connection with ,miss ,greening's treatment8 ,no1 surely not4 ,it would be too unreasonable to expect any benefit so soon2 besides1 she was probably no better physically1 that is1 her lameness and dyspepsia were not touched as yet1 if indeed they ever could be4 ,well1 how it would astonish everybody if she really were cured1 and could walk like her old self again4 ,her stiffened limb would have to undergo a marvelous change1 but time would tell--it seemed nothing was beyond reach of this extraordinary ,power4 ,miss ,greening was so sincere and earnest1 she could not for a moment doubt the truth of her statements1 besides ,mr4 ,hayden himself confessed to having heard of the wonderful works1 though he had never mentioned it before1 strangely enough4 ,at the time it probably appeared so vague and visionary1 that he had thought best not to excite her curiosity and hope without cause4 ,how glad she was that he had at last allowed her to try this without ridiculing or scolding her4 ,how beautiful this theory was1 but it seemed too good to be true4 ,she would not be carried away with it until she had demonstrated beyond doubt1 until she could see the reason and understand it4 ,the clock struck nine4 ,why1 it was time to rise1 and she really felt hungry1 so hungry that dry toast and hot water had no attractions for her4 ,she wondered if there would be anything on the table she dared not eat2 it would be hard to resist if there were4 ,thus musing she dressed with more alacrity and energy than she had displayed for many months4 ,her husband stood in the doorway as she left her room1 and remarked as they went down stairs3 ,you must have had a good sleep last night1 you are so bright and spry this morning4 ,yes1 indeed1 ,i can scarcely remember when the night has passed so quickly and the morning seemed so exhilarating2 please help me down this turn1 won't you8 ,it is always so hard to get down stairs4 ,the cane was brought into requisition1 and with ,mr4 ,hayden's help the stairs were descended1 but the refractory limb was forgotten again in the interest with which she viewed the breakfast table4 ,mamma1 we've waited and waited till we thought we'd have to eat something1 so we each took a doughnut to save time1 was the explanatory greeting of ,fred1 who acted as spokesman for the three hungry culprits1 who had this time1 at least1 disobeyed the imperative injunction not to eat cake the first thing in the morning4 ,why1 children1 don't you remember how ,dr4 ,jackson-- ,well1 mamma1 ,i heard that lady 'at was here1 say 'twouldn't hurt us to eat if you wasn't so 'fraid 'bout our stomachs2 an' she's a doctor1 too1 an' ladies know 's much 's men1 'cos you said so1 interrupted the irrepressible1 as usual1 with unanswerable argument4 ,well1 we'll see this time1 but you must be more careful to remember what mamma wishes you to do1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden more mildly than usual1 while her eyes smiled a little4 ,the breakfast was brought in1 and1 much to the astonishment of all1 she recklessly disregarded the dry toast and hot water1 mutely appealing to her from the side of her plate1 and ate heartily of beefsteak1 potatoes1 and pan cakes4 ,i am so hungry1 and will risk it on the strength of ,fred's reminder1 she apologized1 as she sent her plate the third time for cakes4 ,don't tell me you've no faith in ,fred's newly-acquired wisdom1 laughed ,mr4 ,hayden1 and then added1 with some concern1 but1 really1 my dear1 you ought to be careful4 ,remember the condition of your stomach4 ,that is just what she told me to forget4 ,well1 it beats all how things can be turned upside down1 mused ,mr4 ,hayden1 as he rose from the table preparatory to going to the store4 ,it certainly is strange about this1 for you remember yesterday1 ,i even walked over to ,mrs4 ,reade's and back without any unusual fatigue4 ,oh1 yes6 ,i've noticed various daring breaches of the old code1 and1 more than all1 ,i've seen the best color in your face that has been there for many a month1 and he went out with a thoughtful expression on his face4 ,mamma's well now1 said little ,jem1 timidly1 'cos she puts me to bed4 ,yes1 an' we can make a noise when we dress1 an' talk 'bout ,christmas1 added ,fred1 as he was walking about1 wiping his hands1 in his usual restless manner4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,there are more things in heaven and earth1 ,horatio1 ,than are dreamt of in your philosophy4--,shakespeare4 ,of course ,kate and ,grace were told about the new way of being healed1 and ,grace looked on at first with her usual incredulity1 but when she saw ,mrs4 ,hayden getting so well and looking so happy1 she began to wonder and then to exclaim4 ,then she wanted to learn something about this new doctrine1 and ,mrs4 ,hayden had ,miss ,greening come over and meet the girls one evening so they could hear her explain a little about it4 ,grace was delighted1 saying that was more reasonable than anything she had ever heard4 ,i really should like to learn it1 she said for the third time as they walked home4 ,why1 you are really enthusiastic about it1 said ,kate1 giving the artistic arm a gentle squeeze4 ,i must confess1 ,kate1 that it is nearer my idea of religion than anything ,i ever heard1 and it is marvelous to see ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,did you see how bright she looked to-night8 ,more like her old self than since her sickness4 ,i can't understand it4 ,she said her limb was actually growing natural again so she could bend it1 added ,kate4 ,if she could be cured1 it would be a wonderful demonstration or proof of the theory1 remarked ,grace4 ,oh1 ,i don't know1 ,grace1 ,i am afraid1 after all1 it might be wrong4 ,you know it says in the ,bible we are to beware of false doctrines1 and the miracles of anti-,christ1 and this may be that very thing1 said ,kate1 with a sudden smiting of conscience and reproaching herself that she had not thought of this before4 ,she had been brought up a strict ,methodist1 but had grown rather careless of religious matters1 till all at once she realized the mighty import of her backsliding4 ,i don't think if there is such a thing1 it could do so much good1 and good power must come from the ,god of goodness1 answered ,grace1 with unusual gentleness4 ,they walked on in silence1 each pondering her own thoughts4 ,three weeks after1 ,mrs4 ,hayden was known as a restored invalid1 was daily answering a thousand questions as to how it was done4 ,was it really so8 ,could she walk as well as ever8 ,didn't she get tired8 ,had she any faith after all8 etc4 ,she patiently told them the truth of the matter1 that her limb had become well and pliable as ever1 that her stomach was perfectly sound1 her head free from nervous aching1 her nights a joyous rest and her days a round of delightful labor4 ,for the first time she learned there had been many cures1 and several classes taught in ,hampton1 but no case had excited the attention1 public and private1 that hers had4 ,the various members of society wagged their wise heads1 and cast mingled glances of pity1 wonder1 ridicule or disdain upon the poor deluded victim of the latest humbug4 ,even the select circles heard of it as a report finally reached the daily paper1 which appeared with a glaring head and ridiculous comments4 ,one of the weeklies contented itself by reprinting a scathing denunciation from a prominent religious paper4 ,another contained clippings from an ,iowa paper giving an account of the arrest and trial of a so-called ,christian ,scientist for illegal practice4 ,but it failed to add that the judge instructed the jury to return a verdict for the defendant1 remarking that under the constitution and laws of ,iowa it is no crime for a person to pray for his afflicted neighbor4 ,among the worthy ,m4 ,d4's1 a miniature storm arose and spent itself in the characteristic fashion of storms1 now carrying everything before it1 in its impetuous fury1 now quietly subsiding into a ripple of condescending concession1 or languid comment1 now breaking out with renewed force into explosive epithets or vindictive rage4 ,dr4 ,crouse expressed his astonishment that anybody should have the audacity to practice medicine without a diploma1 as this woman evidently did1 and demanded that the authorities enforce the law at once with the utmost rigor--4 ,such quacks ought to be dealt with without mercy1 as an example to other upstarts6 and with an angry growl the doctor recklessly spat the whole width of the sidewalk4 ,dr4 ,jones admitted that the mind had a great deal to do with the body1 and possibly this mind cure might help nervous prostration or hysterical women1 but if ,mrs4 ,hayden's limb was healed1 depend upon it1 the medicine taken all those months was the cause4 ,dr4 ,bundy considered the matter too absurd to even mention4 ,dr4 ,hone went up and down the streets1 loudly denouncing such humbugs1 while his partner1 ,lapland1 laughed at the preposterous idea of learning all about materia medica in three weeks6 ,it is simply ridiculous1 sheer nonsense6 ,ha1 ha1 ha6 and the office fairly shook at the outburst of merriment4 ,on the other hand1 ,dr4 ,wilson was deeply interested1 and went so far as to call on ,miss ,greening1 and to her he frankly admitted there was an unaccountable power in the mind some way1 and if it did the work for suffering humanity he was quite ready to welcome it1 and anxious1 for his part1 to investigate the matter4 ,kind1 liberal ,dr4 ,jackson1 ,mrs4 ,hayden's former family physician1 shook his head wonderingly1 but said nothing4 ,he was a careful thinker and needed time for his conclusions1 but as every one well knew1 he had the friendliest1 most charitable heart that ever was1 and very candid1 withal1 in his judgments1 and fair in his investigations4 ,so in time they would know what he thought4 ,it was whispered about that he had already invested in some books1 and was quietly studying ,christian ,healing in his leisure moments4 ,among the churches no less of a tumult raged4 ,rev4 ,rush preached a stirring sermon about the evil days in which even the very elect should be deceived by the miracles of anti-,christ1 and warned his hearers against being beguiled4 ,rev4 ,long openly denounced ,christian ,healing as but another form of spiritualism1 and admonished his flock to beware of ravening wolves4 ,rev4 ,morton mildly preached about being steadfast to the old faith1 avoiding investigation in anything new1 while from the gentle1 spiritually minded ,prof4 ,mill was heard an eloquent disquisition on the promises and the all-abiding power of ,god4 ,all shades and phases of ministerial sentiments were expressed1 and whatever was grand and ,christ-like sprang up as dainty1 fragrant blossoms amid the wayside weeds of falsity and ,pharisaical bigotry4 ,the ladies' sewing societies discussed the subject to its fullest extent with widely varying opinions1 some exclaiming with wonder and awe that it certainly must be a higher power that would perform such miracles2 others that it was nothing but mesmerism4 ,a few reverently expressed their conviction that ,mrs4 ,hayden was extremely fortunate to be chosen for such a favor1 while still others of quite a contrary mind declared it was nothing more nor less than the devil1 who was stealthily taking possession of the weak4 ,one timid little woman ventured to say that it could not be ,satan1 for he was never known to do anything good4 ,another said there must be something uncanny about it1 for she had experienced the most peculiar sensations when shaking hands with ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,mrs4 ,dyke had waited for a more practical time to give her opinion1 and now she concluded the whole matter for herself1 at least1 by saying in a most practical way3 ,it is the devil's work from first to last1 and ,i am not surprised that that woman1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 has got into his clutches1 for she never did her duty to the church1 and such people can't expect he will always let them go their own way4 ,christian ,healing has no right to its name or its pretentions4 ,it is only the magician's rod1 and ,i1 for one1 don't propose to look at it1 with which profound announcement she went to the other room to oversee her charge of sewing girls4 ,oh1 how righteous we are6 giggled one very young lady1 with a mock look of reverence4 ,well1 now1 see here ladies6 declared ,mrs4 ,grant1 another practical woman1 but of a different type from ,mrs4 ,dyke1 we may as well look at this matter in a sensible and candid light4 ,here are the facts3 ,mrs4 ,hayden is a lovely and reliable woman4 ,she has1 as we all know1 suffered everything from her headaches and dyspepsia1 besides the limb that was broken at the fire4 ,we see her well1 and ought to believe what she says4 ,they often say1 ',truth is stranger than fiction4' ,an example has come to our door1 and why should we refuse to believe1 when the proof is so plain8 ,for my part1 ,i can believe though ,i do not understand1 and ,i want to know what there is in ,christian ,healing4 ,mrs4 ,grant had spoken1 and as she usually did1 turned the tide of thought in her direction4 ,why1 yes1 we all want to know if there is anything in it1 but there is an if-- ,if6 ,there it is again6 ,i've no patience with people who always tumble over an if4 ,you can bar the very gates of heaven with that nipping little word4 ,it means doubt1 and doubt is the destroyer of faith which we must have in this world1 if we live at all4 ,mrs4 ,grant unwittingly preached a little sermon1 which not only served to quell the confusion1 but gave them a helpful thought to carry home4 ,scattering good seed seemed to be her mission1 and many a good word dropped into fruitful soil1 and took its time to bring forth4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,soul1 receive into thyself the warm and radiant life of heaven1 to breathe it out again as spiritual fragrance over other lives1 and so change this wilderness-world into the garden of the ,lord6 ,this is the lovely moral which hides within the roses of ,june1 and makes more than half their sweetness4--,lucy ,larcom4 ,and ,mrs4 ,hayden8 ,the old expressions of joy seemed utterly inadequate to describe her feelings4 ,it seemed that she was veritably dreaming of heaven1 such a sense of largeness1 of freedom1 had come over her1 so much wider was her horizon1 so much more clearly could she see and understand the hard questions that had always puzzled her1 and yet she had1 as it were1 just come to the edge of the beautiful flower-dotted1 dew-besprinkled field that seemed spreading out before her4 ,so long hopeless1 so long hungry as she had been after this taste1 she only hungered the more4 ,wonderingly she looked at herself walking about without pain2 with an elastic step and the springing freshness of health2 wonderingly she remembered the dull1 nervous throbbing headaches1 contrasted with the refreshing clearness1 the joyous comfort and peace of mind which made thinking a tonic1 and labor a luxury4 ,what a glorious strength of exhiliration seemed flowing in to her with every breath2 how it expanded and thrilled her with its power6 ,if this was life1 what joy to live1 to know and feel the gladness and beauty of ,god's beautiful world1 and it must not be for her alone1 but for all hungering1 thirsting mankind4 ,she must impart it to those who had been suffering and helpless like herself4 ,it was even now flowing into her own family4 ,although ,miss ,greening had given her but the first and fundamental principles of the method1 she had in many instances already demonstrated their worth and power4 ,it soon grew to be a regular matter of course to treat every one in the family who seemed in need of a remedy for anything4 ,mr4 ,hayden had frequently come home with neuralgia in his face1 but after one or two attacks the unwelcome intruder vanished4 ,the family medicine case1 which had recently been replenished for the winter1 was left to its own devices1 and dust gathered on the necks and shoulders of the cough remedies1 paregoric and hive syrup bottles1 until they would have looked quite pitiful in their desertion1 if anybody had seen them4 ,jamie's one attack of croup yielded more readily to his mother's silent treatments than it ever had to hive syrup1 and it was with a deep thankfulness1 not unmixed with awe1 that ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hayden felt their little one at last free from his old1 dreaded enemy4 ,never before had the children been so free from colds or ailments common to childhood1 as this winter4 ,never before had there been such a seemingly reckless carelessness in wrapping them up1 keeping them out of the draughts1 or letting them eat just what was on the table4 ,why1 it is like living in another world altogether1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 enthusiastically to one of the neighbors4 ,the children are so much happier1 quieter1 more peaceable4 ,i tell you1 it is like getting free from prison to come into this way of living1 and my wife is getting stronger all the time4 ,of course you want it1 he continued4 ,come over some time1 and we'll tell you more about it4 ,saying good night he walked away1 leaving his friend to wonder if the entire family had not turned lunatics4 ,enwrapped in the seamless robe of ,truth1 the sharp winds of worldly criticism seldom reach us1 because we are no longer susceptible to their sharpness4 ,a gentle mildness beams from every face1 for beyond the veil of outward appearances we learn to discern the pure1 perfect holiness of ,god's child--the divinity behind the bars4 ,not1 however1 till we know how to put on this wondrous robe are we invulnerable4 ,although ,mrs4 ,hayden had learned much and lived much in these last few months1 there came a time1 as the summer drew near1 when it seemed that everything was slipping away from her4 ,not her health1 except that her old headache occasionally threatened her1 but things did not seem as clear to her4 ,many problems were only in a partial state of solution1 and a vague dissatisfaction1 a helpless discouragement took possession of her at times1 very hard to bear1 especially when contrasted with the light she felt had so long guided her4 ,of late even her treatments seemed almost fruitless4 ,her old-time impatience had manifested itself on several occasions1 and one warm ,june morning she went about her work in a decidedly old-fashioned mood4 ,it was ,monday1 and in addition to the washing to be seen to1 the little extra help to be rendered the girl1 her husband had sent her a large case of strawberries to be put up1 manlike1 forgetting that this day at least was full4 ,she was hastening to get them ready before the dinner hour1 and the picking up of the sitting-room1 so essential ,monday mornings1 had been left till a more convenient season4 ,mabel had gone to school1 while ,jamie and ,fred were playing in the sand in the back yard4 ,with her hands in the berries1 and her thoughts busily engaged1 she was suddenly roused from her reverie by the noisy entrance of ,fred1 who just came in for a drink of water4 ,as he turned to go out1 he threw his arms around his mother's neck and gave her a boy's impetuous hug1 and a kiss that ought to have rejoiced any mother's heart1 but this morning it annoyed her4 ,run away1 now2 mamma hasn't time this morning1 and she pushed him impatiently away4 ,just then the door bell rang1 and ,fred sprang to answer it4 ,in another moment he ushered into her presence a shabbily dressed1 poor1 miserable looking woman1 who immediately asked for a drink of water4 ,i can get it1 said the ready ,fred4 ,while he was gone1 the woman began her request3 ,plaze1 ,ma'am1 would you be wantin' some garters to-day8 ,they are warranted by the very man as made 'em4 ,my boy is layin' sick1 and his father is dead1 and all my health has been took away carin' for him1 and a friend of mine1 she has been in this business a long time1 and says it's very good some days1 and she let me take her place to-day1 so if you could take a pair or two to-day it would be very thankful ,i'd be1 and ,i'm sure this boy would need a pair2 they are only #be cents1 and will just fit2 ain't they nice1 my boy8 ,she poured her story out1 as though there were no end to it1 as she held up some brilliant red and blue elastics that quite dazzled ,fred1 who claimed them at once4 ,i have not time to examine and choose this morning1 and ,fred1 you do not need them now1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 with some annoyance in her tone4 ,now1 mamma1 you didn't see my old ones1 they ain't red and blue1 nor stretchy1 an' my stockin's come down all the time4 ,see how wrinkly they are1 and he held up a dusty little shoe with a sadly demoralized stocking above it1 rich in holes as well as wrinkles4 ,the stocking had been torn on a nail1 he volubly explained4 ,in his excitement ,fred raised his voice1 thus summoning ,jamie to the scene with a rush that upset the dish of berries just picked over4 ,i didn't mean to1 and ,i can pick them up again1 and he swept his dirty little hands into the soft mushy pile1 gathering berries1 dust1 stems or whatever happened to be in the way1 dashing the miscellaneous mess into the clean berries that had escaped4 ,jamie1 you careless child6 how can you be so naughty8 ,go and wash your hands this minute6 ,fred1 leave those things and stay out with ,jamie1 ,i can not have you around when there is so much to do6 and with an impatient gesture she brushed ,jamie aside and began sorting the berries as best she could4 ,fred started toward her with the elastics1 saying3 ,but1 mamma1 you haven't looked yet2 ,well1 you see my hands are full1 and ,i can tell you just as well without looking4 ,you always tell me to do as ,i am told1 pouted ,fred as he reluctantly departed4 ,mrs4 ,hayden was ashamed and yet reckless with discouragement1 and scarcely noticed the anxious pedlar1 who stood waiting for some decisive word from her4 ,i have no use for the supporters at present1 she said at last4 ,but as she noticed the look of despair slowly settling on the woman's face1 she added1 but1 if you are in such distress1 ,i will let you leave two pairs4 ,take the #ej cents lying there on the shelf1 pointing to the place4 ,the woman was very grateful and soon went away with a brighter face4 ,for a long time after she was gone1 her picture remained in ,mrs4 ,hayden's remorseful memory1 though she put it away as much as possible and went on with her work4 ,jamie and ,fred had quarreled several times1 but even in peace1 the fires of war were likely to burst out afresh1 for it was always so when she felt this way4 ,as ,mrs4 ,hayden sat in her own room that evening1 reviewing the events of the day1 which seemed the culmination of many days1 it seemed that the ,marion ,hayden who had been so happy these last few months1 improving in health and strength and ability to live a more useful life1 and the ,marion ,hayden who had so miserably disgraced herself to-day1 were far apart--in fact irretrievably separated4 ,where1 indeed1 had gone her power of self-control1 her wisdom and tact in governing the children8 ,why had she so harshly told ,fred to run away from her when the dear child was only showing his affection according to his own nature8 ,such an active1 impulsive yet loving child must be wisely dealt with1 and she had often realized that with ,fred1 love must be the governing power1 not force4 ,to give way as she had to-day would be to lose her influence over him1 not only because of repulsing the child himself1 but because his critical eyes noticed every weakness and failure in her1 to live up to her own code of morals laid down for him to follow4 ,her accusing conscience asked why she had not questioned and tried to help that poor woman who1 with all her ignorance1 was doing the best she could1 to solve life's problem4 ,after all1 what had she1 ,marion ,hayden1 to offer the world while she had not yet conquered herself8 ,oh1 the bitterness of regret1 the repining for wasted moments and lost opportunities6 but here she was in her old groove of thought4 ,could she not try the new way1 now that she so sorely needed it8 ,she would try2 she would begin to look on the other side of these questions4 ,she would regain her footing in spite of her humiliating downfall1 although there might still be a lingering sense of shame over her defeat4 ,later1 her husband came home4 ,he tossed her a paper saying3 ,here is something that will clear you up4 ,read it aloud4 ,i just glanced over it1 and found it very good4 ,he threw himself upon the sofa1 waiting for her to begin4 ,mechanically she took up the paper4 ',the ,ubiquity of ,good2' is this the article8 ,yes1 there are several just as strong as that one4 ,oh1 ,i see2 yes--,i can hardly wait to read aloud1 she exclaimed1 running her eyes over the pages1 instantly imbibing the spirit of the writer4 ,she began with an awakening interest which increased till she was fairly electrified with delight4 ,her husband looked at her in astonishment although it had much the same effect on him4 ,i thought you needed something like that2 he said1 sitting bolt upright and looking at her4 ,you see1 ,marion1 if you could only be as enthusiastic all the time as that woman is1 you could do the works that she does1 and be as positive too4 ,i know it1 and if ,i understood as well as she does1 it would be different1 but ,i know so little comparatively4 ,oh1 if ,i could take lessons of the teacher she had--just listen1 she says3 ',i have just had the privilege of going through a class in metaphysics taught by one who is conceded to be the best teacher in the world1' but1 continued ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,i've looked all over the paper and can't find the name of the teacher2 queer1 isn't it8 ,mayn't ,i subscribe for this paper1 ,john1 and ,i will ask her who this teacher is1 when ,i send the subscription8 ,well1 yes1 ,i think if you could get the benefit from every number you have from that1 it would be money well invested1 replied ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,in fact he was as much interested in this subject as she1 and desired her to go to the bottom of it1 as he expressed it4 ,that night she retired with a new hope4 ,if others could learn and demonstrate and keep1 why could not she8 ,,chapter ,x4 ,oh1 thou that pinest in the imprisonment of the ,actual1 and criest bitterly to the gods for a kingdom wherein to rule and create1 know this of a truth1 the thing thou seekest is already with thee1 'here or nowhere1' couldst thou only see6--,carlyle4 ,the very next morning the letter was written and the money sent for the new paper4 ,mrs4 ,reade came over on one of her bird-like errands1 and of course1 must hear something of the great help that had come so unexpectedly4 ,how fortunate it came just now1 for ,i have noticed several weeks you have been losing courage1 and as for myself1 ,i don't seem to know what to do in any case any more1 she exclaimed1 after hearing a few extracts read from the paper4 ,now you will find out who the teacher is and-- ,i shall go away to take lessons as soon as possible1 interrupted ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,yes1 ,i must go1 she continued1 and see what there is in it4 ,i have already experienced too much physically and spiritually to be able to give it up4 ,indeed1 you have certainly had as much of a proof as one could wish4 ,if ,i could only do as much as you have1 ,i should feel that it would be better to go without many other things rather than this4 ,mrs4 ,reade forgot that she had been able to keep little ,may in perfect health2 that she herself had ceased worrying over trifles and learned to make the best of everything4 ,to her1 the change had been so gradual that she hardly knew in what it consisted4 ,in the meetings held by the few who were interested she had1 unconsciously almost1 given many glimpses of her private efforts and success1 which showed how faithfully she used what light she had4 ,i wonder what ,mrs4 ,grant would say to this1 she resumed1 after looking over the paper4 ,i think she ought to take this paper1 too4 ,of course1 ,i expect to read yours1 with an arch smile4 ,as you certainly may1 ,i will let you have this number this afternoon2 ,i can't spare it yet4 ,you can't imagine the abyss ,i fell into yesterday4 ,it seemed that ,i had not only lost the ability to hold myself up1 but the self respect that would help to regain my footing4 ',it is always darkest before the dawn'1 they say1 quoted ,mrs4 ,reade1 merrily1 and now the dawn of our delivery is at hand1 we shall know what to do before the twilight comes again4 ,but ,i came after your jelly mold and must not stand here all day talking about things so utterly unlike--well1 good-bye6 ,i can hardly tear myself away when ,i talk with you1 and she ran out with a gay smile4 ,nearly every week these last few months ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,mrs4 ,reade1 ,mrs4 ,grant and occasionally one or two others had met to read and talk on the all-absorbing topic and gain confidence and strength by an exchange of ideas and experiences2 but they knew not how to draw from the fountain of knowledge itself1 and while they had learned much and gained much1 there was a lack which1 in the moment of trial1 they knew not how to supply4 ,in a few days ,mrs4 ,hayden received the coveted information as to the identity of the wonderful teacher1 and that she was to teach several classes in ,marlow1 only two hundred miles away1 which quite set her on fire with impatience to go at once4 ,but circumstances were not propitious4 ,there were many details to be arranged1 much to be considered4 ,what should be done with the children8 ,could she afford it8 ,what could she wear8 ,in her eagerness she could have overcome every obstacle within an hour1 but her better judgment told her to be patient a little longer1 a decision her husband quite approved4 ,in the meantime she tried to live more faithfully up to the light she had received1 but the first flush of faith that had brought forth the works1 seemed gone1 and she knew not how to bring it back4 ,not that she was not just as earnest1 not that she had lost a whit of her faith or interest1 but the fire of impulse1 unclouded by doubt1 had disappeared4 ,she thought about it every leisure moment1 but concluded at last to let go such intense effort that must necessarily be blind1 and live more in the holy carelessness of the eternal ,now1 as ,george ,mac,donald so beautifully expressed it in his book she was reading4 ,in one respect she fared as comparatively few women do1 who hunger after spiritual things2 she had her husband's full sympathy and co-operation4 ,afterward1 when she had seen more of the world and knew more about other women's lives1 she realized the value of it1 realized that without it she would have starved before she could have feasted4 ,oh1 the sweet influence of a sympathy that unites and harmonizes two natures1 no matter how opposite in character and tendencies4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,as out of a dream1 paths impossible to sense and every day show plain and sudden transit into distant places1 so from your shut souls widens out an entrance way into ,god's everlasting joy6 --,a4 ,d4 ,t4 ,whitney4 ,at last the time came4 ,she was to go for the last class in ,marlow4 ,the last problem as to what to be done while she was gone had been solved4 ,the children were to be under the kind care of ,anna1 who agreed to do her best in looking after them4 ,mrs4 ,hayden's wardrobe had received the necessary additions1 the question of affording was not asked again1 for it was like asking if she could afford food or clothing4 ,it meant a great deal to her1 going out in the world to get this wonderful knowledge4 ,it was a new way of seeking the kingdom of heaven1 and it must surely teach the right knock that would open the door4 ,the little light that had already come to her proved that1 for never before in all her years of hungry longing had she been so well fed1 so visibly nourished4 ,surely her soul could not be mistaken in thus dictating her quest4 ,it seems too good to be true1 ,john1 that there is a way and that ,i am going to find it1 she said a few days before she went away4 ,i am very glad1 dear ,marion1 for your sake1 that you are so happy in this4 ,it certainly is a beautiful religion as far as we can understand it4 ,yes1 the very thing we tried so hard to find during all those years of darkness1 and ,i have begun to actually feel thankful for our misfortunes1 because it seems they have led us into this knowledge4 ,what would we have known or cared for ,miss ,greening1 had we been living in the mansion on the hill8 ,or what would we have believed1 even if we had read something about ,christian ,healing8 ,it is hard to tell1 but if you are content ,i am1 wifie1 although ,i should like the old home again4 ,like many others he was able to appreciate the material good things1 but knew not that the material are but emblems or symbols of the spiritual4 ,we shall possess something far better than all the palaces and kingdoms of the earth1 if we get this 'pearl of great price4' ,i know now what it means for the rich to hardly enter the kingdom of heaven4 ,it is because they are so satisfied in their rich possessions they feel they have everything worth having and need nothing more4 ,that very indifference and apathy keeps them from getting spiritual treasures4 ,how true that is1 ,marion1 said her husband1 stroking his mustache thoughtfully4 ,just then the door bell rang and the girl presently ushered ,grace and ,kate into the room4 ,why1 how do you do8 ,i am more than glad to see you1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 warmly grasping a hand in each of hers4 ,it is such a lovely evening that we felt we should like a walk1 and as we generally gravitate toward your house1 here we are1 said ,kate1 laying aside her hat4 ,do you know ,i am going to ,marlow to take the ,christian ,healing lessons8 asked ,mrs4 ,hayden1 with a bright smile1 as they were cosily seated for their chat4 ,are you1 really8 ,i am so glad1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 said ,grace4 ,when are you going8 ,monday1 on the afternoon train1 and ,i shall be gone three weeks4 ,it seems a long time now1 but ,i hope it will be so profitable and pleasant that it will not seem long while it is passing4 ,kate looked very grave4 ,finally she said3 ,well1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,i am sorry you are going4 ,why8 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,why8 echoed ,grace1 and the host looked the interrogation he did not verbally express4 ,because ,i am seriously afraid it is wrong4 ,just a few days ago ,i had a talk with the minister1 and he is very decided in his denunciation of it1 saying it is plainly contrary to the teachings of the ,bible1 and ,i have been reading an article this afternoon that is very convincing in its arguments against it4 ,no1 ,grace1 you needn't shake your head4 ,i have been cowardly and lazy long enough about my religion1 now ,i shall stand up for what ,i think is right1 and ,i love ,mrs4 ,hayden too well not to warn her of what ,i believe to be a most dangerous heresy4 ,she had evidently nerved herself to say this1 but her voice trembled with earnestness1 and when she finished there were tears in her eyes4 ,i thank you1 dear ,kate1 for your sincere regard1 and appreciate your motive most deeply1 but of course1 that can not change my mind now1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 much touched4 ,that1 of course1 is for you to decide1 but ,i have suddenly realized my religious responsibility as never before1 and have been earnestly considering this matter4 ,at first it seemed all right and very beautiful1 but ,i believe it is only the work of the devil to get people into his net of wickedness4 ,grace was too astonished for speech2 now she understood what ,kate had meant by her disinclination to talk on the subject since that night they had heard ,miss ,greening4 ,now her thoughtful spells were explained1 as well as her eager desire to come here to-night4 ,i do not see why the ministers should oppose it as they do1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 after a short silence4 ,if you look back over the history you will find they opposed giving freedom to the slaves2 they opposed the temperance movement until it was forced upon them4 ,many of them now oppose woman's suffrage1 though their audiences are often composed almost entirely of women4 ,it seems a great mystery why they should oppose any of these good and necessary reforms1 but ,i think it is because they are only mortal men1 and have many mortal faults and a great deal of mortal ignorance1 said ,grace1 recovering her tongue at last4 ,it seems to me if everybody would read the words of ,jesus and follow his example they would never be harsh1 or critical1 or uncharitable1 and above all1 they would not judge anybody or anything without a righteous reason4 ,the whole burden of his teaching is expressed in the sentence3 ',little children1 love one another1' was ,mrs4 ,hayden's opinion4 ,kate looked at her gratefully4 ,we would have a very different world if every one followed that law1 and we have never heard a better one4 ,the only difficulty is to know how to follow it1 added ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,we must know the whole truth if we would be free from all error1 and we can only get truth by earnestly seeking for it1 is my firm conviction1 said his wife4 ,if the truth makes us free1 certainly we ought to search for it1 and as we get it we can not be moved from our position1 for by the nature of truth it is forever the same4 ,imagine anybody telling me two times two are five4 ,if they argued and talked forever they could not prove it1 for a lie can never be proved true4 ,that's capital reasoning1 ,grace1 exclaimed ,mr4 ,hayden1 admiringly4 ,then if these ministers are in the right1 she continued1 why should they need to be so active and emphatic and malevolent1 as they sometimes are1 in their denunciation of what they call a lie1 because if it is a lie1 won't it prove itself8 ,and if their position is assured1 and the truth must necessarily be assuring1 since that is the essence and nature of it1 if their position is assured1 why is there any need of such resistance8 ,jesus plainly taught the non-resistance of evil1 if ,i read my ,bible correctly this morning4 ,i have been studying religion somewhat1 too1 the last few weeks1 she concluded1 glancing at ,kate rather apologetically4 ,it would be well if we studied it a great deal more earnestly than we have before1 said ,kate1 flushing warmly4 ,well1 ,kate1 isn't one of our best ways a thorough investigation of it8 ,yes1 of course4 ,then ,i intend to look into ,christian ,healing at my earliest opportunity1 and see what there is in it4 ,if there is nothing1 it can not hurt me4 ,if there is something1 it will prove itself1 and ,i shall gladly accept the help it gives1 and ,grace rested on her oars4 ,i have a suggestion to make1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 and that is that ,mrs4 ,hayden write us a report of each day's lecture1 and you can come down and we will read them together1 or ,i can hand them to you after ,i have finished them4 ,capital6 exclaimed ,grace4 ,will you do that1 ,mrs4 ,hayden8 ,i will do the best ,i can1 and be delighted4 ,it will help me as well as you2 but they will be nothing but ordinary letters1 for ,i would have neither the time nor the ability to write lectures4 ,then she added1 turning to ,kate1 ,you will read them1 too1 won't you1 dear8 for ,i do want you to understand that this is the true ,christ-religion1 and as ,grace says1 if it is true it will prove itself4 ,i do not object to reading your letters2 indeed shall be glad of the privilege1 replied ,kate1 with a deprecatory gesture4 ,you must be sure and give us the practical part1 so we can learn by practice as well as theory1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 playfully4 ,yes1 and ,i will promise to be a faithful student1 if that will be any inducement1 added ,grace2 and ,i know ,kathie will1 too2 won't you8 ,don't say any more1 please4 ,you all know ,i want what is true and good1 she replied1 huskily4 99 99 99 99 99 ,it seemed hard to say the good-byes1 even to go on this little trip4 ,mrs4 ,hayden looked at the children and home through blinding tears as her husband helped her into the carriage4 ,they did not say much as they drove away to the depot1 and both were deeply moved4 ,there seemed such a momentous meaning in this journey4 ,you must promise to write often1 ,john8 ,yes1 dear ,marion1 and don't worry about us4 ,i shall write every day1 ,john1 and ,i do want you to grow with me4 ,read the lessons please1 very carefully4 ,yes2 good-bye4 ,a kiss1 and he was off4 ,she waved her hand as the train started4 ,like a leaf on the rippling river1 gently touching the stones or mosses in passing1 but hurrying on to a broader outlook and a straighter pathway1 we float in the varying current of life1 now dallying with youth's pleasures and playfully touching the problems before us1 then sent adrift by a deep desire to know1 we go out on a voyage of discovery1 and be the winds rough or gentle1 we go on till harbored at last4 ,nor would we leave thee1 gentle ,truth4 ,may thy voice guide and strengthen and cheer2 thy sweet knowledge be the lamp to our path2 thy words of wisdom our armor and shield1 and all the sweet enchantment of thy presence be with us forevermore4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,our weary years of wandering o'er1 ,we greet with joy this radiant shore2 ,the promised land of liberty1 ,the dawn of freedom's morn we see4 ,o promised land1 we enter in1 ,with 'peace on earth1 good will to men1' ,the ',golden age' now comes again1 ,and breaking every bond and chain2 ,while every sect1 and race and clime1 ,shall equal share in this glad time4 --,e4 ,b4 ,harbert4 ,mrs4 ,hayden immediately sent a few words to her husband informing him of her safe arrival1 but said nothing concerning her plans until later in the week1 she wrote3 ,i attended a reception last night that gave me a good idea of the great interest manifested in this new subject by people from all parts of the country as well as this great city4 ,many who have been attending a convention of truth seekers this week were there1 and ,i met1 among others1 ,mrs4 ,harmon4 ,she is lovely1 with such a sweet pleasant face and clear mild eyes4 ,i do not wonder ,miss ,greening was charmed with her4 ,we had quite a chat about mental healing4 ,she gave me an interesting account of how she came into the work and what she is doing4 ,i also met many others4 ,one thing noticeable about these people that seems peculiarly characteristic1 was the bright1 happy faces so full of repose and trustfulness contrasted with the dull1 sluggish care-worn expression of people in general4 ,it really rests and cheers wonderfully to look upon countenances that carry the gospel of healing with them4 ,after a pleasant social time1 ,mrs4 ,pearl1 in whose honor the reception was given1 was called upon for an address1 the substance of which is about as follows3 ,it is an unexpected pleasure as well as privilege to thus meet face to face so large a body of people who are working or desire to work for the uplifting and healing of humanity by this new yet old ,christ-method4 ,while there are so many thousands of the world's best workers engaged in lifting the burdens of sickness1 sorrow and sin1 there are none who accomplish more marvelous or speedy results than ,christian healers4 ,indeed they have already demonstrated this philosophy to be a most powerful means of reclaiming the sinful and adjusting social relations as well as healing the sick4 ,it already promises a better method of dealing with intemperance than that of any other class of reformers4 ,why8 ,not because earnest1 devoted women do not give time1 labor and hearts' blood to the temperance cause2 not because wise1 honest men are not doing their best with tongue and pen1 in legislative halls and political conventions1 but because neither women nor men have learned the true principle of moral reform4 ,the wise mother knows that the best way to keep her child from mischief is not to talk about his temptation but cause him to forget it by thinking of other and better things4 ,she encourages him to do better by recognizing his higher nature and showing him a better way4 ,she 'overcomes the evil with the good4' ,thus his moral nature gradually gains ascendency over the lower4 ,this1 and this only is the true reform2 but the same mother fails to carry out the same principle with larger children4 ,she must learn that the same management which corrects and improves the child will correct and improve the sinner1 for a sinner is only a child of larger growth4 ,thus far1 the world has been most attracted to the healing of bodily ills1 and all discomforts of the flesh1 but the material demand is only a forerunner or symbol of the spiritual1 and the signs of the times are even now ready for the keenest readers4 ,people are beginning to enquire if this wonderful power for healing the body can not be used for the healing of vicious minds1 the curing of depraved appetites4 ,since religious teachings and ethical lectures seem to be so inadequate to meet the crying need1 why not try this new method which claims to be a panacea for all ills1 ask the moral philosophers4 ',the world moves slowly1' it is said1 but the world awakes slowly1 it should be4 ,we are ministering angels to one another1 in our process of awakening4 ,if we have not enough realization of truth to keep ourselves awake1 some one comes along and wakes us up1 by telling us more and we1 in turn1 wake some slumbering neighbor4 ,invisible and silent are the workings of ,truth1 and none may judge what best teaches the law4 ,none may know what has given this or that insight into a broader truth1 but all at once some one has the new light1 and hastens to impart the knowledge4 ,all effort for truth points to one end--,truth4 ,all reforms1 all religions point to a higher standard of living1 a clearer realization of the highest and best1 a broader vision of truth1 a breaking away from the false and a bringing about of the true4 ,mankind is conservative and must needs consider many things in many ways4 ,old opinions are not easily relinquished because they are 'bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh' and not till we awake to spiritual as well as intellectual knowledge1 shall we realize that we are free--free to listen1 learn and live4 ,as in the history of every reform1 we find opposition and persecution facing the ,christian healers1 but as time goes on1 even the unbelieving and conservative shall be brought to a knowledge of the truth4 ,many things unaccepted and unestablished to-day shall be proverbial platitudes of to-morrow4 ,we who have a clearer vision of the better way1 who are demonstrating our position with such wondrous signs1 must realize more and more the importance of the first and only law--the law of love4 ,judge not4 ,be a unit in ,truth4 ,we come together as many1 but should go away as one4 ,we now have thousands of ,christian healers all over the country who are striving as never before to live a higher life1 to work for humanity according to the ,master's teachings1 and it becomes us1 as true disciples of such a leader to so live that we shall see the fulfillment of that blessed promise3 ',greater works than ,i1 shall ye do4' ,let us recognize the use and beauty of unity4 ,let us be as one1 and then1 like the brave and faithful ,joshua1 we shall be able to break down the walls of any ,jericho4 ,christ followers1 truth seekers1 friends6 ,make use of the golden privileges of to-day1 use every moment for the furtherance of good1 make every silent thought or uttered word a stream of influence that shall cause the desert to blossom like the rose4 ,send your thoughts out to the grand reformers1 the women workers and the men workers1 the tired mothers and the anxious fathers1 the faithful teachers and the innocent children4 ,sow the seed diligently1 no matter what the soil4 ,never mind the coldness1 the indifference1 the slighting disparagements1 for bye-and-bye will come the harvest4 ,do in all ways as you would be done by4 ',thou must be true thyself if thou the truth wouldst teach1 ,thy soul must overflow with truth1 the true results to reach4' ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,one ,holy ,church of ,god appears ,through every age and race1 ,unwasted by the lapse of years1 ,unchanged by changing place4 ,from oldest time1 on farthest shores1 ,beneath the pine or palm1 ,one unseen ,presence she adores1 ,with silence or with psalm4 ,her priests are all ,god's faithful sons1 ,to serve the world raised up1 ,the pure in heart her baptized ones1 ,love1 her communion cup4 ,the ,truth is her prophetic gift1 ,the soul her sacred page2 ,and feet on mercy's errand swift ,do make her pilgrimage4 --,longfellow4 ,the next day ,mr4 ,hayden1 with great interest1 read the letter containing the first lecture1 which was given the day after the reception reported in the last chapter4 ,pertaining to the lesson he read3 ,how ,i wished you were with me yesterday1 and could see the fifty eager faces as they gathered in the class room and waited for ,mrs4 ,pearl4 ,some sorrowful and careworn1 some filled with the marks of suffering and pain1 some hopeless and despairing1 some careless and gay1 some merely curious1 but all expectant and interested4 ,it matters not with what varying motives a mass of people meet together1 there is a common chord of sympathy1 which1 if rightly touched1 will cause the many to think and feel as one1 and herein lies the secret of a teacher's power4 ,mrs4 ,pearl has this faculty of gathering and holding the thoughts of her audience1 and ,i could not help noting the calm and satisfied expression as they went out after the lecture4 ,the first lesson is about ,the ,true ,foundation1 and while much of it is what we have known and believed1 it is stated in a new and interesting way4 ,i will give it1 as nearly as possible1 in her own words3 ,it is necessary to have a common premise in order to sustain a harmonious argument1 and the first thing is to find a base or foundation from which and upon which to build4 ,our doctrine is to be established by sound reasoning and scientific argument1 and we must go back to the beginning and learn something about the ,first ,cause of all things4 ,in ancient times students devoted themselves to the study of pure reasoning1 and they found that by putting themselves in harmony with ,first ,cause1 they attained a power1 by certain lines of thought and through the speaking of words1 to perform wondrous works1 healing the sick1 having dominion over all creation4 ,they discovered the different results of speaking words of science1 which are words of truth1 and words of error or words contrary to reason4 ,right1 true words brought forth right and true conditions to everyone around them1 but deviation from this line of reason1 would bring discord and trouble and undesirable conditions4 ,these wise thinkers declared ,mind to be the ,first ,cause of all creation1 and announced the study of ,mind and the words and ways of ,mind1 to be the profoundest theme that could engage the attention of man4 ,we find this philosophy and these conclusions corroborated by the ,bible1 which we shall consider and prove to contain revelations of changeless1 eternal truth4 ,truth is universal1 and whatever is true in one part of the universe must be true in all parts4 ,that which has been understood and conceded to be true in all ages and climes is what we call universal truth4 ,because the first chapter of ,genesis1 then1 agrees in all essential particulars with the accounts of other nations and among other peoples we consider it universal truth4 ,because it is so beautiful1 logical and spiritual1 we revere it2 because our own inner consciousness of truth agrees with its statements1 we concede it to be as accurate and reasonable an account of ,creation as we have1 and we are therefore willing to use it as the basis of our argument4 ,we read3 ',in the beginning ,god created1' but a more literal and spiritual rendering would make the pivotal statement1 ',god creates4' ,now we know there can be no beginning or end to ,omnipotence1 hence there must be a continuous creating1 and thus the term 'beginning' could only refer to the manifestation of what had already been created4 ,how was the creation manifested8 ,by the ,word4 ',god said1 let there be light1 and it was so1' and by every ',god said1' was manifested the thing which ,he said was to be4 ,the word ,god is an abbreviation of the ,anglo-,saxon of ,good1 the two words in that language being identical4 ,to many this will be an aid to realizing the omnipresence ,god1 and add to the reverential sense of that personal nearness which makes the ,deity a ,father and an ever-loving ,friend4 ,god is not person as to form or personal limitations1 yet personal in the sense of ,presence and intelligent communication with intelligent beings4 ,jesus said truly1 ',no man hath seen ,god at any time1 because the eye of the flesh cannot perceive spirit4' ,through the quality or influence of ,good1 ,intelligence1 ,love and all we may name as soulful1 we perceive and feel ,god's presence4 ,thus in the spiritual sense1 the 'pure in heart may see ,god4' ,we can1 too1 perceive the quality of ,god in ,good1 as we perceive the attributes of the sun in its light4 ,as the light of the sun warms the dark earth1 making it fruitful1 so the divine ,light 7,intelligence71 shining upon our earth nature1 makes it fruitful because of the presence of its ,creator4 ,some there are who call this ever-present ,intelligence or ,good the living ,principle4 ,as the ,infinite1 it wears all phases and adapts itself to every conception of the ,finite1 so in the sense of omnipresence and unchangeableness it might from this point of view be called ,principle4 ,this is the cold1 mathematical conception of ,god as ,law1 which without ,love would be incomplete4 ,we must1 therefore1 know the duality of ,god if we are to understand either ,law or ,love4 ,some things can only be known by intuition1 without the aid of the senses1 and because of an inherent idea in our consciousness4 ,for instance1 every nation worships ,deity in some way4 ,since we cannot know ,god through the senses1 by which we gain knowledge of visible things1 how can we know there is a ,god8 ,as ,paul says3 ',likewise the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of ,god2' and what better answer could we have8 ,spirit1 according to ,webster1 is3 ',life or living substance considered independent of corporeal existence--vital essence1 force1 or energy as distinct from matter4' ,god is the vital essence1 ,god is spirit1 and ,god is substance--'the real or existing essence1' 'the divine essence or being4' ,god1 therefore1 is the ,divine ,power that creates and sustains all things--the ,all-,power1 the ,all-,intelligence1 the ,all-,mind1 the ,all-,love1 the ,all-,substance1 the ,all-,harmony1 the ,all-,life1 the ,all-,good1 omnipresent1 omniscient1 omnipotent4 ,this is the one ,creator1 'one ,god who is ,father of all1 over all1 and in all4' ,though we cannot see this ,god or ,good ,principle1 we can apprehend it through the signs or manifestations that we see4 ,as we look about1 we everywhere see the signs of life--not ,life itself1 but the signs of it--that tell of the presence of ,god or ,good4 ,now ,life is ,good in and for itself4 ,we often see the divinest love manifested through every deed of love1 every heroic act of higher living1 every grand sacrifice of self-comfort1 pleasure1 even life itself4 ,jesus says3 ',greater love can no man have than to lay down his life for his friend4' ,such love is a manifestation of the one1 only ,love1 which is ,god--,good omnipresent4 ,every glimpse of ,truth which the whole world seeks to know and wherever found1 is a realization of the omnipresent ,truth1 which is ,god4 ,intelligence1 in its highest or lowest form1 is but a manifestation of ,god as ,intelligence2 for whence comes our intelligence if not from the great and only ,intelligence1 which is ever flowing to us and through us1 which is ever being generated in us1 whenever and wherever we are willing to let it manifest itself4 ,emerson says3 ',there is one mind common to all individual men4 ,every man is an inlet to the same and to all of the same4 ,he that is once admitted to the right of reason is made a free man of the whole estate4 99 99 99 99 ,who hath access to this universal mind is a party to all that is or can be done1 for this is the only and sovereign agent4' ,so we reason about health and strength and justice1 or any of the divine qualities1 which we may claim as a part of our inheritance1 because they are inherent in the ,all1 in which 'we live1 are moved1 and have our being4' ,having something of an understanding as to the nature of this divine ,creator1 we can1 to some extent1 apprehend that the essence of all things manifesting it1 and manifested by it1 must be good like itself1 must be of the same quality as itself2 as light emanating from light1 must be of the same essence and quality as that from which it emanates4 ,god1 like light1 is always the same1 and cannot send forth or create anything opposite ,himself4 ,the nature of ,god embraces every good quality of masculine and feminine character1 as also the impersonal life ,principle4 ,it is therefore proper to use the masculine1 feminine or neuter pronoun when referring to ,deity4 ,as different phases of the one ,love1 we see manifested1 the strong1 all-protecting1 intelligent father-love1 the tender1 restful1 patient mother-love1 the innocent1 confiding1 trustful child-love1 each complete in the whole1 which can be recognized by all or one of these attributes4 ,the great ,mind of which the ancient philosophers tell us and which ,emerson so plainly realized1 is the the ,origin and ,force of all ,creation1 the ,mind for which we have found so many synonyms and so many offices1 the ,great ,invisible of which all visible things are but signs or symbols4 ,there is but one great ,mind1 one great ,thinker4 ,all thoughts of this ,mind1 which is ,infinite ,goodness1 must be infinitely good1 and man is the crown and apex of the wonderful creation--is made in the image and likeness of ,god4 ,if we concede the ,creator1 ,god1 to be omnipresent1 omniscient and omnipotent1 the only ,power there is1 perfect1 unchangeable and eternal1 we must necessarily concede that all which ,he creates is good1 and must remain so because everything connected with1 emanating from1 or similar to ,him is1 and must be like ,him in quality and essence4 ,the true man is spiritual1 perfect like his ,father1 and can only be subject to perfect conditions4 ,if we continually and persistently recognize the true creation which is invisible1 we make manifest the perfect conditions in the sign of the true1 which is the visible4 ,in doing this1 we are1 in the most essential sense1 acknowledging ,god1 worshiping the one ,deity4 ,because we have so long recognized the other powers we have become idolators1 and must now turn back to the only true ,god4 ',if thou return to the almighty1 thou shalt be built up1 thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles4444 ,for thou shalt have thy delight in the almighty and shalt lift up thy face unto ,god4' ,we have become filled with false beliefs1 because we have judged according to appearances1 and hence drawn false conclusions4 ,how can we know spiritual truth without spiritual knowledge8 ,how can we have spiritual knowledge without spiritual perception2 how can we have spiritual perception without recognizing ,spirit1 ,substance1 ,god1 as the supreme ,essence back of all visible forms8 ,this is the fundamental principle of healing--this recognition of spiritual being and spiritual law4 ,grasping only the surface meaning of this grand truth1 we recognize and admire the mental power which produces cures1 hence it is frequently called mind-cure1 because1 through the agency of mind1 the cure is wrought1 as we say1 water-cure or sun-cure for the same reason2 but as we proceed in the study1 we will go beyond an intellectual to a spiritual perception of what is meant by met-a-physical1 which pertains not only to a science of mental phenomena1 but the science of real being1 and has to do with the spiritual or real self of man4 ,now ,john1 if you don't understand1 just wait and study1 for really we must study these statements1 without prejudice1 too1 for that is the only way1 and of course we cannot expect to understand at once4 ,the great essential is to keep uppermost the desire for truth1 but ,i need not tell you that1 for what an earnest truth-seeker you are1 nobody knows better than myself4 ,this is the best ,i can do toward giving the first lesson1 but you must think well upon it and get a good foundation laid for what is to come next4 ,this science is to be developed rather than learned4 ,i want to put in every moment ,i can get for study1 so must close4 ,hand this to ,kate and ,grace4 ,i do hope they will be interested4 ,tell me all about your progress1 and the precious little ones--how are they8 ,your loving ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,how shall ,i know if ,i do choose the right8--,shakespeare4 ,truth is one1 ,and in all lands beneath the sun1 ,whoso hath eyes to see may see ,the tokens of its unity4 --,whittier4 ,that is a very clear statement1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 as he handed the letter to ,grace when she called the next evening4 ,do you think we can get much of an idea from it8 ,o yes1 indeed we can2 but you take it home and read it with ,kate4 ,grace went straight home with her prize for she was more interested than she cared to admit just yet1 and ,kate was still reluctant and fearful about the possible wrong4 ,grace had awakened in the night1 just after ,mrs4 ,hayden had gone and found her crying4 ,what is the matter1 ,katie8 she asked4 ,oh1 ,grace1 ,i am so worried about this ,healing1 and ,i am afraid ,i did wrong to even promise ,mrs4 ,hayden ,i would read her letters1 sobbed the poor child4 ,why1 ,katie dear1 we could never know anything if we did not look into it and use the reason ,god has given us4 ,surely you are not afraid to examine into what claims to be such wonderful truth4 ,you do not necessarily accept by examining it1 and ,i am glad we can have the privilege of reading what ,mrs4 ,hayden says1 for she has such a fair1 unprejudiced mind1 and will give us the matter just as nearly right as she can2 then we can judge for ourselves4 ,she reached over and drew ,kate into her arms1 but the sobbing did not cease at once4 ,grace was naturally kind-hearted1 and respected people's feelings4 ,to-night she was very gentle1 as ,kate gratefully realized4 ,come ,kate1 put away your fears4 ,there's nothing can change the truth you have1 and if it isn't truth1 the sooner you change your mind the better4 ,what makes you feel so1 all at once8 ,has some one said anything8 ,yes1 ,mr4 ,narrow gave me such a talking to when ,i asked him if it was wrong2 for someway1 ,i got so troubled that ,i did not know what else to do4 ,well1 what of it2 you don't see anything wrong in it yourself1 do you8 ,n--o1 not exactly4 ,what are you afraid of1 then8 ,i--,i don't know1 with a hysterical sob4 ,she was ashamed to admit that she was half afraid of eternal punishment1 something she had been in vague terror of all her life4 ,it had been impressed upon her so vividly1 and now she was suffering from a keenly reproachful conscience1 because for so long a time she had been indifferent and neglectful of her religious duties4 ,grace finally persuaded her it would be all right to give the matter a fair investigation4 ,then she went to sleep1 comforted1 for half her misery had been caused by her indecision and wavering4 ,when they read the letter together1 ,grace was delighted and ,kate not much less so1 though she demurred a little about some things4 ,what beautiful ideas of ,god6 ,it seems plainer than anything ,i ever heard4 ,to say ,god is ,principle1 not person1 makes it easier to apprehend ,his omnipresence1 exclaimed ,grace1 laying down the letter4 ,y-e-s1 in one sense1 slowly assented ,kate1 but in the ,bible ,he is spoken of as ,person1 or at least as having personal attributes1 and you know they frequently refer to what ,he says and how ,he talked with ,abraham4 ,o1 ,i think that is figurative1 if it is true at all4 ,how can a being with a definite or outlined form be everywhere at the same time8 ,but surely1 you believe ,his thoughts can be everywhere1 and that is what is meant by this omnipresence1 said ,kate1 earnestly4 ,then do you think of ,him as sitting on a great golden throne1 listening to the petitions of men below1 and able to hear and to grant or refuse at the same moment every prayer that is sent to ,him by the millions of ,his children on earth8 ',god's ways are not our ways1 and with ,him all things are possible4' ,but is it not much easier to say this is ,principle1 which is everywhere waiting for our recognition of its presence to become manifested to us8 pursued ,grace4 ,yes1 ,i don't know but it is4 ,now ,kate1 ,i am truly in earnest and mean to study this very earnestly4 ,i know very little about the ,bible1 because it has been a sealed book to me every time ,i ever tried to read it1 but during these three weeks that ,mrs4 ,hayden is gone1 ,i am going to put away my preconceived opinions as far as possible and see if ,i can learn something1 and now let us get the ,bible and see what it says on these questions4 ,you have a concordance4 ,let us look up the word omnipresence and read some of the passages in which it occurs4 ,kate was well pleased1 not only to make the ,bible the foundation of this study1 but to find ,grace so changed1 and so ready to look into sacred things4 ,perhaps she will be converted1 she thought1 and from that moment she1 too1 resolved to look fairly into ,christian ,healing4 ,she brought the concordance and found there was no reference to omnipresence4 ,we'll look for present or presence1 suggested ,grace4 ,she glanced rapidly down the columns and found a reference to ,ps4 cxxxix4 and turned to that4 ,yes1 in the seventh verse it says3 ',whither shall ,i go from thy spirit or whither shall ,i flee from thy presence8' and here is a marginal reference to ,jer4 xxiii3 #bd4 ',can any hide himself in secret places that ,i shall not see him8 saith the ,lord4 ,do not ,i fill heaven and earth8' ,now it seems to me that carries the idea of a personal ,being1 said ,kate4 ,well1 let us look up the references to ,god1 suggested ,grace again4 ,here's one in ,deut4 xxxii3 #d4 ',he is the rock1 his work is perfect2 for all his ways are judgment2 a ,god of truth and without iniquity1 just and right is he4' ,yes1 there ,he is compared to a rock4 ,of course that is symbolical1 but find another4 ,isn't there one that tells of ,him as spirit8 ,yes1 ',god is spirit1 and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth1' that is in ,john iv3 #bd1 and in the first chapter of ,john it reads3 ',in the beginning was the ,word and the ,word was with ,god and the ,word was ,god4' ,ah6 there we have it very plain2 word is not flesh and blood or person4 ,doesn't it say in the letter that ,god is ,intelligence1 which is only another way to express the same thing8 ,yes1 and ,i remember when ,jesus prayed for ,his disciples1 ,he said3 ',sanctify them through thy truth1 thy word is truth2' and some place in the ,bible it speaks of ,god as truth1 said ,kate1 quite willing to give all the corroborative testimony she could4 ,truth can only be considered as principle1 so we have that statement confirmed by the ,bible1 and that would agree with what ,pythagoras wrote1 said ,grace1 quoting3 ',there is one ,universal ,soul diffused through all things1 eternal1 invisible1 unchangeable2 in essence like truth1 in substance resembling light2 444 to be comprehended only by the mind4' ,now it is comparatively easy to see manifestations of the ,good4 ,by the way1 ,i think it a volume of explanation in itself to say ,good instead of ,god1 don't you8 ,well1 yes1 it does seem peculiarly expressive1 but the old way sounds a little better yet4 ,of course1 pursued ,grace1 it doesn't matter so much what we call this omnipresent power1 as whether we understand it4 ,all humanity worship the same ,deity in the sense of recognizing an omnipotent ,power4 ,i once read something comparing the ideas of ,god among the different peoples1 and it was really wonderful how similar they were1 excepting1 of course1 each nation had a different name for ,deity4 ,i believe ,i have that book now somewhere2 and ,grace went to look for it1 but presently returned without finding it4 ,well1 it made such a vivid impression on me that ,i remember a few of the principal statements4 ,one was that the ,hindoos teach of an omnipresent1 omniscient and omnipotent ,being called ,brehm who is the creator of all things1 from whom all things emanate and by whom all things are sustained4 ,the ,persians1 ,egyptians1 ,greeks held similar ideas4 ,the ,persians called ,god1 ,ormuzd1 the ,greeks1 ,orpheus1 the ,egyptians1 ,osiris4 ,i did not know the ,pagans held such ideas of ,deity4 ,i always thought they believed in many gods1 said ,kate4 ,they did1 but as ,edward ,everett ,hale1 says3 ',the innumerable ,gods of the ,pantheon are but manifestations of the ,one ,being1' that is1 they had special names for the different manifestations of ,god1 as ,he appeared to them in the sun1 the air1 the earth1 and also the different qualities of human character4 ,they all alike believed in a ,supreme ,being1 and made statements almost synonymous with many in the ,bible4 ,that is what may be called universal truth1 and if this philosophy is what is consistent with fundamental truth1 it will be just what ,i have been wishing to find4 ,grace leaned back meditatively1 adding1 ,mythology used to have a peculiar charm for me1 and many of those old stories are coming back with a new significance4 ',there is but one foundation1 other1 can no man lay1' quoted ,kate1 earnestly4 ,yes1 my dear1 and ,grace rose and paced back and forth in deep abstraction4 ,there is but one ,truth and we can not establish a falsity4 ,but ,i want to carry my reflections a little further concerning this universal worship4 ,to my mind1 the power inherent in everything and recognized in some way by every individual is the supreme1 perfect ,power in different phases of manifestation4 ,the man who trusts an unseen power to bring the seed he plants to full fruition1 is believing in the true ,god1 though he may not know it4 ,the whole world lives on faith from one year to another1 for there is not enough food produced in one season to last more than one year1 and if men did not know every succeeding season would provide1 they would be desperate indeed4 ,what is this but believing in a supreme ,power8 ,even materialists admit that the great ,first ,cause is beyond matter4 ,herbert ,spencer speaks of it as the ',universal ,reality1 without beginning and without end4' ,all people reverence and admire the sentiments of love and justice and truth and mercy4 ,let us agree they come from the same cause and are everywhere present1 and we shall come nearer to worshiping ,god in spirit and in truth1 than we ever have before4 ,now let's have your opinion1 ,queen ,katherine1 concluded ,grace1 looking at ,kate with a playful smile as she finished her long dissertation4 ,there is nothing ,i can add to that1 and it seems a very good conclusion to our first lesson4 ,i did not know you had thought so much about religious things1 ,grace4 ,i always had a fondness for looking on the forbidden side of things1 and ,i am afraid ,i was more curious than religious1 but ,i am rather glad if there is an explanation to these things that have always puzzled me4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,a lie can not exist--it only appears4 ,truth is consciousness consistent with itself in every relation2 error is consciousness inconsistent with itself in some relation4--,judge ,h4 ,p4 ,biddle4 ,and what an end lies before us6 ,to have a consciousness of our own ideal being flashed through us from the thought of ,god6 ,surely1 for this may well give way all our paltry self-consciousness1 our self-admiration and self-worships6 ,surely1 to know what ,he thinks about us will pale out of our souls all our thoughts about ourselves6--,george ,mac,donald4 ,,marlow1 ,september ----4 ,dear ,john3 ,i hope you are as anxiously awaiting this letter as ,i awaited the second lecture4 ,it was splendid1 so comprehensive1 and above all1 so practical4 ,it throws light on many puzzling points1 and ,i am delighted so far with what seems so plain and true4 ,some of the members of the class seemed quite shocked at some of the statements1 but it is not strange that they should seem startling to one who has never thought on the subject1 for indeed1 ,i should think it would take a good while to get used to reasoning that is directly opposite the world's first conclusions2 still we are looking for results that are quite contrary to what the world looks for1 so we can afford to collide with its opinions4 ,when ,mrs4 ,pearl came into the class room1 all turned to look at her and every ear was ready to listen4 ,in yesterday's lesson we made a statement of ,god as the only ,mind of the universe1 the ,great ,reality beside whom there is absolutely nothing in existence2 but as we look around at the scenes of suffering and poverty and ignorance1 we are mightily tempted to disbelieve such a statement4 ',talk of omnipotent ,light in the midst of midnight darkness6' you exclaim4 ,ah1 but you are to remember we are talking of the real creation2 the invisible and unapparent instead of the visible and apparent2 the changeless and eternal instead of the evanescent and decaying4 ,if ,god is the only ,reality1 ,his creation is the only real creation4 ,the word real is applied to that which actually exists1 which forever is1 not to that which seems or appears2 therefore1 in speaking of the real we mean the changeless and invisible4 ,if ,god is the only ,mind1 ,his are the only real thoughts1 and thoughts are invisible to the eye1 but discernible to the mind or consciousness4 ,if ,god is everywhere1 there is no possible place or space in the universe where ,god is not2 hence ,he is all there is4 ,one of our modern prophets wisely wrote3 ',has not a deeper meditation taught certain of every clime and age that the ,where and the ,when so mysteriously inseparable from all our thoughts1 are but superficial adhesions to thought2 that the ,seer may discern them where they mount up out of the celestial ,everywhere and ,forever4 ,have not all nations conceived their ,god as omnipresent and eternal1 as existing in a universal ,here1 an everlasting ,now8 ',think well1 thou too wilt find that space is but a mode of our human sense1 so likewise ,time4 ,there is no space and no time4 ,we are--we know not what2 light sparkles floating in the ether of ,deity4 ,so this so solid seeming world1 were1 after all1 but an air-image--our me the only reality4' ,this me is the spiritual self1 the individual idea of ,god1 ,his image and likeness4 ,what then1 about this body1 which is not spiritual1 you ask8 ,what about the material universe8 ,wait a moment4 ,think of the premise4 ,as ,god the invisible is the changeless1 what is the variable1 fleeting1 visible unreality8 ,the real is everlasting1 the unreal is transitory4 ,the real is called ,spirit1 the unreal matter4 ,what is ,spirit8 ,the underlying omnipresent substance that we call ,god4 ,what is matter8 ,the counterfeit1 shadow1 emblem1 showing that ,spirit exists or is4 ,we read in a very ancient ,hindoo ,scripture3 ',those who have understanding1 whose thought is pure1 see the entire universe as the picture of ,thy wisdom2' and the thoughtful ,carlyle said3 ',all visible things are emblems4444 ,matter represents some idea and bodies it forth4' ,these thoughts are in perfect accord with the principles laid down in our premise1 hence we find that as we believe matter1 believe the body to be the real creation1 we are believing a falsity4 ,this is the idol we are worshiping instead of the true and only ,god4 ,the grand visible universe in which we see so many beauties1 so many charms1 is but the mighty object lesson before us by which we may learn of the infinite1 invisible ,all4 ,as ,theodore ,parker said3 ',the universe itself is a great autograph of the ,almighty4' ,the characters used in mathematics do not constitute the science but merely represent to the senses the invisible ideas of the principle of mathematics4 ,the visible does not constitute the invisible1 but may carry its messages as we learn to read its poetic and mystic pages4 ,the visible speaks to the mortal nature1 but the invisible beyond and above1 speaks to the immortal nature4 ,since we find matter to be so totally opposite the real1 there is no other name for it than as the unreal1 and the unreal being a counterfeit of the real1 must be a lie1 as the nature of a lie is to make false claims1 pretending they are true4 ,matter is a counterfeit because it is not genuine or of ,god1 because it is changeable and fleeting1 because being limited to a visible form1 it must have finite limitations and can merely give finite conceptions4 ,taking it as a sign of something infinite1 we learn of the infinite4 ,all the students1 teachers1 learned men and women of the world have added to the world's spiritual ideas revealed by their study of the finite as well as their intuitive knowledge of the infinite4 ,charles ,kingsley gives us a hint of how to learn3 ',do not study matter for its own sake but as the countenance of ,god4 ,try to extract every line of beauty1 every association1 every moral reflection1 every inexpressible feeling from it4' ,our ideas of matter must then be entirely changed1 and we must learn to look beyond the seeming1 to the true4 ,we have believed in the reality of matter and material environment because of reasoning from the false basis that man is material or that he is a mixture of material and spiritual4 ,to believe that the flesh and blood of our sister or brother is their real self1 is to believe ,god capable of creating something utterly unlike himself 7,john iii1 ,james i47 which may suffer1 sin and die1 and if ,he is all perfection1 ,he can not know imperfection4 ,if ,he is all spirit1 ,he can not know or be matter4 ,keep before your mind the perfection1 omnipotence1 omnipresence of ,spirit1 ,god or ,principle1 and you will see more and more clearly the inconsistency of anything opposite ,him emanating from ,him4 ,believing in matter as a reality1 we have endowed it with all the power of the real1 have ascribed to it life1 substance and intelligence1 when it possesses neither4 ,where is the life when the body dies8 ,if life were inherent in the physical body1 could it ever cease to be8 ,god the eternal life principle can not cease to be4 ,the life manifested through the body is the life which is ,god and can not be affected by the decay or disappearance of the body4 ,the invisible essence of life is also the true substance1 the reliable and changeless something1 upon which we may forever depend4 ,we use the word substance in its etymological sense 7from sub1 under and stare1 to stand71 and since ,spirit or ,mind is the reality that underlies every material or sensible object1 there is no substance to the object itself4 ,plato taught that 'ideas1 are the only real things4' ,ideas are expressions of thoughts1 and thoughts are expressions of mind1 and this reasoning brings us back to ,god as ,mind and ,mind as ,cause4 ,admitting ,mind or ,spirit to be the life and substance back of or expressing itself through the body1 we may easily see that intelligence can not exist apart from ,mind1 and hence can not belong to matter4 ,that the mind or intelligence is seated in the gray convolutions of the brain1 is held by the materialists1 and yet ,dr4 ,laycock affirms 'that matter is fundamentally nothing more than that which is the seat of motion to ends1 of which mind is the source and cause4' ,professor ,huxley crowns the statement by saying1 ',that which perceives or knows is mind or spirit1 and therefore1 that knowledge which the senses give us1 is1 after all1 a knowledge of spiritual phenomena4' ,professor ,faraday held to the immateriality of physical objects4 ,in the language of ,jesus the ,christ1 we are told1 ',spirit is all1 the flesh profiteth nothing2' thus from all classes of conscientious but confessedly diverse thinkers1 we find statements of universal truth1 and this is what the hungry1 starving world is seeking with more earnestness than ever before4 ,since there is no life1 substance or intelligence in matter1 it will be comparatively easy to prove that there can be no sensation1 for where there is no life in the body1 there can be no feeling4 ,even the physiologists tell us mind must know pain before it can be located in the body4 ,we state therefore a theorem which is practically demonstrated2 there is no sensation in matter4 ,as we visit penitentiaries1 reform schools and hospitals1 as we read and hear the startling statements of press and pulpit1 we grow disconsolate and heavy-hearted over the awful power and reality of evil1 forgetting again that ,he who is perfect goodness can not behold evil or in any way permit its existence1 any more than heat can permit cold1 or light can permit darkness4 ,granting the omnipotence of ,good1 where is there any room for its opposite8 ,if there is but one ,power1 and that omnipotent and perfect1 there can be no evil in reality2 hence we are dealing with another lie when we judge according to appearances1 which ,jesus said we should not do4 ,it is really disloyalty to ,god to impute to ,him all misery1 pain1 sickness and suffering caused by the evil and ignorance of man4 ,we are told3 ',let your soul be subject to the higher powers1 for there is no power but of ,god4' ,because we have not done so1 but have believed in every claim power1 we suffer from 'evils which our own misdeeds have wrought1' as ,milton wrote1 or1 in the words of ,emerson1 'we miscreate our own evils4' ,jeremiah said3 ',it is your sins that have withholden the good things from you4' ,according to ,webster1 'sin is a transgression of the law of ,god4' ,there is but one law--the perfect and unchangeable ,truth4 ,any deviation from ,truth is error1 and error is sin4 ,in proportion as we deviate from the strictly true1 then1 we sin4 ,because we admit things to be true which are not true1 we admit1 then commit sin1 and hence suffer for sin4 ',know ye not that to whomsoever ye yield yourselves servants to obey1 his servants ye are1 whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness1' wrote ,paul4 ,we first think wrong4 ,sin is of the mind1 not of the body4 ,to acknowledge the reality of sin or evil is a transgression of the law1 because1 according to our established premise1 it cannot be true4 ,through a misconception of our relation to ,god1 and a belief in the power of evil1 we are obliged to admit the existence of sin1 sickness1 and death1 neither of which can be true in the presence of ,god1 as the only ,reality1 in which or in whom are all things that eternally are1 not that temporarily appear4 ,we have believed in a mind or power of thought opposite and contrary to ,god1 when in reality there can be nothing opposite or contrary to eternal ,mind4 ,we have believed ourselves endowed with a mind separate from ,god1 and ourselves subject to temptation from some cause not ,good4 ,we have believed in minds1 when there is but one ,mind4 ,this false force1 this false mind1 is variously called the evil or carnal mind1 the mind of the flesh1 the old man1 the serpent1 the devil1 the adversary4 ,it is simply the opposite or contradictory of the ,good1 the god of evil4 ,beside every true or positive statement there is a false or negative claim1 and in so far as we are ignorant of the true1 we are in bondage to the false4 ,to believe the claims of error is to be bound2 to know the reality of truth is to be free4 ,to believe in a mind or power separate or opposite from ,god1 is to be subject to any suppositions or beliefs formulated by that mind or negative thought4 ,that we are spiritually perfect is true1 but it is necessary for us to prove that fact by 'working out our own salvation1' by manifesting the positive or ,god quality of thought through our life and actions1 and the only way to be filled with good thought is to recognize and acknowledge the ,good only as the real4 ,this error1 tempter or devil1 was spoken of by ,jesus as having no truth1 as being a liar1 and the father or cause of lies 7,john viii3 #dd74 ,instead of devil 7which is only another name for evil or the slanderer71 or 'carnal mind'1 as ,paul called it1 we find mortal thought a better term for the expression of this power of thinking4 ',why have we this power of thinking wrong thoughts when there is but one good and only ,mind8' you ask4 ,as ,god's idea1 in the image and likeness of ,mind that thinks1 we have the power of recognition1 the power to be or not to be1 the possibility to become sons of ,god4 ,we have the power to distinguish1 to judge1 to know2 we have the spirit that ever leads us on and on in truth4 ,but here is where we fail4 ,in our ignorance or limited state of unfoldment1 we have mistaken the symbol for that which is symbolized matter is the symbol1 as also the body1 we have judged according to appearances instead of righteous or strictly true judgment2 we have yielded to a belief in sin1 hence are servants of sin4 ,the conception of matter as having power1 is based on appearances1 and because we have delegated to it a power1 have acknowledged it as an entity1 separate from the eternal mind1 it has enslaved us4 ,reasoning in this way we find everywhere two opposites or contradictories to be recognized and judged1 as the visible and the invisible1 the material and the spiritual1 the false and the true1 the mortal and the immortal1 the unreal and the real1 the negative and the positive4 ,judging of the true by that which is changeless and eternal1 we can decide at once on those qualities or attributes belonging to or describing what is true1 and by knowing what is true1 we can readily distinguish it from the erroneous4 ,we have considered these great errors or negatives which the world has believed and still believes in1 and they must be dealt with according to scientific law4 ,through all the ages of ,christianity have been heard the words of the ,master3 ',if any man will come after me1 let him deny himself1 take up his cross and follow me2' but who has understood it8 ,the letter of the law has indeed been observed by many earnest followers of ,jesus to a degree not considered necessary in this age1 but what has it demonstrated8 ,what has come of all the fasting and renunciation1 the cruel asceticism and severe discipline8 ,do these conscientious disciples give an unmistakable proof of their discipleship by showing the signs that must follow the true believer8 ,how can they when they talk of sin1 sickness and death2 of things contradictory to the nature1 power and presence of ,god8 ,then they must not have understood the spiritual import of these words of ,jesus to 'deny himself4' ,deny means1 according to ,webster1 'to contradict2 to declare not to be true2 to disclaim connection with2 to refuse to acknowledge2 to disown4' ,jesus meant deny the mortal thought1 the false self2 refuse to acknowledge it as having any authority2 and it is only as the ,christ follower proves this to be the true mode of denying self1 that he can speak with authority as to the scientific method of dealing with all the errors to which mortal thought gives birth4 ,no other way has brought the desired result2 hence we confidently assert that all these mistakes agreed to and participated in by mankind must be emphatically1 persistently1 scientifically denied4 ,systematically and repeatedly we say3 #a4 ,there is no life1 substance or intelligence in matter4 #b4 ,there is no sensation or causation in matter4 #c4 ,there is no reality in matter4 #d4 ,there is no reality in sin1 sickness or death4 #e4 ,there is no reality in evil4 #f4 ,there is no reality in mortal thought4 ,this is denying the self recognized by the world4 ,this is the life that must be laid down1 that must be sacrificed1 lost4 ,humanity has proven its subjection to these errors4 ,now1 by its faithful rejection of them1 let it prove them lies1 for the force of a lie is always annulled by rejection4 ,this proves the law referred to by ,jesus when he made a denial of self the first duty of his disciples4 ,in denying1 it is necessary to say the words over and over again2 it may be mechanically at first1 but say them over1 several hours at a time1 if possible4 ,more is accomplished by concentration than anybody is aware1 and the repetition of the words helps to concentrate the thought4 ,first repeat the whole list of denials1 then select one on which to spend most of the time for several days4 ,the denial of matter1 for instance1 makes us more spiritually minded4 ,when denying1 try to realize there is no space1 but that anywhere you send your thought it will go1 and as you think or say the words1 you will be denying error for the world as well as for yourself1 as every thought is world-wide in its influence1 and helps to free or bind humanity1 even as it is truth or error4 ,to deny is to put out of mind1 to erase1 as it were1 the false beliefs4 ,be earnest1 be faithful1 and you will have an abundant reward4 ,this1 dear ,john1 is the substance of the lecture as nearly as ,i can give it4 ,after ,mrs4 ,pearl had finished the lesson1 she requested the class to sit in silence a few moments and together hold the thought1 ',there is no reality in matter2' after which we were dismissed with this benediction3 ',may we realize that ,god is1 that spirit is the only reality4' ,the lessons are always opened by silent prayer1 which ,i have forgotten to mention before4 ,please1 dear husband1 observe these rules and study every assertion as carefully as though you were in the class4 ,you1 and ,grace1 and ,kate1 can accomplish a great deal together2 but by all means don't pass judgment till you have carefully examined all the evidence4 ,tell me all about the children4 ,such details will greatly comfort me1 for ,i must confess that to-night ,i am the least bit homesick4 ,good night1 ,your loving ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,god is commanding us off1 every hour of our lives1 toward things eternal1 there to find our good1 and build our rest4 ,sometimes ,he does it by taking us out of the world1 and sometimes by taking the world out of us4--,h4 ,bushnell4 ,the second letter has come1 said ,grace the moment ,kate entered the room1 after her day's lessons were over4 ,has it8 ,let us hurry and get the tea over so we can study it4 ,don't you want to hear it first8 ,i haven't looked at it because ,i wanted to wait for you1 but ,i can't wait that long1 cried ,grace1 pulling it out of her painting-apron pocket4 ,all right1 then read away while ,i start the fire4 ,no2 come and sit down like a good child1 you can't half listen when your mind is filled with stoves and tea-pots4 ,kate smiled1 and drawing her chair up beside ,grace1 she listened to the reading1 while her face alternately brightened or darkened4 ,well1 it sounds very beautiful and very plausible1 but ,i can't see how any one can say there is no evil when the world is full of it1 and to say there is no sin1 sickness or death6 why1 that is blasphemous6 ,i know the ,bible won't corroborate that1 she said1 in a horrified voice1 at the conclusion of the letter4 ,hold on1 we must not be so fast2 there are good reasons for every statement1 and she says it is necessary to say these denials over and over4 ,it is harder for me to believe there is no matter1 but if there is a way to prove there is none1 then ,i will submit4 ,but first let us see what the ,bible says1 said the more moderate ,grace4 ,she got the ,bible and concordance1 but could find no reference to matter as pertaining to physical creation1 but she found under the word flesh an allusion to ,john i3 #ab-ac1 and iii3 #f4 ,the first reads1 began ,grace1 ',but as many as received him1 to them gave he power to become the sons of ,god1 even to them that believe on his name1 which were born1 not of blood1 nor of the will of the flesh1 nor of the will of man1 but of ,god4' ,that evidently refers to a creation possible to all1 but where is the authority for saying 'there is no matter'8 ,she pondered a moment1 then referred to the letter--,oh1 ,i see6 ,she says1 'no reality in matter1' and then goes on to explain about the real4 ,yes1 now ,i see4 ,do you understand it1 ,kate8 ,i can understand that the body is not the real1 replied ,kate1 thoughtfully1 for ,jesus said 'the spirit is all1 the flesh profiteth nothing1' but-- ,that's so4 ,why didn't we think of that before8 ,besides1 it was taught by the ancient philosophers as much as #d1jjj years ago1 that matter has no reality4 ,yes1 its plain to see how it can be1 theoretically1 but where they can demonstrate it practically1 puzzles me4 ,here is a reference2 let us see if that will tell us something4 ,she read ,heb4 xi3 #c3 ',through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of ,god1 so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear4' ,that seems quite conclusive1 said ,kate4 ,yes1 it does4 ,now we will consider your problem1 replied ,grace1 running her finger down the references1 and see if we can find anything in that4 ,let us bear in mind1 she continued1 she does not say there is no appearance1 but no reality in evil4 ,among the first references1 ,i find one to the twenty-third ,psalm3 ',i will fear no evil1 for thou art with me4' ,how plain that is6 ,of course there can be no evil where ,god is1 and ,god is everywhere4 ,god is ,love4 ,in ,love there is no evil4 ,but just think of the awful crimes that are committed every day1 and the wicked people who commit them1 demurred ,kate1 with an incredulous look4 ,we haven't got far enough to solve everything2 listen to this3 ',only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked1' read ,grace4 ,that must mean that with the carnal mind we see all things opposite ,god1 and with the mind of the spirit we discern spiritual things2 that is in ,romans somewhere1 exclaimed ,kate1 with a gleam of understanding in her face4 ,what word shall ,i look for8 asked ,grace1 intently pursuing her search4 ,mind1 ,i think2 shan't ,i look for it8 ,no2 here it is in the eighth chapter and tenth verse3 ',the carnal mind is at enmity against ,god1 for it is not subject to the law of ,god1 neither indeed can be4' ,that is plain enough4 ,it means that all thoughts opposite ,god and ,god's creations are of the animal man1 hence at enmity with ,god1 and since there is nothing real but ,god and ,his creations1 of course there is no reality in them4 ,now you are satisfied1 aren't you1 ,kate8 ,i suppose ,i ought to be1 for ,i don't see any other way to understand those passages1 she admitted1 with a sigh of relief4 ,just one more1 and we'll go on to the next denial1 which will hit me1 ,i'm afraid1 continued ,grace4 ,she turned to ,isa4 xxxiii3 #ae-af3 ,i declare1 ,kate1 here is the essence of the whole lesson1 and she read3 ',he that walketh righteously1 and speaketh uprightly' 7according to the true creation71 'he that despiseth the gain of oppressions1 that shaketh his hand from holding of bribes1 that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood1 and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil2 ,he shall dwell on high2 his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks2 bread shall be given him2 his waters shall be sure4' ,i really did not know there was such a passage in the ,bible1 and ,i don't see why other people haven't found it before1 said ,kate1 quite won over4 ,but how strange it seems to deny this way4 ,yes1 that is the most unreasonable part of it1 and yet ,i think ,mrs4 ,hayden has explained it very clearly4 ,now what is next8 asked ,grace4 ,there is no life1 substance or intelligence in matter1 answered ,kate1 glancing at the letter4 ,i must confess that puzzles me1 mused ,grace1 thoughtfully4 ,oh1 that is easy enough to understand1 when you remember the spirit is all1 besides1 when a person dies the organs of the body may be perfect1 but there is no life or feeling1 and according to this new understanding1 no substance1 explained ,kate1 in her turn4 ,i can see it well enough as a theory1 but what all this has to do with practical every-day living1 is a mystery to me4 ',we haven't got far enough to solve everything1' somebody said to me once1 and here it is for you1 remarked ,kate1 with a spice of mischief in her tone4 ,all right1 what next8 ,no sensation or causation in matter2 but ,i think that is answered the same way as the other4 ,but this last one2 ,i do wonder if the ,bible corroborates it8 ,kate looked troubled again1 as she read3 ',there is no sin1 sickness nor death4' ,the same reasoning applies to that as to all the rest4 ,there is no reality to anything but ,god's creation1 and that is changeless and perfect4 ,but we will see what the ,bible has to say2 ,i4 ,john iii3 #b-aj4 ,in the second verse it reads3 ',beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god1 but it doth not yet appear what we shall be2' that of course is an assertion of our spiritual self4 ,then verse nine says3 ',whosoever is born of ,god doth not commit sin1 for his seed remaineth in him and he can not sin1 because he is born of ,god4' ,then it seems plain there can be no sin to the spirit1 neither can there be sickness nor death4 ,it is wonderful1 murmured ,kate4 ,what is next8 pursued ,grace1 with the concordance open before her4 ,that is all1 except she explains the use and necessity of denial1 and suggests to ,mr4 ,hayden the benefit of denying for hours at a time4 ,well1 we can do that1 too4 ,if it is good for him1 it must be for us4 ,i mean to do it1 said ,grace1 shutting her book with a snap and pacing back and forth excitedly4 ,oh1 well1 take it calmly2 we can do that while we are getting supper1 and ,i am hungry now4 ,do you know it is seven o'clock8 ,kate exclaimed1 looking at her watch4 ,two hours we have been studying1 said ,grace4 ,really1 this is as interesting as painting4 ,i don't see one thing but what is reasonable1 do you1 ,kate8 ,not the way it seems now4 ,after everything was put away they began making earnest application of the rules4 ,each sat silently thinking1 according to directions3 ,there is no reality in matter1 there is no reality in matter1 etc4 ,for two hours neither spoke4 ,then ,kate said3 ,i feel so light2 as though there were no weight to my body4 ,what does it mean8 ,i don't know1 unless it shows you are realizing what you say4 ,that is it4 ,i can feel that there is no obstruction to spirit or thought2 that spirit is limitless and ,god is everywhere4 ,she seemed lost in her new thoughts1 and went to bed as though she were dreaming4 ,grace had experienced nothing but a sense of dullness and extreme sleepiness4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,the soul is not a compensation1 but a life4 ,the soul is4 ,under all this sea of circumstance1 whose waters ebb and flow with perfect balance1 lies the aboriginal abyss of real ,being4 ,existence or ,god is not a relation or a part1 but a whole4--,emerson4 ,,marlow1 ,september ----4 ,dear husband3 ,i was made very happy this morning by the messages from home1 and especially ,fred's and ,jamie's baby efforts4 ,they wanted to send mamma their love1 and the straggling characters meant for words1 convey as much meaning as though they were in good ,english1 for they speak to me in unmistakable language4 ,why do ,i understand so well8 ,ah1 ,john1 ,i see4 ,because1 being filled with love for them1 ,i recognize the same quality in what they feel for me1 and only need a sign to read the meaning back of it4 ,as ,i write1 new light comes to me regarding the real meaning of signs and symbols4 ,until we are filled with a desire and love for ,god1 we can not perceive or understand the real meaning of the universe1 can not read ,god's love for us4 ,until we have a conscious apprehension that there is a spiritual knowledge1 we can not recognize spiritual truth4 ,oh1 ,i can not help wishing you had been here to-day6 ,it was simply grand2 such an uplifting1 such a glimpse of the wondrous ,now4 ,we learned about what is1 what we are and how to prove ourselves ,god's children4 ,mrs4 ,pearl opened with a few words on the use and necessity of silence1 after which we were all silent awhile1 when she commenced3 ,garfield said1 ',the world's history is a divine poem1 of which the history of every nation is a canto and every man a word4 ,its strains have been pealing along down the centuries1 and though there have been the discords of warring cannon and dying men1 yet to the ,christian1 the philosopher1 the historian and the humble listener1 there has been a divine melody running through the song1 which speaks of hope and halcyon days to come4' ,what has made possible this divine melody but the spirit of love and truth that ever animates the children of ,god8 ,were it not for this vein1 nay this wholeness of the invisible spirit1 what could we have on which to found hopes of 'halcyon days8' ,not from the visible man of flesh and blood do all things beautiful and true emanate1 nor from the material and unstable1 but from the one source that is ,god1 as apprehended and realized by ,his idea1 the real1 invisible1 spiritual man4 ,beauty1 worth1 can only be in idea or understanding4 ,what made ,milton1 ,shakespeare1 ,emerson1 truly great was their appropriation and manifestation of the invisible inheritance of spirit1 mind4 ,what is man without intelligence1 without love1 without life1 without truth8 ,the real man is spiritual because he is the idea of ,spirit1 ,mind1 ,god1 the only ,creator4 ,all that is grand1 noble1 true in an individual is a manifestation of the ,god-power and presence4 ,there is but one real ,mind1 and all real or positive thought or intelligence is the manifestation of ,mind1 which is ,god4 ,there is but one real ,intelligence1 and the intelligence manifested by the individual is the ,intelligence which is ,god4 ,god is absolutely one ,verity1 the primordial ,essence4 ,but how shall we know this as a fact8 ,how shall we prove it as an incontrovertible truth8 you ask4 ,by persistent acknowledgement of ,god and ,his creation1 we become one with ,him1 and to be one with ,god is to know absolute ,truth4 ,we are conditioned by the thoughts we think and by the words we speak4 ,by thinking and speaking right words we manifest true conditions2 by thinking and speaking wrong words we manifest false conditions4 ',as a man thinketh in his heart so is he4' ,if we desire to manifest strength1 justice or wisdom of ,god1 we must 'acknowledge ,god in all our ways4' ',the only salvation1' says ,george ,mac,donald1 'is being filled with the spirit of ,god1 having the same mind as ,christ4' ,in order to realize the essence of these words1 in order to realize the essence of any truth1 we must enter into its meaning by becoming one with it1 by making ourselves the expression of its harmony1 the picture of its idea4 ,knowing the potency of the word1 we say the true words over and over again1 silently or audibly1 we think of them in every possible way1 with varied expression if we will1 as it is the thought1 the prime idea that we are seeking to manifest4 ,we want the true salvation2 'we want to be filled with the spirit2' we want the truth that makes free2 we want strength1 justice1 wisdom4 ,to secure these we have only to rid ourselves of the false and be filled with the true4 ,by the positive denial of a lie we annul the lie2 by the positive affirmation of truth we establish truth1 or rather our consciousness of truth is established2 thus1 as we deny error or affirm truth1 are we carried forward and upward4 ,these are the 'wonderful words of life' that clothe us with righteousness4 ,the words that we use first are statements of fundamental ,truth1 acknowledging who and what ,god is1 what we are1 and in what relation we stand to our ,father4 #a4 ,god is ,life1 ,truth1 ,love1 ,substance4 #b4 ,god is omnipresent1 omniscient and omnipotent4 #c4 ,i am the idea of ,god1 and in ,him ,i have my being4 #d4 ,god is my sufficiency in all work and my will in all ways4 #e4 ,i am subject to ,god's law and can not sin1 suffer or die4 ,over and over again we speak the words1 and by marvelous law new meanings flash upon us1 new thoughts are born1 new interpretations come to efface the more obscure ones of the past4 ,it may be easier to follow every denial with its corresponding affirmation2 if so1 study the lesson that way4 ,hold to each affirmation till it yields its pearl4 ,take the first1 ',god is ,life2' say the words over and over1 think of them in every conceivable way4 ,make every tiny leaf and slender blade of grass tell you something of the infinite ,life4 ,bear in mind that every where life is manifested1 whether in plant1 animal or man1 wherever we look there is omnipresent ,life4 ,god is ,life4 ,this same ,life is our life1 which can not be taken away from us4 ,this ,life is good1 and in ,it we live even as ,god lives in us4 ,oh1 wondrous life that flows on and on1 without beginning1 without end1 even as the river sings3 ',men may come and men may go1 but ,i go on forever4' ,god is ,truth1 all truth1 wheresoever or by whomsoever recognized1 is the everlasting ,truth that must forever be4 ,there is not a community or church1 not a society or family1 but is organized and held together by some phase of the all-embracing and perfect ,truth4 ,the different sects and parties are only different because certain people see the same side of ,truth1 and preferring to be of one mind1 they separate or unite and build their respective sanctuaries4 ',truth is always present1 and we only need to lift the iron lids of the mind's eye to read its oracles1' said ,emerson4 ,when the 'iron lids' are lifted we shall see as one1 we shall belong to the ,church of the universe and the oracle shall reveal to us its deepest secrets and most sacred mysteries4 ,truth is4 ,all that we have1 can have1 or will have or can conceive of1 exists in the ever present ,here and ,now4 ,it only remains for us to recognize and acknowledge it4 ,god is ,love4 ,to realize the mighty sea of omnipotent ,love that enfolds and blesses humanity1 would be to plunge into the healing waters of ,bethesda4 ,like the sick man1 we wait until the majestic ,christ commands us to arise--help ourselves1 instead of waiting for others to put us into the cleansing current4 ,let us recognize1 then1 the allness1 the tenderness1 the sacredness of this divine ,love by submerging ourselves in it1 until all thoughts of evil1 suffering or hatred are lost in its embrace4 ',lift up the gates that the king of glory may enter in1' sang ,david1 and we too cry aloud with earnest aspiration that the gates shall be lifted away1 that into our consciousness may come the high tide of omnipresent ,love4 ',love alone is wisdom1 love alone is power1 and when love seems to fail it is where self has stepped in and dulled the potency of its rays4' ,god is our substance4 ,true substance alone is reliable4 ,god is our rod and our staff4 ,firmly relying on the ,rock of substance which is ,god1 we can not be shaken1 can not be destroyed4 ,though all seeming powers totter and fall around us1 the ,one is ever the same1 indivisible1 unchangeable ,i ,am4 ,when we are one with the eternal ,substance1 weakness1 danger1 failure shrink into cowering nothingness4 ,study to know1 and know to live1 should be our motto4 ,deny all error and affirm all ,truth is the way to appropriate whatsoever we desire to manifest4 ,deny weakness and affirm strength1 deny discord and affirm harmony1 deny sickness and affirm health4 ,why8 ,because we erase the false beliefs of weakness1 discord1 sickness1 by the denial1 and appropriate strength1 harmony1 wholeness by affirmation4 ,can the spiritual self be ignorant1 weak1 sick or sinful8 we argue4 ,impossible1 for ,god is our sufficiency1 is all there is4 ,we refuse to admit any belief of dullness and ignorance1 but gratefully acknowledge our likeness to ,god our ,wisdom4 ,we refuse to entertain anything contrary to the ,good1 but fellowship only with ,god-like qualities4 ,they are ours by right of inheritance4 ,we gladly claim them and prove our claim by our manifestation4 ,cleansing our consciousness from false conceptions1 what wondrous power may we not reflect6 ,our sufficiency is of ,god1 not of ourselves1 and to ,him we ascribe all honor and glory4 ,the ,master taught the divineness of yielding our will wholly to ,god1 ',not my will but thine be done1' ,he prayed4 ,this is the highest conception of the denial of self4 ,the mortal self is to be set aside1 our immortal consciousness awakened into oneness with the ,father4 ,mac,donald has beautifully said1 ',oneness with the mighty ,all is the one end of life--,god or chaos is the only alternative4' ,we say ,god works through man to will and to do1 and implicitly trust the divine ,intelligence that guides every waiting child4 ,we choose the ,good and reverently await our leadings4 ,in every stormy trial1 in every doubtful moment1 in every hard-pressed circumstance we stand aside and let the divine will work through us4 ,there can be no mistaking this standing aside4 ,it is not to sit down idly with no thought of responsibility or effort1 but it is to do the best we can so far as we know1 constantly awaiting more knowledge of ,god's will and more strength to do4 ,when the will of man is at one with the will of ,god1 when man realizes his mortal nothingness and the allness of ,god1 there is divine and perfect healing4 ,the poet was right when he wrote1 ',our wills are ours we know not how1 ,our wills are ours to make them ,thine4' ',i am subject to the law of ,god and can not sin1 suffer nor die4' ,the real ,i is governed by spirit1 as an idea is governed by the mind that thinks it4 ,the real creation1 being spiritual1 can not be subject to mortal beliefs or 'carnal mind which is at enmity with ,god4' ,with spirit there can be no sin1 sickness nor death1 for these are enemies to be overcome by the ,son of ,god1 the ,christ within4 ',thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on ,thee4' ',the last enemy 7belief7 to be overcome is death4' ,until we persistently refuse to judge according to appearances1 and acknowledge the true and invisible1 we will continue in our old code of beliefs and be at the mercy of the consequences4 ,when we recognize the ,christ or ,god principle within1 we are then truly the sons and daughters of ,god4 ,spiritual insight gives a logical and to some1 a new meaning to the term ,christ4 ,christ means ,truth and ,truth means ,god4 ',in the beginning was the ,word and the ,word was with ,god and the ,word was ,god1 and the ,word was made manifest in the flesh1 or the ,word was made flesh and dwelt among us4' ',sanctify them through thy truth1 thy word is truth4' ,jesus said of ,himself1 ',i am the way1 the truth and the life4' ,but ,he did not speak this of ,his physical body1 ,he referred to the spirit or ,christ within1 which was one with the ,father1 that was and is1 literally the way1 the truth and the life4 ,if you will substitute ,truth for ,christ any place in the ,bible1 with this understanding1 you will be able to read and apprehend as never before4 ,in this line of thought read the thirty-fifth chapter of ,isaiah1 the title of which is ',the joyful flourishing of ,christ's 7,truth's7 kingdom4' ,with this understanding1 we so much more clearly see what ,paul meant when he said such things as ',your life is hid with ,christ in ,god1' ',christ in you1 the hope of glory1' ',until ,christ be formed in you1' and many other similar expressions4 ,in the eighth chapter of ,romans1 especially the first verse1 it is much clearer by reading with this new spiritual signification4 ',there is1 therefore1 now no condemnation to them which are in ,christ ,jesus 7,truth71 who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit4' ,who could ever believe the physical ,jesus was meant8 ,no3 ,christ was exactly what the first chapter of ,john says ,he was1 the ,word 7or ,truth7 made manifest in the flesh1 and the name of the flesh was ,jesus4 ,jesus ,christ means ,jesus1 the manifestation of ,truth1 and this explains many hitherto obscure passages1 which are exceedingly hard to understand1 when the flesh and spirit are regarded as one4 ,what vast possibilities unfold to the human being persistent in his search for truth6 ,what a glorious realm of knowledge1 what wonderful power1 what blissful peace1 for he will have 'put on the new man1 which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that creates him4' ,he will have attained the clear vision of liberty1 for he will no longer be bound to the 'letter that killeth' but be filled with the 'spirit that giveth life4' ,the silence at the close seemed like a baptism of peace4 ,to me came the realization of the intimate relationship of ,god's children to their ,father1 whose love ever comes as a benediction to those who will or can1 recognize and appropriate it4 ,with love to you all1 ,i am1 ,,your ,,marion4 ,p4 ,s4 ,i take great pains to have the quotations accurate1 and fortunately ,i have made the acquaintance of the shorthand reporter in the class who sits next to me2 she takes notes and as a special favor1 reads the quotations for me after the class is dismissed4 ,once more1 good-bye4 ,m4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,got but the truth once uttered1 and 'tis like ,a star new-born that drops into its place1 ,and which1 once circling in its placid round1 ,not all the tumult of the earth can shake4 --,lowell4 ,how are you getting on in your study of ,christian ,healing8 asked ,mr4 ,hayden1 meeting ,kate as he was going home1 and handing her the letter4 ,it is getting plainer1 but ,grace seems to catch the reason of things much more readily than ,i4 ,in fact1 ,i am afraid ,i should have given up in disgust had not she helped me out1 for some of the statements seemed so unreasonable4 ,they are rather inconsistent in some respects1 ,i must admit2 but if we will only be patient1 and not allow prejudice to color our judgment1 everything will straighten out1 replied ,mr4 ,hayden1 smiling4 ,you notice ,marion is careful to warn me not to judge hastily4 ,she knows how ,i am in religious matters1 always insisting on the one interpretation4 ,but ,i am growing some1 ,i hope1 so ,i trust my judgment is broad enough to make a fair and impartial investigation4 ,do you follow directions about denying8 ,kate asked1 as they walked along4 ,i am trying to1 but of course my days are busy1 and evenings somewhat taken up with the children4 ,still1 ,i deny matter as being inert1 having absolutely no power of itself1 except what is delegated to it by the senses4 ,i know it has no life1 intelligence or causation of itself1 but only as man in his ignorance allows it to have4 ,this has been held by wise men of all ages4 ,i have an idea this way of thinking will help me in business as well as socially and religiously4 ,i am glad to hear that1 said ,kate2 though ,i must confess at first ,i was very much afraid to look into this2 but last night ,i had a very clear assurance that there is something in it4 ,grace and ,i denied a long time1 and ,i had a most peculiar experience4 ,such a strange1 exalted feeling1 as if there were no weight about me1 and it was very clear that there is no reality in matter4 ,remarkable6 murmured ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,suppose you come down ,sunday and we'll compare notes1 he suggested1 as he turned the corner toward home4 ,we will1 she promised1 and went on with a hurried step1 anxious to read the letter1 for she was now as interested as ,grace4 ,when she arrived at their rooms she found her friend had gone out1 so she went about the domestic duties1 resolving to have everything ready when ,grace returned4 ,isn't that a beautiful lesson8 exclaimed ,grace1 when they finally sat down to study1 later in the evening4 ,perfectly grand2 but ,i want the ,bible corroboration1 though ,i am not afraid it is not there this time4 ,of course everything that proves the theory helps to establish the consequent facts1 and ,i suspect all things prove it when we understand it4 ,well1 here is the first statement about ,god that is about the same as in the first lesson1 said ,grace4 ,look up the references to life4 ,here is one in ,psalm xxvii3 #a4 ',the ,lord is my life and my salvation1 whom shall ,i fear8' read ,kate2 and here is another in ,acts xvii3 #be3 ',god giveth to all life1 and breath1 and all things4' ,that is good2 see if you can find another1 said ,grace4 ,here is one1 but ,i hardly understand it--,john xi3 #be1 #bf4 ',jesus said unto her1 ,i am the resurrection and the life2 he that believeth on me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live2 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die4' ,what can that mean1 ,grace8 ,wait a moment1 said ,grace1 silently pondering4 ,then she looked again at the letter4 ,why1 of course6 ,how could we forget so easily8 ,i had it just a moment ago4 ,jesus never referred to his flesh and blood when he spoke of himself as life1 resurrection1 truth1 bread1 but always meant the ,spirit of ,god that was manifest in him1 and the ,spirit of ,god which is the ,christ1 is ,truth1 and whosoever believes or apprehends ,truth1 shall be whole and live4 ,but it says1 'shall never die1' interrupted ,kate1 still unsatisfied4 ,i don't know1 then1 unless it means 'the ,spirit is all4' ,find another passage4 ,kate read ,john vi3 #ea-fd1 and then added1 anxiously1 it seems to grow more mysterious all the time4 ,never mind1 let us be patient4 ,read the fifty-first and sixty-third verses again4 ,kate read1 ',i am the living bread which came down from heaven1 if any man eat of this bread1 he shall live forever2 and the bread that ,i will give is my flesh1 which ,i will give for the life of the world4444 ,it is the spirit that quickeneth2 the flesh profiteth nothing1 the words that ,i speak unto you they are spirit and they are life4' ,that last clause is the key to all1 exclaimed ,grace1 eagerly4 ,he was the ,word1 idea made manifest in the flesh4 ,flesh was a symbol of ,word1 and he said they were to eat his flesh1 which meant they were to eat his word4 ,now let us look up ,word1 since so much hinges upon that4 ,rapidly turning over the leaves1 ,kate read again1 ,john xv3 #g3 ',if ye abide in me and my words abide in you1 ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you4' ,there we have it4 ,christ1 we must remember1 means ,truth4 ,if we abide in the ,truth and the words of ,truth abide in us1 that is1 in order to eat the flesh and drink the blood of ,christ1 we are to abide in the spirit and speak the words of ,truth4 ,oh1 how beautiful6 ,yes1 it is4 ,here is another passage1 ,col4 iii3 #c1 #d3 ',for ye are dead1 and your life is hid with ,christ in ,god4444 ,when ,christ1 who is our life1 shall appear1 then shall ye also appear with him in glory4' ,even ,i1 can see that1 cried the delighted ,kate1 and ,i remember a verse in ,ephesians1 iv3 #ah1 that will make it still plainer4 ,here it is3 ',having the understanding darkened1 being alienated from the life of ,god through the ignorance that is in them1 because of the blindness of their heart' 7mind74 ,ignorance is the opposite of truth1 and one who is ignorant of truth is subject to the carnal mind which leads to death4 ,when we know truth1 we know the opposite of death1 which is life1 so when ,christ the ,truth1 which is life1 shall appear1 we shall be glorified with the knowledge of eternal life1 and just as far as we realize truth we manifest it1 do we not8 ,she appealed to ,grace1 as if the thought were too good to be true1 and must needs be confirmed before she could believe it4 ,manifest it8 ,why yes2 ,i suppose so2 that means in the body1 answered ,grace1 thinking deeply2 manifest truth in the body4 ,of course1 she continued1 we will show forth a more perfect body in proportion as we acknowledge and realize more perfect thought4 ,how strangely we lose our premise6 ,if this could not be reasoned out so clearly1 ,i should get all tangled up2 as it is1 ,i don't keep out of snarls4 ,just think of poor me who seem to have no reasoning faculty at all in these matters4 ,what should ,i have done without you to help me out8 queried ,kate4 ,grace smiled as she replied3 ,in one sense you will get on faster than ,i1 for you can get it spiritually or intuitively1 while ,i get it only intellectually1 and the intuition flies where reason walks4 ,you had a perception of the unreality of matter last night and ,i had nothing at all but stupidity and sleepiness4 ,but let us go on4 ,i am more deeply interested than ,i can tell1 and the ,bible is a new book to me4 ,i never dreamed there were such treasures of truth in it4 ,no matter where ,i read in the ,bible before1 ,i could not understand1 and then ,i stopped trying1 but it is very different now4 ,what is the next point in the lesson8 asked ,kate1 taking up the ,bible again4 ,i am the child of ,god4 ,look for child4 ,yes1 in ,rom4 viii3 #af1 #ag3 ',the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit1 that we are children of ,god3 and if children1 then heirs2 heirs of ,god1 and joint heirs of ,christ2 if so be that we suffer with him4' ,that means1 said ,grace1 we prove ourselves heirs if we suffer with him1 mortify the flesh1 lay down the life of appetites and passions and talk continually of spiritual things2 in short1 live the life that ,jesus did4 ,here in ,gal4 iv3 #a3 ',the heir1 as long as he is a child1 differeth nothing from a servant1 though he is lord of all1' read ,kate4 ,while he has a child's ignorance of his inheritance1 of course he could not enjoy its possession1 and the longer he remains ignorant1 the longer will he have the station of a servant1 explained ,grace1 readily4 ,but there is a seeming conflict in the two passages4 ,the first says the spirit itself tells us we are children and heirs1 and the second says1 as long as he is a child1 even though an heir1 he is nothing but a servant1 said ,kate1 in perplexity again4 ,but isn't there a place in the ,testament somewhere about being born again8 inquired ,grace4 ,yes1 replied ,kate1 wondering what that could have to do with it4 ,yes1 that is where ,nicodemus went to ,jesus by night-- ,find it1 interrupted ,grace1 who was determined to be thorough in this study at least4 ,john1 iii3 #c-g1 reads3 ',except a man be born again1 he can not see the kingdom of ,god4444 ,that which is born of flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of spirit is spirit4' ,well6 said ,kate1 as she finished4 ,didn't we learn that the words are spirit and life1 and does it not mean we are born into the spiritual knowledge by abiding in the words of truth8 reasoned ,grace4 ,why1 that is it1 ,i do believe1 and one of the last verses of the third chapter of ,galatians says1 'for ye are all the children of ,god by faith in ,christ ,jesus4' ,by faith in the ,truth1 amended ,grace1 for the sake of the clearer meaning4 ,what a stupid ,i am6 cried ,kate4 ,a moment later she said thoughtfully1 there is a text in the first chapter of ,james which reads3 ',of his own will begat he us with the word of truth1 that we might be a kind of first fruits of his creatures4' ,my youthful ,sunday school training is not quite in vain1 she added1 meekly4 ,it would not take us so long if we knew the ,bible as some people do1 provided we want to take that as sole authority1 remarked ,grace1 referring to the letter again4 ,i don't know about the advantage of knowing the passages unless you can interpret them1 and that is certainly essential to the understanding1 replied ,kate1 thoughtfully1 as she drew her hand slowly over the open page4 ,mrs4 ,hayden refers to the liberty brought by the spirit4 ,suppose you look up a reference to liberty1 suggested ,grace4 ,yes1 said ,kate1 a moment later1 here in verses #ag and #ah of ,,ii4 ,cor41 third chapter1 it reads1 ',now the ,lord is that spirit1 and where the spirit of the ,lord is1 there is liberty4444 ,but we all1 beholding as in a glass the glory of the ,lord1 are changed into the same image from glory to glory1 even as by the ,spirit of the ,lord4' ,why1 ,grace1 exclaimed ,kate1 shutting the book in her eagerness1 ,i see it all now4 ,by denial we take away falsities that bar us from looking into the face of ,god 7,good71 and by the affirmation we acknowledge ,him1 which is turning an open face to ,him and reflecting ,his glory4 ,isn't that the way you understand it8 ,kate's face was all aglow with enthusiasm4 ,a new light had come to her1 and she was lifted to a higher plane1 both in conception and feeling4 ,that is a beautiful interpretation1 but ,i don't want to stop to think about it now1 said ,grace1 with a yawn1 betraying fatigue for the first time4 ,why1 ,grace1 a little while ago you said you were 'so interested4' ,what has come over you8 was ,kate's rather discomfited answer4 ,oh1 nothing1 nothing6 rejoined ,grace hastily1 only you know one can be surfeited with good things1 but never mind4 ,i shall not stop till we get through with this looking up1 and then ,i must have a good long think4 ,she playfully chucked ,kate under her chin1 and asked her to go on1 but the searching was not so spontaneous as before1 and in the spontaneity of study lies the acquisition of knowledge4 ,grace1 it must be confessed1 was compelling herself to a thorough intellectual investigation which1 till now1 had been a novel pleasure1 but was getting a little monotonous1 although she was deeply interested and more pleased with the ,bible readings than she would have thought possible1 because1 as she had said herself1 the ,bible had been a sealed book to her before4 ,she was very careful to conceal this new feeling from ,kate1 for at least1 she would not lay one obstacle in her path1 and after a few moments' desultory conversation1 they went on as before4 ,the next affirmation is about the will1 what can you find for that8 asked ,grace1 as they had resumed their study again4 ,i have found it already1 replied ,kate1 with her finger on the passage4 ,in ,phil4 ii3 #ac3 ',for it is ,god who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure4' ,that subordination to the will of ,god runs all through the ,new ,testament4 ,here is the last one1 resumed ,grace1 referring to the letter again4 ,i am subject to ,god's law and can not sin1 suffer or die1 she read4 ,oh1 that does not sound right2 ,i do not see how it can be right to say such things1 interposed ,kate1 darkening again4 ,she looked up a reference to sin and turned to the sixth chapter of ,romans4 ,i don't see very clearly yet1 she faltered1 after she had finished the chapter4 ,yes1 in the #afth verse is the key to it all1 said ,grace1 looking over the page with her4 ,the idea is1 if we admit sin or talk about it1 we are committing sin1 for it is wrong to do either4 ,i understand a little better now1 but it is not an easy matter to be so good1 sighed ,kate4 ,but we are given these rules in order to know how to be good4 ,let us sit as we did last night1 and say these affirmations1 suggested ,grace1 determined to do her duty1 for ,kate's sake at least4 ,diligence and faithfulness never fail to bring forth fruit1 and they were laboring hard1 both with soil and seed4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,each of us is a distinct flower or tree in the spiritual garden of ,god1--precious each for its own sake in the eyes of ,him who is even now making us1--each of us watered and shone upon and filled with life for the sake of ,his flower1 ,his completed being1 which will blossom out of ,him at last to the glory and pleasure of the great ,gardener4 ,for each has within him a secret of ,divinity2 each is growing toward the revelation of that secret to himself1 and so to the full reception1 according to his measure of the ,divine4--,george ,mac,donald4 ,,marlow1 ,september ----4 ,dear ,husband3 ,your letter seemed the only bright spot in my yesterday's experience1 for1 strange as it may seem1 ,i awoke with the same old headache and pain in my limb1 and felt so dull and stupid1 that ,i was almost doubtful whether ,i had ever known anything4 ,in vain ,i tried to treat myself1 but the more ,i tried the more perplexed ,i became1 until about noon1 when ,i began to feel better1 though the whole day was a novel and rather disagreeable experience4 ,when ,i went into class to-day1 from nearly every quarter was heard a similar story of how the day of rest had been passed4 ,it was more and more astonishing4 ,dr4 ,bright had hardly recovered from her sick headache2 ,mrs4 ,dawn was still feeling stupid2 two ladies were not able to attend class2 ,dr4 ,johnson and ,dr4 ,lorimer actually looked angry1 and the two ministers in the class were gravely discussing the knotty points and knitting their clerical brows over 'doubtful explanations' as they called them1 while a perplexed and troubled air seemed to settle on everybody4 ,but there are a few old students in the class1 and they looked at us with a knowing smile1 saying3 ',this is only chemicalization2 you will be all the brighter after you get over it4' ,they did not explain further1 but ,i knew something about it from the experience we have had1 but had never thought of it in that light4 ',it is a comfort to know there is some prospect of an end to our darkness anyway1' said ,mrs4 ,dawn1 with a long-drawn breath of relief1 voicing the sentiments of all4 ,the kind and gracious look ,mrs4 ,pearl gave us as she came in1 sent a wave of peace and satisfaction over me1 for ,i felt that she understood the situation and would lift the curtains and let in the light4 ,after the usual silence1 which seemed longer than before1 ,mrs4 ,pearl began in a calm clear voice3 ,we have come now to a point where it seems necessary to explain the process of growth1 and the phenomenal changes which take place at certain stages of our development1 whether known or unknown to the individual4 ,hitherto we have recognized material ideas1 objects and processes4 ,we have looked upon our physical being as the indisputable creation subject to all changes1 circumstances or conditions4 ,having experienced a material birth1 we conceive of no other as being either possible or necessary1 and like ,nicodemus we go in the night of our ignorance to ask the divine ,teacher1 ,truth1 questions concerning spiritual things1 only to be told we must be born from above if we would know the things of the spirit4 ',that which is born of flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of ,spirit is spirit4' ,we are covered with the cold1 hard shell of material beliefs1 which must be broken and cast away before the sweet and tender germ of spirit can spring up4 ,we are born like the flowers1 and blossom like them4 ',consider the lilies of the field1 how they grow4' ,seed typifies the desire for truth planted in the conscious and unconscious being4 ,the more constantly and persistently we hold the desire1 the more rapid and perfect will be the development that produces the fruit4 ,the hard little kernel must first lie in the dark earth1 while hidden forces make it swell and sprout until the outer shell dies and falls away1 leaving the pure white germ to push its way up and up through the cold dreary earth4 ,at this period it is very delicate and tender1 and yet it must pass through a trying stage1 for when the white spire just peeps above the ground it has to encounter elements that at first seem bent upon its destruction4 ,will the sun's rays now prove too hot for it8 ,will the winds be too rough and stormy8 ,will the cold air bite1 or the storm beat and bruise it unto death8 ,pointing ever skyward1 does it stop to shiver at the prospect of dark and cold and heat1 or windy violence8 ,let us see4 ,bravely the young shoot goes its way4 ,as soon as it sees the light it displays new beauty1 and the reflected glory clothes it in a brighter robe--the fresh1 dainty green of spring's supernal dress1 emblem of everlasting youth4 ,but a storm of wind and rain assails it4 ,dense cloud-curtains hide the sun1 and the air is cold and chilling4 ,sometimes for days this benumbing coldness lasts4 ,but after the storm our little friend is greener and brighter and larger than ever4 ,it has withstood the storm and wind1 by using them for its own advancement4 ,everything has been turned into good by recognizing only the good4 ,when the sunshine comes again the little slip is baptized with dew and warmth and light1 and joyously springs on toward budding time1 and then another and different experience befalls4 ,instead of rolling every new leaf outward to be bathed in the light and kissed by the wind1 there is a rolling inward1 a curling up and shutting in of the new and delicate leaves4 ,a hard1 unlovely roll or lump now displays itself on the green stem1 and every day the roll becomes larger and harder4 ,the green stalk never questions1 though for a time her face is veiled4 ,she lives in the waiting silence1 content with what is4 ,one bright day she looks at her ugly bud and finds it a rare blossom of surpassing beauty and sweetest fragrance4 ,thus is born the fair-robed lily1 pure emblem of the child of ,god4 ,but we have many and various symbols of divine thought in the many and various flowers1 from which we learn divine lessons4 ,there are the violets that come so early in the spring1 with their wildwood fragrance and dainty blue cloaks1 and the lovely roses of summer1 the goldenrods and asters of autumn1 while among the rarer kinds we have the night-blooming cereus1 the beautiful but slow blossoming century plant1 and many others4 ,these are types and symbols of ourselves and our process of birth and unfoldment4 ,the new birth is a development from material to spiritual knowledge4 ,the individual corresponds to one or another plant1 but none may know at what particular stage4 ,some blossom early1 some late1 some manifest a nature like the violet1 others the rose1 the water lily or the century plant4 ,i can not tell1 you can not tell1 none can tell4 ,even the ,master said1 ',the wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof1 but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth1 so is every one that is born of the spirit4' ,the wonderful seed 7desire for truth7 we have planted must be moistened by the water of right words1 warmed by the sunshine of faith1 fed by the dew of patience4 ,our trials will be similar in character to the flowers1 and the outcome will be the same in proportion as we follow their example of unquestioning faithfulness4 ,the very desire to grow is a challenge to the elements that seem to oppose growth1 but the plant overcomes all obstacles by its non-resistance1 and herein lies one of our most valuable lessons4 ,in our progress we meet with many conditions and circumstances that try us1 that seem indeed to call in question our earnestness in thus starting out1 with new assumptions4 ,sometimes these adverse conditions are called trials of faith and they may come to us in one way or another1 sometimes in sickness1 sometimes in misunderstandings1 sometimes in grief1 sometimes in disagreeable duties4 ,peculiarities of disposition that we thought overcome1 may manifest themselves very unexpectedly and cause us great annoyance1 not only because we may have congratulated ourselves on having risen above them1 but because it would be a mortification to us to have our friends know that we who believe in the possibility of such high moral attainments1 should be guilty of these old weaknesses and follies4 ,in every way1 the tempter--mortal thought--may show us the fallibility of human nature and tempt us to disbelieve in our high ideals4 ,the forty days' temptation in the wilderness is the soul history of every human being who starts out to lead the life of ,jesus4 ,tempted in everything as we are1 he was the type of strength1 purity and faithfulness to principles1 which we most earnestly should seek to follow4 ,after his baptism1 ',he was conducted by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the enemy4' ,we are baptized by the spirit when we have come into the realization of our sonship and daughtership1 our true relation to the divine ,father and ,mother ,love1 and have consecrated our lives to the service of ,truth4 ,in order that we may be fully aware of the magnitude of our desire1 we are1 as it were1 led by the spirit to the desert which literally signifies forsaken1 where every means of comfort and companionship are gone1 where we must learn to choose between the ever present but invisible things of ,god and the transitory but gratifying pleasures of the visible world4 ,having a glimpse of the power and blessedness conferred by the knowledge of ,truth1 we are tempted to keep hold of the power1 at the same time fellowshipping with the world1 which by our recognition and fellowship will be greatly pleased through the acquisition of our society and talents4 ,when tests are required of us similar to the turning of stones into bread1 healing the lepers1 raising the dead1 will we realize our dependence on the word of ,god which is the 'bread of life8' ,temptations to dare the protection of the power1 give us an insight to the very same trial of ,jesus1 and when we are led up to the mountain of knowledge from which we may view the pomps and vanities of the world1 realizing the superior insight that gives power1 then comes the decisive question--shall ,god or mammon gain our allegiance8 ,shall we forego the seductive allurements of mortal thought 7which is really only the negative thought or the false power called the world's beliefs reflected upon us71 or shall we1 in ringing tones cry out1 ',get thee behind me1 adversary 7or opposer74 ,thou shalt worship the ,lord thy ,god and him only shalt thou serve4' ,then the enemy leaves us1 and behold1 angels come and minister to us4 ,after the long forty days1 which with some seem longer than with others1 after the darkness and desolation of a desert night1 we are ministered unto by the blessed angels--good thoughts--and the glory of the ,most ,high shines round about us4 ,the struggle is ended1 the ,good which is ever ready to be our guide when we choose1 leads us into many sweet experiences that bring us nearer and nearer to the 'promised land1' the true inheritance of ,god's children4 ,we begin the ascent of the mount of transfiguration1 and though we come to many steep places1 though we sometimes stumble over rocks of ignorance1 though we encounter clouds of doubt that veil the glorious peak from our longing view for a time1 though we meet wild beasts1 7untamed human nature71 though we cross shadowy valleys and dark ravines1 lighted only by the torch of faith1 we shall have transcendant glimpses of the fair ,beyond1 shall breathe the perfumed air of ,zion's ,hills1 and be transported with delight at the never ceasing revelations made to the true seeker after eternal wisdom4 ,after faith1 comes knowledge4 ,if we were overcome by the tidal wave1 when wading out a little way from shore1 and a rope were thrown us1 we should at least catch hold the rope1 hoping to be delivered from the danger4 ,after several successful experiences1 we should have faith in the rope1 so when we feel the tidal wave of trial overtaking us1 we are to catch hold of our denials and affirmations which correspond to the saving rope4 ,an invariable rule in ,christian ,science is to deny the undesirable and affirm that which can be predicated of spirit4 ,no matter what inharmony assails you1 whether it be pain1 poverty1 sickness1 loneliness1 fear or anxiety1 deny it positively and repeatedly and affirm the opposite4 ,like ,jesus1 we must speak of that which is true1 but not visible4 ,thus when called to raise the daughter of ,jairus1 he said3 ',she is not dead but sleepeth4' ,the appearance of death was denied1 and its opposite1 life1 affirmed4 ,when talking to the ,jews1 ,jesus said3 ',if ye continue in my word1 then are ye my disciples indeed2 and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free4' ,it is continuance in the word that brings the blessing1 mark that4 ,and now let us enter into the silence with one accord1 saying3 ',for ,thy blessed words and example we thank ,thee1 ,o1 beloved ,master1 and with ,thy words we enter now into ,thy faith4' ,an impressive ten minutes1 and then1 with reverent voice and gesture1 ,mrs4 ,pearl dismissed us with the words3 ',it is finished4 ,we have received that which we asked1 and are filled with the peace that passeth all understanding4' ,while we sat thus1 just before she spoke1 ,i had one of those peculiar experiences they tell about1 coming so often in the silence4 ,it seemed as though ,i was in the cool quiet of early morning1 watching the signs of a summer dawn4 ,all at once the creeping rainbow colors shot up toward the zenith1 and the most glorious sunrise ,i ever beheld flooded me with a dazzling glow of gold4 ,the moment she spoke it vanished1 but oh1 how lovely it was6 ,what could it mean unless the dawn of the ',sun of ,righteousness8' ,i must wait and see1 for surely the understanding of these things will come when ,i am ready for it4 ,several of the class have been having strange signs or hints of something on which they have been studying deeply4 ,dr4 ,bright said that everything turned black before her one day when she was denying1 and when she could see again it seemed as though there were no walls to the house and she was gazing into empty space4 ,this is on account of denying till material things seem immaterial1 and we begin to realize the reality of spirit4 ,the saying of the affirmation for strength1 ,mrs4 ,dawn says1 makes her body feel almost electrified with vitality1 and she can realize that the words bring to her what they claim4 ,one young man1 who sits just back of me1 told his experience in denying the reality of matter4 ,he was quite rebellious at first about saying what seemed such a huge lie1 but finally concluded to do the best he could1 and so said it over and over one day till he fell asleep4 ,suddenly he was awakened by the words sounding in his ears1 ',be not afraid1 but trust1' and opening his eyes1 he saw written on the wall the very same words1 and immediately a restfulness and satisfaction came over him1 so that he no longer demurred at the thought of saying the words and1 though he did not yet understand1 he felt willing to wait4 ,oh1 how ,i wish the great busy world would listen to this beautiful doctrine4 ,it seems that we must compel it to come to the feast4 ,i think we all feel like a child delightedly showing its new toy to everybody4 ,but the little experience ,i have had before1 will teach me to withhold where there is antagonism to the truth1 beautiful though it is1 because my work at home even with my cure1 did not interest or convince some who would shut their eyes and ears to all4 ,i remember so well how ,i felt like shouting to everyone in my joy the glad story of my recovered health1 but the cold1 incredulous looks1 and the averted faces chilled the tidings on my lips1 and ,i learned that only when the world is thirsty1 will it appreciate the cool and sparkling waters of truth4 ,well1 dear ,john1 ,i have not answered your letter at all because ,i was so afraid ,i would forget the substance of the lesson to-day1 but ,i am so glad it seems plain to you as ,i present it1 and it is such a help to know you are glad ,i came here4 ,how we shall grow together when we begin together4 ,continue to write your opinions and ideas of the lessons1 for you have such a clear way of expressing yourself4 ,don't let ,jamie forget to write again when you all write4 ,bless his dear little self6 ,i would so like to see him1 but then1 ,i know all is well with you1 for ,good is everywhere4 ,good night and good-bye1 ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,but when every leaf is dropped and the plant stands stripped to the uttermost1 a new life is even then working in the buds1 from which shall spring a tenderer foliage and a brighter wealth of flowers4 ,so1 often1 in celestial gardening1 every leaf of earthly joy must drop before a new and divine bloom visits the soul4--,harriet ,beecher ,stowe4 ,saturday no letter came4 ,all the forenoon ,grace tried to do her duty by saying her denials and affirmations while ,kate was out giving lessons1 but she seemed so stupid and felt so cross that in despair she resorted to her painting1 but only succeeded in spoiling the picture she had spent hours and days upon before4 ,when ,kate came in at the usual hour1 feeling so gay and light-hearted that she scarcely knew how to contain herself1 she was astonished to hear ,grace say3 ,oh1 ,i am glad you have come at last6 ,such a day as ,i have spent6 ,thought ,i'd have so much extra time while you were gone to give ,millie's lesson1 and here ,i've wasted the whole afternoon and spoiled my 'shipwreck' besides1 and ,i'm in a villainous humor4 ,now1 ,i'm going to pour it all out on your innocent head4 ,she smiled grimly1 as she tossed her painting apron aside and spitefully turned the picture to the wall4 ,what in the world ails you1 ,grace8 cried the astonished ,kate4 ,have you lost your senses8 ,i was congratulating myself coming home on the good time we would have again to-night4 ,i anticipated it so vividly this morning ,i could hardly wait1 but really1 ,kate1 ,i feel ugly1 and perhaps it would be as well not to talk to me4 ,i will go out for a little walk1 while you get the tea1 and she went forthwith4 ,a tumult raged within her that she had not conquered4 ,one moment filled with the most exhilarating sense of freedom and joy1 the next the direst disgust with herself and her failings2 one moment clearly understanding the many problems that had come up for solution the past week1 and the next with no ability to reason about anything4 ,this had been going on all day4 ,she had even felt unreasonably irritable because ,kate had so quickly overcome her prejudices4 ,what right had she to give away her own for some one else's opinions so easily8 ,grace gave her glove an impatient twitch as she thought of it1 but the next instant she wished she1 too1 might be as childlike and receptive as her companion4 ,to ,kate the ,bible was final1 unquestioned authority2 to ,grace it was a corroboration1 not a foundation4 ,it was more interesting1 she must confess1 than ever before1 but then she must have better reasons than had yet appeared for taking it as ,kate did4 ,after all1 perhaps this religion was but another mirage that had come into her moral vision1 as many another had come in all the years she had been seeking truth and happiness4 ,happiness6 ,had she forgotten that for two years that word had been dropped from her vocabulary8 ,that she had resolved to live on the best intellectual food the world could offer1 without tasting its heart viands8 ,she walked on with an unwonted energy4 ,no1 she would not be deceived2 the best and sweetest in life was not for her1 but she ought at least1 to help poor little ,kate4 ,it was a calm1 quiet evening4 ,the sun was just disappearing over the distant hills4 ,the sky was radiant with delicate pink and blue tints4 ,she was walking toward the east1 when1 glancing at the scene in front of her1 she saw what seemed to be a brilliant fire1 not only in one place but in many4 ,somewhat startled1 she looked more closely and discovered every window ablaze with the sun's reflected glory4 ,like a flash it came3 ,i am walking away from the glory of ,truth4 ,oh6 how shall ,i turn my face to ,god8 she cried1 with unspeakable yearning4 ,an agony of suspense seized her4 ,she looked up at the calm1 beautiful sky1 and its rays of radiance seemed to send down upon her a benediction of peace4 ,like a soft whisper the words1 ,lo1 ,i am with you always1 fell upon her ear4 ,blessed words that filled her with a new-born awe1 but they brought a realizing sense of ever-present nearness of ,truth1 such as she had never had before1 and she was so filled with peace that all the world looked like a new world4 ,the turbulent waves of doubt and unrest had been divinely stilled4 ,she walked on1 so filled with her new thoughts that the twilight deepened into starlight before she thought of home1 and then it seemed that every star beam was an angel of love sent to guide her on her way4 ,she entered quietly as ,kate was playing one of ,beethoven's symphonies1 and never had music seemed so sweet4 ,it was like a welcome into heaven4 ,it was the heaven within her that made a heaven without4 ,to ,kate had come such a realization of divine harmony1 that her soul poured itself out in music she had never dreamed of before4 ,all the struggles and pains of the past years1 all the disappointments and unhappiness found expression through the wailing tones of the piano only to be swept away or swelled into sweeter and more joyous strains4 ,more and more clearly a conception of joy and peace unspeakable filled her heart4 ,she wandered again1 a happy child1 in country pastures gathering violets and buttercups4 ,she could scent the clover and hear the birds4 ,the water rippled over the pebbles and the air was filled with leaf music4 ,now1 again a child1 she walked in green pastures and beside the still waters4 ,the sun of love was shining down upon her1 and its rays warmed her1 clothed her1 fed her4 ,surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and ,i will dwell in the house of the ,lord forever1 she sang softly in an awed1 hushed voice1 as the music grew more divinely sweet1 and the realization of a nameless ,presence filled her4 ,it was the presence of impersonal1 omnipresent ,truth1 ever flowing into the heart ready for its reception1 and though at first it may be but a tiny stream1 it grows to a swelling tide1 and all the words in the universe can not name its sweet influence1 or describe its wondrous allness4 ,oh1 ,katie darling1 what wouldst thou have put away from thy life1 if thou hadst obstinately refused admittance to this heavenly ,guest8444 ,at last the music ceased4 ,she bowed her head and gave herself up to the inexpressible thoughts that welled into her mind4 ,for some moments she was not aware that ,grace was in the room1 but as she finally arose and turned around1 she saw her4 ,their eyes met1 and silently was told the story of experiences too sacred to utter4 ,a silent understanding and a heartfelt sympathy bound them by closer ties than they had ever known before4 ,to be at one with ,truth is to understand humanity1 and understanding is a voiceless language4 ,sunday afternoon they called on ,mr4 ,hayden and found the fourth letter awaiting them4 ,i did not send it up because ,kate promised you would come over to-day1 and now let us have a little experience meeting1 he said1 as he found chairs for them1 and seated himself1 seemingly awaiting a reply4 ,first let us read the letter1 suggested ,grace1 who was more interested than ever since her yesterday's experience4 ,read it aloud1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 settling himself back to enjoy it4 ,grace had scarcely begun reading when ,jamie came in1 screaming that his finger was boke4 ,never mind1 ,jamie1 it will soon be all right4 ,shall papa treat it8 taking the child in his lap4 ,teat it1 papa1 and he laid his little head on papa's breast with perfect confidence that the pain would soon be gone4 ,a few moments of silence and he looked up innocently1 saying with the brightest smile3 ,it's all gone now4 ,papa telled the good ,jamie to tome home1 he explained to the girls1 and here he is1 papa1 he added1 holding up his sweet mouth for a kiss4 ,how beautiful is a child's faith1 exclaimed ,kate1 after the little fellow had gone out to play again4 ,indeed ,i have learned more than ,i can tell you from the children1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 thoughtfully4 ,mabel is old enough to understand a good deal1 but ,fred and ,jamie are very quick to apply what they learn4 ,last night ,jamie complained of the stomach ache4 ,neither of the children knew that ,i was near1 but ,i overheard ,fred telling his brother that he would treat him if he would keep still4 ,jamie consented and ,i peeped in a moment later1 curious to know what they were doing4 ,fred sat there grave as an owl1 with his hands over his eyes1 and ,jamie in a chair opposite1 his eyes shut tightly and an air of expectancy on his face4 ,now you're all right1 said ,fred1 very positively1 after a few minutes4 ,they were soon playing and not once did the child complain after that4 ,when going to bed1 ,jamie told me about it1 and ,i asked ,fred what he did when he treated4 ,w'y1 he answered1 w'y1 ,i just 'membered what you said to ,mabel that everybody has two kinds o' thoughts1 and one kind thinks you're sick1 and the other kind knows you're well1 so ,i thinked about ,jamie till ,i thinked the know thoughts1 and course he got well then4 ,it was a lesson to me1 and ,i have tried to emulate their receptiveness and childlike trust4 ,i don't know how well ,i am succeeding1 but it is pretty hard sometimes to get the problems all worked out4 ,we wouldn't have to work them out if we had the faith of a child1 said ,kate1 warmly4 ,these little incidents touched her deeply4 ,well1 there is nothing better to learn from than living examples1 and yet we can only take them as guides1 they will not do our work for us4 ,every one of us must go through his own experience1 and prove his right to an inheritance1 by claiming it on trust as the child does4 ,now1 yesterday1 continued ,mr4 ,hayden1 leaning back and stroking his chin1 ,i worked hard all the forenoon1 and everything seemed to go wrong with me1--,grace glanced at ,kate--,i was not willing to live a moment at a time1 as the child does1 with no thought or care as to where its next day's supplies are to come from1 but ,i was tired and cross all day4 ,the consequence was1 in the afternoon my old enemy1 the headache1 began to assert itself4 ,then ,i got ,marion's letter and that helped me1 because it threw some light on the cause1 but when ,i heard ,fred's explanation of a treatment ,i just applied it4 ,i 'thinked1' till the 'know thoughts came1' ,mr4 ,hayden concluded with a grave smile4 ,i believe that is what it means to 'work out our own salvation1' said ,grace1 and how beautiful to have the children learn6 ,it will make different men and women of them4 ,indeed it will2 ,i have already seen some change in the children4 ,but are you not going to read the letter1 ,miss ,grace8 asked ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,yes1 ,i am anxious to read it1 but ,i have learned a great deal without it4 ,she took it up again and read without interruption to the end4 ,well1 that is quite an explanation of your experience of yesterday1 ,mr4 ,hayden1 explained ,kate smilingly4 ,and mine1 too1 added ,grace4 ,it is comforting to know that there is a scientific reason for it though4 ,i think my darkness came earlier in the lessons1 for yesterday and to-day have been very bright to me1 replied ,kate1 soberly2 but1 she continued1 there is so much about this to admire and so much to prove that the system is founded on ,christ's teachings1 ,i can not see where doubt could enter4 ,we might not doubt the principle where we would often doubt ourselves1 suggested ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,yes1 said ,grace1 ,i believe that doubts will come as long as we consider it a personal power4 ,which it is not1 of course1 interrupted ,kate4 ,certainly not1 but we must grow into a realization of ,truth1 we can not change our old natures in a day1 and it is only natural at first to feel that it is a personal power because we are given so much personal responsibility4 ,i see what you mean1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 quietly1 leaning back as if thinking deeply4 ,you mean it is hard to forget self1 and ,i agree with you4 ,this mind of the flesh claims so much wisdom and power of its own that it is hard to attribute everything to a higher power1 and let that power work through you2 but when we can do that1 we have the kernel of the whole system4 ,it is a wonderful thought to me1 that we reflect all things spiritual1 as we divest ourselves of our false beliefs1 remarked ,grace1 earnestly4 ,in other words1 when we know ourselves as we are1 and not as we appear1 we shall recognize that all things we desire are already ours1 added ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,how could it be otherwise8 ,the sun is always shining behind the darkest clouds4 ,all ,i ask is that the ignorance may be removed1 replied ,grace4 ,well1 ,i want to understand and believe truth1 but it seems strange1 after we have declared our willingness to believe and acknowledge ,god to be all1 that we should be tempted4 ,why couldn't our acknowledgement be sufficient8 queried ,kate1 in perplexity again4 ,why isn't the simple act of joining the church sufficient to make ,christians8 ,although some seem to think it all sufficient1 it is not4 ,it is the daily life of overcoming1 and denial of self that constitutes true acknowledgement1 said ,grace1 laying her hand upon that of her friend4 ,not denial of self in the old way1 either1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 but denial of the mortal thought1 or as ,paul would say1 the 'carnal mind4' ,yes1 and in the temptation of ,jesus1 we read our own temptations1 interrupted ,grace1 and it is all important that we should deal with them as he did4 ,over and over he met the opposing thought1 represented by the tempter or opposer--error always opposing truth--and gave it either a plain denial or an emphatic command to get out4 ,that is very plain and very true1 said ,kate1 with a little sigh1 but still ,i can not see why ,god should allow us to be tempted after we have fought the battle once as ,jesus did4 ,but he fought it more than once1 explained ,mr4 ,hayden1 earnestly4 ,he was continually overcoming1 and at times found it necessary to withdraw into the mountains where he fasted and prayed4 ,that is a good thought to carry home1 suggested ,grace1 rising1 for we need to follow his example4 ,i need it more than anyone else1 said ,kate1 feeling a lack of spiritual understanding1 and wishing she could get on faster4 ,you are doing grandly ,miss ,kate1 just think how you opposed it all at first1 said ,mr4 ,hayden encouragingly4 ,yes1 ,i know ,i did1 flushing a little1 but even thus far ,i have seen enough1 or rather experienced enough to make me anxious to understand it1 and ,i only ask so many questions because ,i am determined to get every speck of light ,i can4 ,if everybody would lay aside prejudice as you have1 ,miss ,kate1 they would have no difficulty in seeing the truth as you do1 he replied4 ,the tears came into her eyes4 ,neither ,mr4 ,hayden nor ,grace knew how much it had cost her to 'lay aside prejudice1' but she could thank ,god that she had done so1 and indeed believed it was ,providence that had led her into this study in spite of herself4 ,i want the truth1 she said simply1 and turned away to join ,grace1 who stood at the open door waiting for her4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,people imagine that the place which the ,bible holds in the world it owes to miracles4 ,it owes it simply to the fact that it came out of a profounder depth of thought than any other book4--,emerson4 ,,marlow1 ,september ----4 ,dear husband3 ,the first thing ,i heard when ,i went into the class to-day was ,mrs4 ,dawn telling how she had treated a severe belief of headache last evening and how marvelously soon the terrible pain ceased4 ,she was quite rejoiced because it was the first time she had tried to demonstrate the principles4 ,they all have plenty to tell now1 and are growing more and more interested4 ,every day somebody has some new experience4 ,little ,mrs4 ,dexter1 who has been so long treated by the old method1 says she fully believes she will be cured1 is feeling much better1 and has such an assurance all the time that she has found the true healing4 ,she has had several quite remarkable demonstrations with others4 ,the whole line of argument is unfolding so naturally and beautifully that it seems like a piece of fine mosaic1 with every form and color interwoven with the most exquisite exactness4 ,mrs4 ,pearl gave us a lecture on inspiration and the ,bible1 which ,i consider one of the most useful and interesting of any she has yet given3 ,in studying the very fountain springs of ,truth1 and basing our ideas upon a ,god who is the unexpressed and inexpressible essence of ,truth itself1 with whom is 'no respect of persons1' and to whom we owe all knowledge1 it becomes us to inquire a little into the manner and means of gaining that knowledge4 ,that all peoples in all climes and ages have developed similar ideas and expressed them in like terms1 as philology shows1 is an indisputable fact1 strengthened and corroborated by our broader conception and higher understanding of ,god1 the omnipresent ,good4 ,but how have these ideas come to them8 ,have they come through what is known as inspiration or revelation8 ,as the one fountain of ,intelligence is open to all alike1 this must be the case1 because ,truth comes only in this way4 ,inspiration means an 'inbreathing1' a breathing in of true knowledge1 and because the omnipresent ,good comes into every consciousness prepared to receive it1 there is an inbreathing in accordance with the readiness to receive4 ,intelligence is like the air1 to be breathed by every living being4 ,thus far1 humanity has expanded its lungs of consciousness only enough to have inhaled fundamental truth1 or what is recognized as such1 but we are constantly receiving more1 and in proportion as we receive1 do we know what we receive4 ,all truth is inspired or revealed1 because whatever is true is of the great ,truth4 ,this must be so1 yet many people consider inspiration as confined to the authors of the ,bible and that with them1 inspiration ceased4 ,the immortal ,job said1 ',there is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the ,almighty giveth him understanding4' ,the inbreathing of the ,almighty1 ,all-powerful ,truth1 giveth understanding4 ,no truer words were ever uttered4 ,as inspiration is inhaling or breathing in ,truth1 we can readily understand that ',god1 ,truth1 ,principle1 is no respecter of persons4' ,that it is a 'miraculous influence which qualifies man to receive and communicate divine truth1' is in a sense true1 for the works of ,god are always 'wonderful1' but there can be no setting aside of divine law1 as some erroneously suppose1 for the performance of these things that seem unaccountable to human reason4 ,it is a lack of understanding as to how ,truth works1 that has caused a belief in supernatural or miraculous ways4 ,could a fish judge according to appearances1 he would regard the creatures that walk on land as gifted with supernatural power1 because it would be utterly beyond his conception to know how they could do so4 ,revelation and inspiration are frequently used interchangeably1 but that which is revealed1 is the manifested result of inspiration rather than inspiration itself4 ,whenever we are ready to breathe or absorb ,truth into our consciousness1 we get a revealment--'inspiration giveth understanding4' ,this breathing-in process lifts us above ordinary knowledge and gives refreshing glimpses of heavenly ,truth1 it is like breathing in fresh air1 after having been in a close suffocating room4 ,we say this or that scene1 person or object inspires us2 we mean that some beautiful thought or conception of ,truth is revealed to us1 through or by our seeing these objects1 because they hint of something better and higher1 and the moment we get the higher thought1 we are conscious of knowing higher ,truth4 ,this is revelation4 ,revelation and inspiration are the usual terms for expressing spiritual processes but are necessarily inadequate to express accurate spiritual meanings4 ,how ideas are born is a question of questions4 ,whether they come from without or within1 they must establish the oneness of ,god and man in mind and idea4 ,the only 'without' there can be is that which is without the consciousness1 the only 'within' is that which is within the consciousness4 ,development1 growth1 unfoldment1 better express spiritual consciousness4 ,what is consciousness but a recognition of itself8 ,then would not 'recognition' more fully describe the birth of ideas8 ,as we grow able to recognize harmony and love1 harmony and love are revealed to us4 ,the more spiritual our thoughts and desires1 the more spiritual our revelations4 ,to think and talk of ,god1 to desire knowledge of ,him1 creates a receptivity which sooner or later brings the revealment of more truth1 and that of the highest quality4 ,but it is not always by what we see that we are lifted into this consciousness of new knowledge4 ,in various ways is the ,truth expressed to us1 and whether we know how or why it should be thus and so1 matters not if we receive the message4 ,the wisdom of our ,father has provided that none of ,his children should be without a knowledge of ,him1 without a power to recognize and appreciate ,truth1 and in the way or language best suited to the capacity of each to understand1 are the revelations made4 ,sometimes this knowledge comes into our consciousness like a direct message from ,god1 and so vividly are we impressed1 that no other words could express the nearness and clearness of it1 than the expression 'walking and talking with ,god4' ,sometimes wonderful pictures appear before our mind's eye1 and reading their symbolic meaning1 we catch hints of higher wisdom that would otherwise have been hidden4 ,by persistently ignoring the spiritual and cultivating the intellectual faculties1 mankind has well nigh lost the highest means of inspiration1 but now that we again1 like the prophets and apostles of old1 seek for signs of the ,infinite1 we are gradually recovering the key by which they unlocked its mysteries4 ,as to the infallibility of what is thus revealed1 we must remember that while truth is always infallible1 there is a possibility of its recognition or conception being tinged to a greater or less degree1 with our erroneous judgements1 and as the light1 pure in itself1 is colored by the glass through which it passes1 so is the divinest truth colored with the quality of mind through which it comes to the world4 ,as ,heber ,newton says1 ',inspiration can not do away with the limitations of the human individuality4' ,thus1 in our discrimination of so-called inspired literature1 language or thoughts1 we must learn that whatever is opposite ,god1 the universal idea of goodness1 is the chaff that must be blown away4 ,in other words it is the assumption of mortal thought instead of absolute knowledge of divine mind4 ,it would be an utter impossibility to describe infinite truth in finite language4 ,words are inadequate to express the grandeur of sacred revelation4 ,with this view of inspiration1 we can readily see how far short we have come in our conceptions of the ,bible1 and now that we are to use and understand this wonderful book as never before1 it is well that we consider it a little more closely4 ,there are three general views held in regard to the ,bible as an inspired book4 #a4 ,that it is verbally inspired2 i4 e41 that every word is direct from ,god4 #b4 ,that it is partially inspired2 and1 #c4 ,that it is no more inspired than any other good book4 ,the first two of these views have been and are accompanied with the idea that everything going under the name of inspiration1 is infallible1 hence the idea that every statement made throughout the entire book is absolute truth4 ,the ,bible itself makes no claim to infallibility1 though there are frequent references to inspiration and the influence of the ,holy ,ghost in moving men to speak1 but the principal text on which is based this claim of infallibility is ,,ii4 ,tim4 iii3 #af4 ,at the time this was written1 there was only the ,old ,testament1 including the ,apocrypha1 that could be referred to as ,scripture1 so when we read ,paul's assertion that1 'all scripture is given by inspiration of ,god1 and is profitable for doctrine1 for reproof1 for correction1 for instruction in righteousness1' if we take it to be infallible1 we have a reasonable ground for regarding the ,old ,testament and the ,apocrypha as infallible4 ,but a more literal rendering of the ,greek text would be1 'all scripture divinely inspired is indeed profitable for teaching1 for conviction1 for correction1' etc41 and by simply changing the position of the little word is1 we have a vastly different sentence4 ,regarding the interpretation of scripture1 ,peter says3 ',all prophecy of scripture is not of its own solution4' ,the literal ,greek is1 'all prophecy of a writing1 of its own loosing not it is1' meaning1 of course1 that sacred writings can not always be interpreted literally1 but must be understood according to their spiritual meaning4 ,great writings are not confined to any private or local meaning1 but refer more especially to great principles1 to universal truth4 ,if we consider the origin of the ,bible1 we shall learn what comparatively few of us know1 viz41 how the ,bible grew into a book4 ,in a necessarily brief outline it is impossible to give anything but a bird's-eye view of this very interesting and important subject4 ,as we look back to earlier times1 through the various channels1 we find that much of what is considered history is merely legendary2 that long before the art of writing was known1 these legends and myths were handed down from generation to generation1 and from age to age4 ,familiar as we are with human nature1 we may well imagine the additions and subtractions and divergencies introduced by each succeeding narrator1 copyist or editor in every age4 ,this is a very important feature to be considered in interpreting ancient scriptures1 but there are also others4 ,history reveals the fact that the books of the ,old ,testament were not written nor arranged in the order in which they now appear in the ,bible4 ,for instance1 while it has been generally considered that the first five books were written by ,moses fifteen hundred years before ,christ1 the best authorities have found at least a portion of them to have been written1 or compiled rather1 in their present form #fjj to #gjj ,b4 ,c4 ,whether ,moses or some one else wrote them detracts not the least from the value of the truth they contain1 for whatever is true1 can not lose its value or be effected by the authorship4 ,this is only one of the many facts that might be produced to show that the ,old ,testament came in the most natural way1 and not at all through a miracle or by miraculous interposition4 ,referring again to the best records we have1 we find the books of the ,new ,testament were written from #ej to #age ,a4 ,d41 thus showing the liability to mistakes1 and the reason for many of the discrepencies in the ,new ,testament4 ,that the time between the writing of the oldest and the latest parts of the ,bible covered a period of more than a thousand years1 should have much significance in our judgment of both the writers and their writings4 ,dr4 ,heber ,newton says3 ',we are not to read the ,biblical writers as though they were all cotemporaries4 ,they are separated by vast tracts of time4 ,the later writers stand upon the shoulders of their predecessors and see farther and clearer4 ,we are not to view the institutions or doctrines of the ,bible as though no matter in what period of development of the ,hebrew ,nation1 or of the ,christian ,church they were found1 they were equally authoritative to us4' ,though the prophets and apostles were inspired1 we must remember that they necessarily had to use the language and methods of speech prevalent in their time in giving their divinest revelations to the people4 ,the language was rich with ,oriental imagery1 strong figures of speech1 and allusions to manners and customs of other nations4 ,unless we understand something of the literature and customs1 the religious ceremonies and laws alluded to1 we are very much in the dark as to the original meaning4 ,for instance1 unless we know the custom that prevailed in ancient times of putting the sins of the people1 figuratively speaking1 into a white cloth1 dipping the cloth into blood1 tying it to the horns of the scapegoat1 and turning the animal loose in the wilderness till the sun1 air and rain had bleached it white1 we can not appreciate the expression1 'though thy sins be as scarlet1 yet shall they be washed white as snow4' ,until we realize that the ideas and language as well as the customs and rites of barbarous and ignorant heathendom influence every page of the ,bible1 we shall not know how much allowance to make for the revelations of the ,divine1 and the suppositions and possible mistakes of the human4 ,until we know that the ,bible has gone through many hands since its words were first spoken or written1 we can not realize the possible loss of its most spiritual meanings4 ,moses1 ,isaiah1 ,david1 ,john1 ,paul had the grandest revelations possible to man1 experiences not 'lawful to utter1' not possible to clothe in words4 ,the unspeakable can not be put into speech4 ,to attempt it is to color it with finite meanings4 ,to describe the ,infinite is but to limit or confine ,god4 ,when we consider that no very ancient writings have reached us without the marks of many pens2 when we consider the impossibility of exact translation1 the difficulty of perfect copying all the years before the art of printing1 the method of canonizing the books and formulating creeds1 we must know that something besides ,god's message has come down to us4 ,and yet a message is there notwithstanding4 ,yes1 the authors of the ,bible were inspired4 ,whatever of ,truth they revealed is infallible1 but as men with finite conceptions and abilities1 they could not comprehend nor reveal all of ,god4 ',god is the same yesterday1 to-day and forever1' and talks to man face to face to-day even as with the immortal ,moses4 ',i know that the ,bible is inspired1 because it finds me at greater depths of my being than any other book1' said ,coleridge4 ,all candid students of sacred ,scriptures agree that there is a spiritual meaning back of the literal4 ,the question with us is1 how can we get at this spiritual or esoteric interpretation4 ,if you will let the spirit of ,truth guide you1 it will bless you with keener discernment1 and clearer understanding1 than has been possible for you heretofore4 ,it is when you look for the spirit of religion that you find it and understand it1 and the fact that so much has been said against our ,bible as a book1 does not and can not detract a particle from its value4 ',there is a light that lighteth every man6' ,every one of ,god's children has the power to distinguish truth from error1 and only needs to assert that divine privilege of knowing and acknowledging truth in order to to find it4 ,humanity is so under the yoke of traditional opinions that it has not dared think for itself1 but the time has come when 'ye shall of yourselves know what is truth1' when each must prove his individual liberty by claiming it4 ,is not the wisdom to know and understand ,god's revelations given to every one who asks1 or rather appreciates what he already has8 ,there is no reason for depending upon any but the wisdom in ourselves1 for searching the meanings of any ,scripture4 ,whatever is true1 we shall understand and hold as infallible4 ,that we have a rich storehouse of precious gems1 even the most adverse thinkers admit1 and above all else we should search for them1 prize them1 and use them4 ,study the ,bible for the sake of its wonderful and sacred truth1 catch the inspiration of its writers1 and you will soon discriminate the inspired from the uninspired4 ,with the statements of the true is necessarily more or less error2 the ,truth we want1 the falsity we leave behind4 ,whatever is good and pure and ennobling is of ,god2 whatever is evil1 erroneous1 degrading1 is from man's misconception of ,him4 ,goethe1 who highly valued the ,bible1 said3 ',with reference to things in the ,bible1 the question whether they are genuine or spurious is odd enough4 ,what is genuine but that which is truly excellent1 which stands in harmony with the purest nature and reason1 and which even now ministers to our higher development8 ,what is spurious but the absurd and the hollow which brings no fruit4' ,if you do not understand1 wait4 ,do not judge hastily or allow yourself to be biased by the opinions of others4 ,what may seem hard1 unreasonable dogma1 may later prove but a veil over the sweetest1 spiritual truth4 ,reverence to read1 patience to learn1 wisdom to understand--all these we want1 and then1 more brightly than before shall shine the sacred diamonds that stud inspired pages4 ,we refer again to what ,dr4 ,newton says in his grand essay on the ,right ,critical use of the ,bible3 ',successive generations of men1 struggling with sin1 striving for purity1 searching after ,god1 have exhaled their spirits into the essence of religion1 which is treasured in this costly vase4 ',the moral forces of centuries devoted to righteousness are stored in this exhaustless reservoir of ethical energy4 ,at such cost1 my brothers1 has ,humanity issued this sacred book4 ,from such patience of preparation has ,providence laid this priceless gift before you4 ,in such labor of articulation--spelling out the syllables of the message from on high1 through multitudinous lives of men dutifully and devoutly walking with their ,god1 does the ,spirit speak to you1 ,o1 soul of man4 ,say thou3 ',speak1 ,lord2 thy servant heareth6' 99 99 99 99 99 ,thank ,god1 ,marion has at last found the key to the ,bible1 murmured ,mr4 ,hayden1 as he finished the letter4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,not in ,jerusalem alone1 ,god hears and answers prayer1 ,nor on ,samaria's mountain lone1 ,dispenses blessings there4 ,but in the secrecy of thought1 ,our silent souls may pray2 ,or round the household altar brought1 ,begin and close the day4 --,james ,montgomery4 ,grace was busily engaged with ,hypatia4 ,she felt for the first time she could bring out the peace and reposeful strength of character ,kate had thought so sadly lacking1 and one afternoon1 a few days after the memorable walk1 she sat down to her work with a pleasurable anticipation of bringing out her ideal4 ,as she put the touches here and there that changed the expression1 now adding to this feature1 now taking from that1 she was thinking of the changes needed in herself1 and wondering how or by what process they would be wrought by the invisible ,artist4 ,she was mixing some paint on her palette1 when a rap was heard at the door4 ,before she had time to say or do anything1 in walked ,mrs4 ,dyke with a timid little woman who came in like a martyr1 but one resolved to die at her post if necessary4 ,grace was too astonished to speak for an instant1 then rising1 she put down her palette1 wiped her hands and went forward with an invitation to the ladies to be seated4 ,is this ,miss ,turner8 began ,mrs4 ,dyke1 with a critical glance about the apartment1 and then at ,grace4 ,no1 madam1 ,miss ,turner is not in4 ,she generally returns about five1 but to-day-- ,very well1 we can come again1 for it is very important business4 ,are you the young woman who lives with her8 asked ,mrs4 ,dyke1 as she seated herself with deliberate dignity4 ,this is ,mrs4 ,linberger1 and we have called as the church committee to look after ,miss ,turner's soul1 she continued1 waving her hand majestically toward her companion-in-arms4 ,indeed1 gasped ,grace1 bowing slightly toward ,mrs4 ,linberger1 and coughing a little as she put her handkerchief to her mouth to hide a smile4 ,she belongs to our church1 and we have heard she is being led astray by this blasphemous kind of healing1 pursued ,mrs4 ,dyke1 looking severely at ,grace from under her thick grey veil which hung like a lowering cloud just above her eyes4 ,mr4 ,narrow requested me and ,mrs4 ,linberger to call and examine into the matter4 ,i hope you don't encourage such wickedness1 young woman8 ,certainly ,i am at enmity with any kind of wickedness1 but ,i am not aware of any particular wickedness in ,christian ,healing1 replied ,grace1 bracing herself for the storm she saw brewing4 ,what6 you don't see anything wrong in such awful heresy6 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,dyke1 again pushing her veil up1 and looking with horrified eyes1 first at ,grace1 then at ,mrs4 ,linberger4 ,perhaps you don't understand about it1 she added1 softening a little as she settled back in her chair4 ,i must confess ,i know but very little about it1 but what ,i do know only increases my desire to know more1 said ,grace1 flushing1 as she sat down in the nearest chair4 ,let me warn you not to read or hear another word about it then1 for it will simply be the means of worse than death to you1 continued ,mrs4 ,dyke1 raising her finger solemnly4 ,it destroys the most important doctrines in the ,bible1 even taking away the belief in the devil and hell1 added ,mrs4 ,linberger1 speaking for the first time4 ,yes2 they even deny there ever was a devil or that there ever will be any future punishment4 ,just think of it1 reiterated ,mrs4 ,dyke4 ,i guess they will see1 some time6 she added with a sort of steely satisfaction4 ,do you really believe they lay aside all future punishment8 asked ,grace1 willing to waive the application to herself1 and anxious to hear ,mrs4 ,dyke's views4 ,yes1 they say there is no evil and no devil1 so of course there is no need for punishment4 ,but do they not regard the devil as ,jesus did1 after all8 asked ,grace1 again pursuing her advantage4 ,u-m1 well1 ,jesus recognized him and talked to him1 telling him to get out1 and he often referred to the everlasting punishment1 added ,mrs4 ,dyke again1 with a solemn face4 ,but1 he did not mean a literal fire1 did he1 when ,he spoke of everlasting punishment8 ,mrs4 ,dyke was the catechized instead of the catechizer1 and it was an unaccustomed role1 but she bore it like a soldier4 ,of course he did2 several places in ,matthew he described the lot of the wicked1 and referred to the danger of hell-fire4 ,haven't you studied the ,bible1 ,miss ,hall8 suddenly turning to look straight at ,grace with some severity4 ,i am very much interested in it1 ,mrs4 ,dyke1 but when ,i read that ',god's mercy endureth forever1' and that ',jesus came to destroy the works of the devil1' ,i am inclined to think there must be some mistake about the dreadful wrath that is to last forever1 calmly replied ,grace4 ,and you don't believe in eternal punishment8 cried ,mrs4 ,dyke1 in a shrill voice of astonishment4 ,don't believe in eternal punishment8 echoed ,mrs4 ,linberger4 ,i did not say that4 ,i do think there is punishment so long as there is sin1 but when we believe ,christ has destroyed or can destroy sin1 sickness1 sorrow or death1 which are the devil's works1 they will be destroyed4 ,it must be so if we trust the words of the gospel4 ,well1 ,i am thankful to find ,miss ,turner in such ,christian company at any rate1 said ,mrs4 ,dyke1 as she adjusted her veil1 preparatory to her departure4 ,yes1 indeed2 it is a pleasure to see such an earnest young ,christian1 added ,mrs4 ,linberger1 with a sigh of satisfaction4 ,but1 ladies1 began ,grace1 ,i am not such a---- ,we shall be pleased to have you accompany ,miss ,turner to our meetings some time1 ,miss ,hall1 interrupted ,mrs4 ,dyke1 not heeding what ,grace was saying4 ,here is a card announcing the regular weekly services1 and here are some tracts for you to read4 ,she dealt out a liberal supply1 which ,grace took as she again started to explain1 but a sudden haste had seized her visitors1 and they left1 saying they would try and call some other time1 when ,miss ,turner was at home4 ,as ,grace turned to go back to her painting1 she caught a glance of her reflection in the glass4 ,after looking at it a moment with a quizzical expression1 she suddenly burst into a merry laugh1 saying3 ,i did not know you had turned ,bible teacher4 ,well1 well1 it was funny1 but ,i could not help it1 that she went away with the wrong impression of me1 for she would not listen to my explanation4 ,when ,kate came home she brought another letter from ,mrs4 ,hayden1 but before it was read ,grace told her all about the call by the church committee4 ,kate looked a little grave at first1 but finally straightening up as she took off her gloves and hat1 she said3 ,well1 ,grace1 it is not very pleasant to be waited upon in this fashion1 but ,i suppose if they take me in hand ,i can't help myself1 and so ,i will be resigned to fate4 ,she smiled and spoke cheerily1 but a little tremor of the old fear touched her1 notwithstanding4 ,let us read the letter now1 suggested ,grace1 thinking that would be the best thing to revive ,kate's dampened courage4 ,yes1 ,i am anxious to read it2 ,mr4 ,hayden told me it is on the ,bible1 and very helpful4 ,i am so glad6 she exclaimed1 when it was finished4 ,now ,i can interpret more freely myself1 as ,i plainly see we must use our judgment about the ,bible1 as well as anything else4 ,but what does it mean about the creeds8 she added suddenly1 appealing to ,grace with the old anxious look in her eyes4 ,it means1 said ,grace1 that the ordinary orthodox interpretation of doctrinal points was voted upon by bishops1 presbyters and laity generally1 and because the majority of votes indicated a preference for a certain interpretation1 it was adopted and became the established creed1 and thus we have what is called the ,apostles' ,creed1 which is the basis of all orthodox churches throughout ,christendom4 ,and so with all creeds2 they are all established by majority vote4 ,i should never have known anything about this1 she continued1 if ,i had not been searching so eagerly for some religion that would satisfy1 and in my rambles ,i came across this information4 ,are you sure it is reliable8 was ,kate's almost feverish question4 ,it seemed that she must hold on to something or the last straw that bound her to the teachings of childhood1 would break4 ,it is a matter of history1 and you see ,mrs4 ,hayden has touched upon it1 though very lightly4 ,but it is the grandest historical truth ,i ever read1 for it gives personal liberty4 ,i shall never forget how happy ,i was to learn that the creeds were simply man-made or man-expressed opinions1 for in that case1 ,i too1 had liberty to read and think for myself1 just as well as those who voted upon these various interpretations4 ,grace was handsome when filled with enthusiasm1 and as ,kate looked at her at this moment she thought her face perfectly angelic1 but one more question she must ask of this noble friend1 who knew just what she needed to know and could tell it when she needed it most4 ,do you think ,christian ,healing does away with the creeds of the church8 ,no1 not necessarily4 ,so far as ,i can see1 it merely seeks truth1 and whatever of truth is found anywhere is retained4 ,it is only the husks that are thrown away4 ,indeed ,i can see more in the church than ,i ever could before ,i knew anything of ,christian ,healing1 replied ,grace1 thoughtfully4 ,why1 how is that8 asked ,kate in surprise4 ,the fundamental oneness in their search after ,god4 ,what is back of the creed but a desire to reverence ,deity8 ,that was the origin1 no matter into what it has degenerated now1 and we must judge according to the spirit1 not the letter4 ,oh1 when will the world worship in the unity of the spirit8 sighed ,grace1 longing for the time when questionings and controversies would be at an end4 ,here is ,mrs4 ,dyke1 for instance1 she resumed1 presently1 what is she striving for but to live the true religion as she understands it8 ,i can respect any honest people who live up to their belief1 and the ,christian who moans and sighs and looks doleful because he thinks it is his duty to do so1 is much higher in my estimation than the one who believes it to be right1 but fails to live accordingly4 ,the spirit of religion washes away all differences in the letter1 concluded ,kate1 with a lighter heart than she had when they began their conversation4 ,the vague terror that had occasionally thrust itself upon her during these last few weeks had loosened its hold upon her1 and she realized1 as never before1 that fear1 more than anything else1 had kept her back2 fear of deviating from the traditional and accepted opinions4 ,the ,bible lesson was especially valuable1 because it touched these very points1 and after this little conversation with ,grace on the subject she was like another person4 ,when ,mrs4 ,dyke called a few evenings later1 after a similar interview to the one with ,grace1 she left the battlefield a wiser soldier than when she entered it1 for ,kate had so beautifully proven her religious earnestness1 and more than all had shown such a ,christ-like spirit1 that the sword was beaten into a plowshare and the spear into a pruning hook4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,more things are wrought by prayer ,than this world dreams of4 ,wherefore let thy voice ,rise like a fountain for me night and day1 ,for what are men better than sheep or goats ,that nourish a blind life within the brain1 ,if1 knowing ,god1 they lift not hands of prayer ,both for themselves and those who call them friend8 ,for so the whole round world is every way ,bound by gold chains about the feet of ,god4 --,tennyson4 ,,marlow1 ,september1 ----4 ,dear ,husband3 ,your letter was so full of interest4 ,how glad1 oh how rejoiced ,i am that we are privileged to know this beautiful truth4 ,don't you ever feel like stopping in the midst of your work and giving thanks that you were born in this age8 ,as my eyes open more and more to ,god's goodness and love and power1 ,i am so full of thanks1 there is no room for petitions2 indeed1 ,i should feel as though ,i were begging1 to ask ,god for what ,he has already given me1 and of course ,he gives every child alike1 being 'no respecter of persons4' ,just think of it3 ',eye hath not seen nor ear heard1 neither hath it entered into the heart of man1 to conceive the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him4' ,negative thought1 carnal mind can not know these things1 but as we are cleansed and purified1 the new baptism 'creates in us a new heart1' the loving child's heart turned to its father1 and love shall teach us more and more to read the signs of love4 ,oh1 divine mystery of childhood1 of parenthood1 that brings us into closer and sweeter knowledge of our ,father whose love is infinite4 ,out of the deep silence around us1 filled as it is with the all-abiding presence of ,god1 may we ask for a manifestation of whatever gift we choose to have4 ,these thoughts filled my mind as ,i went to class this afternoon1 and what was my surprise and pleasure to find the lesson to be on the subject of prayer4 ,there is no theme or word so constantly in the mind and on the lips of the ,christ follower as prayer4 ,the oft-repeated injunction of ,jesus was1 'watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation4' ',pray without ceasing4' ,as we study more closely into the life of the ,master1 we find him on all occasions communing with the ,father in prayer4 ,thus we find that this is the most sacred and necessary of all branches of our daily work4 ,prayer is the natural turning of the better self to ,god1 in the attitude of thankfulness1 praise1 supplication or voiceless desire4 ',it must be the spontaneous and almost irrepressible outpouring of the thoughts and feelings of the soul into the listening ear of a present ,god1' said an earnest thinker4 ,to what wonderful depths and heights our prayers lead us when they are thus spontaneous and irrepressible6 ,how well ,david has expressed the gratitude1 the holy trust and majestic praise common to every devout child of ,god4 ',the ,lord is my shepherd1' is blessed affirmation of supreme trust1 the naming of ,god's glorious gifts1 the gratitude for peace1 life1 love1 protection1 friendship1 all the heavenly blessings of ,god's presence in ,god's house4 ,in this wonderful psalm we find1 no doubt1 no thought of waiting for future blessings1 but a grand outpouring of thankfulness for the present4 ,there are no petitions1 no supplications1 no reserves of praise1 but simply the glad recognition and appreciation of the omnipresence and omnipotence of ,good4 ,it was the same feeling1 tempered with a deeper solemnity1 that prompted ,jesus to say ',father1 ,i thank thee that thou hast heard me1' as he was about to perform the mighty miracle of raising ,lazarus4 ,thanks signify the accomplishment of the desire4 ,his request of the ,father was granted before he had even preferred it1 for he knew the law and realized it--that ,god is life and knows not death--but the form of words was observed because that makes the law a visible fact4 ,father is the human naming for this divine ,love that ever waits for the spoken word in order to be revealed4 ,to ,jesus it was the dearest and best name of all by which to address or speak to the one great ,helper1 ,guide1 ,friend4 ',father1 ,i thank thee1' was often on his lips1 and it was to the ',father who seeth in secret' that he bade his disciples pray4 ,in the secret consciousness of oneness with the ,father there may be no reservations1 no concealments1 no hypocritical bigotry1 no thought of self1 only a glad going out with all our heart and soul to the ,father1 a trustful acknowledgment of the ,good4 ,this is the attitude of true prayer4 ,the devout soul is always praying1 because it consciously lives with ,god4 ,there are times of praise1 adoration1 extolment1 when thankfulness is more exuberant1 runs over into bursting joy1 and times when longing desire carries us into the very bosom of ,god4 ,we long for comfort1 for love1 for peace1 with an unutterable agony of longing1 and are met with an unutterable joy of satisfaction1 if we but turn to ,him and acknowledge1 but an indispensable preliminary to prayer is fasting4 ,the power of accomplishment in fasting and prayer equals a decree4 ,the conditions upon which hinge our use of the divine power are1 first1'putting away iniquity'--fasting2 second1 turning to ,god--prayer4 ,then comes the power to decree2 then we see the truth of ,jesus' promise3 ',all things whatsoever ye pray and ask for1 believe that ye have received them1 and ye shall have them4' ,then we look into the face of the ,almighty and reflect the same power1 are able to do a like work1 make visible the things of ,his creation by speaking the word of acknowledgment1 that they are already established4 ,it was this kind of prayer that enabled the disciples to heal the sick1 cast out demons and do all the wonderful works4 ,failure was simply a sign of unfaithfulness in prayer4 ',oh1 ye of little faith6' was the ,master's explanatory exclamation4 ,here was a most essential requisite--faith in the ,father1 who alone is the power2 faith and trust in the invisible ,all4 ,why do we pray so much with no answer to even our most devout aspirations8 ,because1 like the disciples1 we have too little faith4 ,the heart-weary mother has prayed for her son1 and he still goes the 'broad way that leadeth to destruction1' as she thinks2 but for her heart-weariness1 which is but lack of faith1 he might have been turned into 'paths of righteousness4' ,with her mind continually burdened with fear1 dire forebodings and anxious doubts1 she has asked1 begged1 beseeched the mighty ,ruler of destinies to soften the heart of her wayward boy4 ,thankfulness that ,god has given to her child the common inheritance to all possible blessings1 a pure spiritual nature1 the reflection of the ,all-,good1 has never entered her thought to express4 ,her mind is divided between a conception of good and a conception of its opposite--evil4 ,the result is years of hopeless praying1 years of hopeless waiting4 ',a house divided against itself can not stand4' ',pray1 believing that ye have received4' ,thus1 ',i thank ,thee1 ,father1 for the perfect reflection of ,thyself in my son4 ,he is whole because he lives in and of ,thy wholeness4 ,i thank ,thee that ,thou hast already done more than ,i could ask4 ',it is finished4' ,into ,thy hands ,i commend my all4' ,in this is the simple recognition of the ,all-,father1 ,his love and ,his omnipotence4 ,and after this1 what8 ,trust--unwavering1 childlike trust4 ,so the burden is truly 'cast upon the ,lord1' evil is overcome1 swallowed up in the ,good4 ,with such mighty faith1 what a cleansing there would be6 what a sincere1 glad rejoicing that the true relation between ,god and man were proven1 for faith is the bond between the invisible and the visible1 a 'basis of things hoped for1 a conviction of things unseen4' ,with what devoutness1 then1 would we name the needs and aspirations8 ,with what certainty would we assert that we have 'already received8' ,not far off in the intangible somewhere1 but here1 there1 everywhere may we find the ,good1 and 'he that dwelleth in the secret place of the ,most ,high shall abide under the shadow of the ,almighty4' ,to dwell in the secret place1 in the pure and righteous thought1 is to be always under the protection of the ,most ,high4 ,to be able to say1 ',he is my refuge and my fortress1' is the grand privilege given to the heir of the ,king1 the heir that has come to the full knowledge of his inheritance and thankfully uses it4 ',the effectual1 fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much1' wrote the wise and righteous ,james4 ,there is an infinite promise of the fulfillment of righteousness in these words4 ,they contain the key to all accomplishment or all failure4 ,the righteous man is one who 'walketh righteously1 speaketh uprightly1 stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood1 shutteth his eyes from seeing evil' 7prayer and fasting74 ,the righteous man decrees magnificently and trusts infinitely4 ,he does not approach ,god like a cringing servant1 licking the dust at his master's feet1 but like a ,prince who enters his ,father's presence with the simple statement of his wants1 and knowing his ,father's will takes the glorious gift with thanksgiving and praise4 ,is it health he would have manifested for himself or his neighbor8 ,he confidently acknowledges the health1 even though he can not see it1 the health with which all humanity is endowed1 if it would claim its endowment4 ,is it peace1 power1 strength he desires1 he again goes to the royal treasury4 ,with the right word he climbs the stair of heaven2 with the right faith he enters his ,father's house1 where all things abound4 ,the righteous man is of one mind1 the divine ,mind that works through him4 ,were all the praying world of one mind1 think you a ,lincoln would have been martyred1 a ,garfield sacrificed1 or tender little children lost to our sight8 ,god is the same forever4 ,there is no inharmony to come from ,harmony4 ,be of one mind2 let the divine ,mind work through you2 acknowledge only the divine creation1 and then all beliefs in the opposite of ,god will be destroyed4 ,the immaculate ,christ 7,truth7 destroys the works of the evil 7error7 to-day1 even as in the far away centuries of the past1 'if so be you let the ,mind that was in ,christ ,jesus be in you4' ,the practical naming of daily prayer is denial and affirmation1 denying evil or undesirable conditions1 and acknowledging the ,good or absolute4 ',being is the vast affirmative excluding negation1 self-balanced and swallowing up all relations1 parts and times within itself4 ,nature1 truth1 virtue1 are the influx from thence1' said ,emerson1 noting the absoluteness of that which is4 ,to become one with this affirmative ,allness1 is to manifest the affirmative condition of ,being4 ,paul says in ,titus3 ',the grace of ,god hath appeared to all men1 teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly desires1 we should live soberly1 righteously and godly in this present world2' and in the next chapter1 referring to the same subject3 ',this is a faithful saying1 and these things ,i will that thou affirm constantly1 that they which hath believed in ,god might be careful to maintain good works4' ,there is no ceasing of this most necessary process4 ,it is only by denying and affirming constantly that we fast and pray1 thus fitting ourselves for the cleansing ministry4 ,it is to 'be diligent in season and out of season1' if we would gain the true reflection from ,omnipotence4 ,what the sun is to the flower1 ,thou to us art every hour2 ,like the dew on lily's breast ,fall all blessings from the ,best4 ,not alone in day would we ,turn our faces1 ,lord1 to ,thee1 ,but through lowering clouds of night ,would reflect ,thy radiant light2 ,thanking ,thee for all ,thy care1 ,may our lives be filled with prayer4 ,what an outpouring there was in the silence after this4 ,such a flood of reverence and trustfulness filled my heart1 and instantly it flashed upon me that ,god requires no outward forms or ceremonies of ,his children1 except they be the spontaneous and involuntary expression of an overflowing heart4 ,kneeling in prayer was first prompted by reverence and not the servile form into which it has too much degenerated4 ,a form is only a sign at best4 ,if there is nothing to prompt the sign1 what a mockery it is6 ,truly1 'the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life4' ,exactly how these thoughts came to me ,i can not tell1 but after the silence ,i knew by a great and sudden wave of understanding1 things that ,i had never thought of before1 and to attempt to tell them would be like trying to catch the sunshine4 ,the hint ,i have tried to give seems very far from the reality of my experience--but what are words compared to thoughts1 anyway6444 ,my heart is too full4 ,i know now what 'inexpressible' means4 ,good bye1 with love to all4 ,,marion4 ,p4 ,s4 ,i had just finished my letter when ,mrs4 ,dawn and ,miss ,singleton came in4 ,they too1 had something wonderful in the silence4 ,it seems too sacred to tell1 but to you three who are so earnestly seeking the way of ,truth1 ,i can say what might seem sacrilege to the thoughtless world4 ,miss ,singleton had realized in those few moments the inexpressible meaning of the ,lord's prayer4 ',why1' she said1 'why1 if we could realize what it means1 there would be no more sickness1 sin or death4 ,it seemed to me the very heavens opened1 and ,i looked upon a broad white shining light like a path1 only it was broadened and broadened as ,i looked1 till it became wide enough to cover the whole earth4 ,this is to be wherever the kingdom has come upon earth4 ,wherever the thoughts are heavenly and pure there the ,father is1 there heaven1 wholeness1 health are1 and ,i could realize that the light is here1 but ignorance keeps it veiled1 so that verily the 'light shineth in darkness but the darkness comprehendeth it not4' ,talk of sickness1 trouble1 sorrow1 why1 they are nothing6 ,the light is here1 the kingdom of heaven has come1 and been here all the time4 ,jesus knew it1 but he had to use language they could understand4 ,he knew if they prayed faithfully in that spirit1 bye and bye the spiritual meanings would flash upon them4 ,oh1 how much1 how much it means6 ,i can never lose this1 for it means unutterable things1 and ,i know there is no reality in sickness for ,i am well6' ,miss ,singleton is1 or has been troubled for years with heart disease and a slight curvature of the spine4 ,it was not very light in the room1 and ,i had not noticed her figure particularly1 but as she spoke1 her face fairly shone with a heavenly light 7,i can think of nothing else to describe it71 and she was straight as any one6 ,she declared over and over that she was well1 but more than all else she appreciated the spiritual uplifting and knowledge that had come4 ,mrs4 ,dawn had no special revelation to-day1 but she seems to be unfolding most beautifully4 ,we talked a long time1 and then sat in the silence4 ,they have just gone4 ,how ,i wish ,i could see you1 but it is late and ,i must again close4 ,give my love to ,grace and ,kate4 ,i am so glad ,kate is getting into the light4 ,i felt she would be all right after she begun4 ,of course1 ,kate1 you will read this1 but you will not care1 ,i am sure4 ,m4 ,h4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,not till the soul acts with all its strength1 strains its every faculty1 does prayer begin4--,frances ,power ,cobbe4 ,i have always thought a great deal on the subject of prayer1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 drawing his chair up closer and bending over to look at his listeners1 ,grace and ,kate1 who had called to get the letter which had just been read1 and it appears to me1 he continued1 that subject has been misunderstood4 ,well8 interrogated ,grace4 ,well1 we have always been taught to pray to a ,god who could be informed of our wants and needs1 and be induced to change ,his mind about the method of dealing with them1 or be softened in ,his judgments concerning ,his children4 ,now if ,god is all-wise and all-powerful1 why need we so carefully instruct ,him8 ,if ,he is all ,love why need we ask ,him with piteous tears to bless our sick and afflicted8 ,if ,he is everywhere present1 and no respecter of persons1 why need we ask ,him to do for one more than for another8 ,as ,god is omniscient1 is ,he not all the knowledge there is8 ,the great mistake has been to regard ,deity as ,person1 instead of ,principle1 said ,grace1 as he paused a moment4 ,as ,god is changeless and eternal1 the essence of ,love and ,life1 he went on1 not heeding the interruption1 how can it be otherwise than that we have an influx of this divine ,life into ourselves as we acknowledge its eternal and omnipresent existence1 realizing the truth of what we say8 ,there the trouble has been1 said ,kate1 taking up his thought1 that we have not realized the divine ,presence which we call ,truth1 because we have not acknowledged it4 ,that is exactly the reason1 and it needs a constant acknowledgment of the ,good to keep us from admitting false beliefs that beset us because of an acknowledgment of the opposite of the ,good4 ,what then is your idea of the true method of prayer8 asked ,kate1 much interested4 ,more of thanksgiving1 as ,mrs4 ,pearl teaches4 ,i like her comparison to the servant and prince4 ,we can not dwell too much on the thought that ,god is always giving us blessings4 ,they are here1 have been from the beginning of all knowledge1 and our part is to take them4 ,i often think of that comparison between the earthly and the heavenly ,father1 given by ,jesus1 when he said3 ',if ye then1 being evil1 know how to give good gifts unto your children1 how much more shall your ,father which is in heaven1 give good things to them that ask ,him8' ,here is ,mabel1 for instance4 ,passionately fond of flowers as she is1 suppose some day ,i should bring her a rare bouquet from the florist's1 and with a smile hold them out to her1 saying3 ',here ,mabel1 are some roses for you6' ,how would ,i feel if she came with the most pathetic expression of longing and misery in her face1 and dropping down on her knees1 should beg me to give her one flower8 ,but instead1 like a true child that knows the father love1 she would fly to take the beautiful gift and say1 ',oh1 thank you1 papa6' as she gives me a rapturous kiss1 then runs for a vase to hold her treasures4 ,indeed1 that is like the true child we all should become1 and give thanks for the beautiful gifts of ,god1 said ,kate1 softly1 as if to herself4 ,what do you think of the ,lord's prayer as it was revealed to the lady8 asked ,grace1 to whom this part of the letter seemed a little hard to understand4 ,i think her revelation far exceeds mine1 but ,i have enough to know that it is as she says3 ',we must finally get the inner meaning1 but ,i would uncover the spiritual ideas by clothing them in more spiritual language4' ,it would be a great help if you would interpret it for us1 said ,kate1 moving her chair closer in her eagerness to hear4 ,wait a moment1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 as he went for the ,bible4 ,i don't know very well how to word it1 but the thought came to me this morning1 and became much plainer after ,i had read the letter4 ,he read the ,lord's ,prayer1 then gave his conception of the spiritual meaning4 ,all-pervading ,father-,mother ,spirit1 which art in all harmony1 revered and holy is ,thy name4 ,thy peace and love and righteousness is conceived and realized amid earthly environments as it is in the highest state of harmony4 ,give to us each day the hidden manna1 the living word that sustains us1 and give us the truth for error as we in our divine likeness to ,thee1 give truth for error to those who err against us4 ,leave or let us not in temptation1 but preserve us from all thoughts that would dishonor ,thee1 for ,thine is the kingdom and power and glory forever4 ,that is wonderful4 ,oh1 how beautiful it all is1 exclaimed ,kate with much feeling4 ,isn't it8 added ,grace1 and quite in accord with the passage quoted by ,mrs4 ,hayden1'what things soever ye desire1 that--' ,same principle1 recognizing the omnipresence of all things good1 and acknowledging the gift as already given1 interrupted ,mr4 ,hayden1 shutting his book and rising to put it away4 ,how would you construe the passage where it says1 'with prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to ,god8' asked ,kate4 ,oh1 but you have not quoted it all3 ',with prayer and supplication1 with thanksgiving let your requests be made known1' replied ,mr4 ,hayden1 smiling4 ,it means1 continue to ask1 and expect to receive and give thanks1 not only by word1 but by proper use of what you already have4 ',if ye continue in my word1' was the condition1 so it must be that we continue to ask and give thanks1 even if our petition is not visibly answered at once4 ,mr4 ,hayden had some advantage in his study over the girls1 for these things had been more or less considered by himself and ,mrs4 ,hayden ever since her recovery1 and it was no wonder he could explain so readily4 ,after all1 how would you apply this way of praying to giving treatments8 asked ,grace4 ,i am anxious for the practical application4 ,why1 it is all practical1 as far as the individual is concerned1 but the application to others we have yet to learn1 though ,i imagine it is the same4 ,it is simply being negative to false conditions1 thus putting them off1 and affirmative to true conditions1 absorbing them as the flower does the light and heat4 ,well1 it is a beautiful idea of prayer at any rate1 remarked ,grace4 ,they soon went home1 still discussing and deeply pondering the subject4 99 99 99 99 99 ,grace1 what do you suppose ,i did to-day8 cried ,kate1 breathlessly1 as she rushed in the next evening4 ,can't imagine1 unless you cured little ,tim1 the newsboy1 laughed ,grace1 making her guess extravagant enough4 ,no1 but really1 ,i treated ,fannie for a dreadful headache4 ,of course ,i said nothing to her1 but she was stumbling so over her music1 ,i asked her what was the matter1 and when she told me ,i treated her4 ,in just a few moments she brightened up and said she felt better1 and before we got through it was all gone4 ,wasn't that delightful8 ,very1 and ,i am so glad4 ,how did you do it8 ,well1 ,i can hardly tell1 but the talk we had yesterday with ,mr4 ,hayden gave me a clearer idea than ,i had before1 and ,i just denied the headache and acknowledged the truth that she was spiritually well2 then waited a few moments and gave thanks that it was so4 ,how glad we ought to be for the privilege of reading ,mrs4 ,hayden's letters1 said ,grace1 thoughtfully1 as she smoothed her hair and washed her hands4 ,yes1 and what a goose ,i was about it1 ,kate replied4 ,i would scarcely take the chance when it was offered1 and if it had been any one but ,mrs4 ,hayden1 ,i do believe ,i should have refused point blank4 ,we know so little what is right when we judge in the old way1 said ,grace4 ,now1 if ,i actually hadn't seen that woman cured1 and known positively how she was before1 nothing would have induced me to spend my time on this1 although1 from the first1 ,i rather liked the theory4 ,where is my gingham apron8 called ,kate1 looking in the dark closet where she had hung it4 ,kate1 ,i'm thoroughly reformed1 as you will know when ,i tell you ,i am perfectly willing to perform the culinary duties to-night1 and ,i will be the cook while you discourse some music for my edification1 laughed ,grace1 as she emerged from the studio with her sleeves rolled back1 and the lost apron pinned around her4 ,what6 cried ,kate1 holding up both hands with a mock-tragic air4 ,do you really mean it8 ,of course1 and ,i will show you what a talent ,i have for poaching eggs and making toast4 ,the girls were in the habit of dividing their work according to their personal tastes4 ,kate liked to prepare dainty meals and wash dishes1 while ,grace preferred to sweep and dust1 and arrange things to suit her artistic eye4 ,each disliked the other's part of the work1 so they were well content to have it so divided4 ,go on1 now1 ordered ,grace1 and play for me4 ,i want some music2 but1 first of all1 tell me where the eggs are1 and how long should they boil8 ,the eggs are in the tin pail on the third shelf in the closet4 ,they should boil till they are a pretty blue white4 ,very well1 now ,i can dispense with your company4 ,kate laughed merrily1 and sitting down to the piano1 played till ,grace called her out to dine4 ,it seems rather nice to come home and play lady1 she remarked1 as she went out where ,grace was4 ,well1 really1 ,kate1 ,i was thinking this afternoon that there is not so much difference in the kinds of work as there is in the thoughts you have when you work1 and ,i resolved1 that to refrain from certain duties because one does not like them is selfish1 and makes a person one-sided4 ,then ,i could see no reason why ,i should dislike to cook1 and concluded to try it4 ,i believe you are right about the one-sidedness1 said ,kate1 soberly4 ,i do want to grow into a rounded character1 and am just realizing the necessity of doing things that lie nearest us1 whether it is washing dishes1 painting or scrubbing4 ,if ,i get so ,i can think right about things ,i'm sure ,i shall like them4 ,that is true4 ,i have already noticed a vast difference in my patience in giving lessons4 ,you know some days ,i would be so nervous and get so exasperated with ,fannie ,thornton and ,jenny ,miles1 ,i didn't know what to do with myself1 but the last few days ,i have not minded them at all1 in fact ,i got along better with ,fannie than ever before1 and it was just because ,i kept from thinking she was contrary and stupid4 ,well1 that is a practical application of your lesson4 ,i think we ought to apply it to everything we do1 replied ,grace4 ,one of the chief beauties of this ,christianity is that it goes into every thought and action1 said ,kate1 thoughtfully1 adjusting her hair4 ,oh6 she added a moment later1 ,i forgot to give you the letter that came to-day4 ,she pulled it out of her pocket all crumpled and gave it to ,grace1 who glanced at her name on the envelope and then grew white about the mouth as she hastily put it into her pocket1 remarking in an ordinary tone1 ,it will keep a little longer4 ,little was said by either for some time4 ,grace was preoccupied and ,kate furtively watched her face1 for this was an unaccountable procedure1 although occasionally ,grace had been affected the same way before4 ,she insisted on washing the dishes1 and was glad indeed that she had it to do1 while ,kate poured her thoughts into music1 feeling that she could best show sympathy for her friend by this1 to her1 most expressive way4 ,as for ,grace1 she waited till she had quite finished her work and then sat down to read the letter4 ,she well knew it was from ,leon ,carrington1 a suitor1 whom she had rejected on the plea that she wished to be wedded solely to her art4 ,pride had forbidden her being frank enough to tell him the real reason1 caused by an impeachment made against his character1 by one whom she implicitly trusted as a friend4 ,her bitter resolve was the result1 and while it was true she loved and desired to spend her life in pursuing her art1 she had compelled herself to think she loved it best1 and so told him it was first choice4 ,hers was a proud1 deep nature1 and rather than admit that she had loved or could love one whom she considered unworthy1 she cut the matter short by a decided rejection4 ,it had cost her a mighty effort to come to this decision1 and when she came out of the trial1 she had lost her faith in all men4 ,on all other points but this1 ,grace was sound and sweet in her general disposition1 but any talk on marriage she would never tolerate even with ,kate4 ,this was the third letter he had written in the two years since he went away1 and as in the preceding1 he fervently begged her to reconsider4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,life hath its ,tabor heights1 ,its lofty mounts of heavenly recognition1 ,whose unveiled glories flash to earth munition ,of love1 and truth1 and clearer intuition3 ,hail6 mount of all delights6 --,i4 ,c4 ,gilbert4 ,,marlow1 ,september ----4 ,good morning1 dear ones all6 ,i must tell you a little of yesterday before ,i go to the lesson to-day4 ,we were not in class1 and ,i staid in my room all day trying to solve the many questions that present themselves to us all1 and to claim a little more understanding4 ,many points became very much clearer after my long meditation in the silence4 ,in the evening ,i ran down to see ,mrs4 ,dawn1 who is several blocks away4 ,we were so interested1 so completely absorbed in telling our thoughts and experiences1 that it was after eleven o'clock when ,i arose to go1 and then she accompanied me home1 only intending to come part way1 but as we passed a little low house about half way home1 the door suddenly opened and a little girl of ten or twelve years ran out sobbing1 ',the baby is dying6 the baby is dying6' ,she was going up an outside stairway to inform a neighbor4 ,we rushed into the house and found the frantic mother sobbing and wailing over her baby apparently in the last agonies of death4 ',what is it8 ,can't we do something for you8' we asked1 not knowing what else to say4 ',oh1 my baby1 my precious baby is dying6 ,don't you see8 she is almost gone4' ,indeed1 for an instant it seemed the little life had gone out1 when1 like a flash of lightning1 the words came to my inner self1 ',there is no death4' ',he that believeth on me shall not see death2' ',i am the way the truth and the life4' ',treat1' ,i whispered to ,mrs4 ,dawn1 and soon the awful lie was denied by us in the peaceful silence of our own souls2 for all consciousness of appearances had vanished as we denied death and its power1 till we could command the waves of mortal thought to subside and say1 ',peace1 be still4' ,it was the ,master1 the ,christ within1 who spoke for us1 and we were filled with the mighty peace and calmness of ,truth that worked through us and was immediately made manifest4 ,the little face relaxed1 the eyes lost their glassy stare1 the color returned to the pale lips4 ,the mother ceased her mourning and gazed at the precious child in awesome silence4 ,the neighbor and the little girl who had come in1 stood by in hushed amazement4 ,for a while all felt the presence of the great invisible ,power that had wrought so wondrous a work in their midst1 although no one knew but ourselves what had been done4 ,presently the mother leaned back in her chair with a sigh of relief1 awaiting the doctor1 for whom her husband had gone before we entered the house4 ,we waited till he came1 and then quietly slipped out4 ,mrs4 ,dawn came clear home with me1 and we found our thoughts and feelings had been almost identical in this remarkable experience1 showing the oneness of truth4 ,it is something we shall never forget1 for it was indeed from the very depths of our being we were stirred and thrilled with the mighty ,principle4 ,this morning ,i went to see the baby1 and found it quite bright and happy1 but still breathing a little heavily4 ,the ,m4 ,d4 had left medicine1 and of course1 they were giving it 'according to directions4' ,i told the mother something of the ,healing1 and she readily acknowledged that something mysterious had saved her child's life1 because it certainly was dying as much as the child she had lost years ago4 ',after you left last night1 the neighbor who was here said like as not you were ,christian healers or whatever that is1 but she did not believe a word in it1 and that it was all nonsense1 but ,i told her ,i didn't care4 ,i thought you saved my baby1 and the doctor said it had grown much better since he came4 ',well1' says ,i1 'ef you had seen her condition when the ladies came in1 you would say she is better4' ',oh1 we won't argue about what made her better1 whether medicine or something else2 all we want now is to have the child cured1' said the doctor1 very kind-like1 and ,i really thought a great deal better of him than ,i had before1 for most ,m4 ,d4's think they know everything1' she said4 ,i was so glad to find she acknowledged even this much1 so ,i talked a little longer1 and explained the necessity of perfect trust in ,god1 and the consequences of distrust in ,him4 ,she seemed very responsive and ready to believe1 but then1 who would not believe after such a demonstration8 ,i have felt awed and hushed all the morning1 remembering the mighty something surging through me4 ,it seems hard to believe that at last my desire to have some grand sign shown me is already fulfilled4 ,mrs4 ,pearl talked beautifully this afternoon on understanding4 ,i wish you could hear the lectures as she gives them1 with all her grace and beauty and impressiveness4 ,here is the essence of the lesson3 ,as we evolve from material to spiritual understanding1 we put ourselves more and more into the divine current of ,life1 ,health1 ,goodness1 which is ,god4 ,the higher our ideal1 the higher our attainment4 ,believing in ,god as supreme ,love1 we find it impossible to conceive of wrath1 jealousy1 revenge1 as emanating from or existing in ,him1 ,her or ,it4 ,as we are filled with love1 it becomes universal4 ,everybody is judged by its tender charity1 everything is tinged with its warm radiance4 ,as ,paul so beautifully wrote3 ',love suffereth long and is kind1 love envieth not1 vaunteth not itself1 is not puffed up1 doth not behave itself unseemly1 seeketh not its own1 is not provoked1 taketh not account of evil1 rejoiceth not in unrighteousness1 but rejoiceth in the truth4444 ,love never faileth4' ,if this be a standard by which to judge the love of men1 how much more appropriately might it judge ,god1 who is love itself4 ,in proportion as we are freed from the ignorance and narrowness of primitive1 ancient opinions concerning ,god1 we shall rise to broader and tenderer and truer conceptions of ,him4 ,to the warm1 sympathetic heart1 that knows the deepest needs of humanity1 the 'mercy that endureth forever' is an established fact of the universal ,love4 ,to understand this ,love is to be at one with it1 to do the works and think the thoughts of ,love4 ,it is essential1 then1 first to understand the law of effort1 then faith1 then love1 then spiritual understanding1 which is the goal toward which we all hasten--understanding of all spiritual things1 understanding of ,god1 who is all spirit4 ,as we make the effort we receive faith1 as we use faith we grow in the power and capacity of love1 and love brings us the fullness of all things1 even understanding of infinite wisdom4 ,every glimpse of truth we have ever had1 every glorious breath of freedom1 is but a hint of what will be when we have 'awakened to righteousness4' ,we gain our knowledge by and through the law of right speaking and consequently right acting4 ,in the ,bible1 the ,new ,testament especially1 great stress is laid upon the power of words4 ,solomon wrote1 ',how forcible are right words4' ',life and death are in the power of the tongue1' and from ,st4 ,paul we hear1 ',hold fast the form of sound words2' and ,james' admonition1 ',be ye doers of the word and not hearers only1' show that both considered it necessary to speak the word if they would manifest its power4 ,but there is another and a holier office given to the word and that is the office of atonement4 ,the original meaning of atone was to 'make at-one1 to agree1 to be in accordance1 to accord4' ,to be at-one with a person is to be in such perfect sympathy that the thoughts of both are the thoughts and feelings of one4 ,another illustration would be to say of a chip thrown into the river1 it is at-one with the current4 ,in this sense we should aim to be so at-one with the divine ,principle that we may say with ,jesus1 ',i am one with the ,father1' for did he not say3 ',they are not of this world even as ,i am not of this world1' and ',that they may be one even we are one4' ,to speak absolute ,truth is to come into the true at-one-ment1 to be at one with the divine ,mind1 to realize that ,christ the ,truth is the atoning power4 ,the ,christ is the impersonal ,word of ,truth which we are to speak1 for 'unto us hath been committed the word of reconciliation' or atonement4 ,when we think true thoughts and catch true ideas1 when we understand true meanings and love true knowledge1 we are sustained by the living word which sustains all who speak and live it1 because we are truly at one with the divine ,word4 ,knowing the meaning of ,christ to be ,truth1 blood to be life or word1 and sin to be error1 we catch the spiritual meaning of the phrase 'sins washed away by the blood of ,christ1' which is1 sins or errors washed away by the word of ,truth4 ,in that wonderful sermon in the sixth chapter of ,john1 ,jesus used the term blood as a symbol of his words1 and emphatically told his disciples1 when they persisted in taking his sayings literally1 'the flesh profiteth nothing1 the words that ,i speak unto you1 they are spirit and they are life4' ,that the ,bible writers used the figurative language of those times1 must be taken into account when reading points that have been made foundation doctrines4 ,owing to the ancient custom of sacrificing animals to appease the wrath of ,god1 whom they regarded as subject to anger1 jealousy or any human passion1 they used figurative language when describing ,jesus as the ,lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world4 ,in one of the inspired moments of the prophet1 when he apprehended ,god as a ,god of ,love1 he cried out1 ',i have desired mercy and not sacrifice2 and the knowledge of ,god more than burnt offering4' ,it is the knowledge of ,god1 the word of truth1 that will save1 and the only sacrifice is the sacrifice of self which makes the atonement possible4 ,to fast from all selfishness is to keep the true fast1 so beautifully described in the fifty-eighth chapter of ,isaiah4 ',is it not to loose the bands of wickedness1 to undo the heavy burdens1 to let the oppressed go free1 to break every yoke8 ,then shall thy light break forth as the morning1 and thine health shall spring forth speedily4' ,here is the fruit of atonement1 the result of understanding1 for understanding ,god and being at one with ,god1 is in reality the same4 ,as we understand ,god we shall be at one with ,him1 and to be at one with ,god is to be whole1 for ,he is ,holiness1 wholeness1 health4 ',if thine eye be single1 then shall thy whole body be full of light4' ,to be single in recognizing the one ,mind1 one ,power1 one ,creation1 is to be filled with light1 which is life1 which is health1 for as the mind1 consciousness1 becomes illuminated1 the body responds by recording the history of thought upon the visible page or body4 ,it is the revealment of ,god that we seek1 and our individual relation to ,him4 ,what more is there for us to know after we know ,him1 for is not ,he all there really is8 ,he has given many marvelous signs to ,his children1 who must be taught in simple childish ways and the 'still small voice' is ever near1 speaking to whomsoever will listen4 ,it is the inner guide1 the 'spirit of truth that guides us into all truth4' ,then we are 'clothed upon1' we have returned to our ,father's house and the feast is spread1 the rejoicing has begun4 ,for awhile our only conception of power1 is in visible manifestations or feelings1 but there comes a time when 'to be alone with silence is to be alone with ,god1' when joy is unutterable1 and love the very potency of silence1 when we wait with bated breath and let the divine ,thought surge through us1 when we put away all material beliefs and stand glorified in the 'secret of ,his ,presence4' ,then indeed are we baptized of the spirit1 and in the silent chamber of our new consciousness may we hear the blessed words1 ',thou art my beloved son4' ,no longer ',thou shalt and thou shalt not1' but the sweet affirmation of sonship1 of daughtership1 of the precious benediction of a ,father's love4 ,then glad light rushes into every dark crevice of our mind4 ,we see as we never saw before1 we understand as we never understood before1 we speak as we never spoke before1 we live as we never lived before1 because we have been lifted out of the depths of ignorance to the radiant heights of the ,promised ,land1 because we hear the angel saying as of old1 ',behold the tabernacle of ,god is with men1 and he will dwell with them1 and they shall be his people1 and ,god himself shall be with them and be their ,god 444 and ,god shall wipe away all tears from their eyes1 and there shall be no more death1 neither sorrow nor crying1 neither shall there be any more pain1 for the former things are passed away4' ,finally1 oh my husband1 because we have been born again1 and so find ourselves within the royal gates1 the palace doors open to receive us and the insignia of royalty written upon our faces1 for we shall be stamped with the signs of understanding1 and know1 as ,jesus did1 'it is not ,i1 but the ,father that dwelleth in me1 ,he doeth the works4' ,then1 as the beauteous sunlight bathes and blesses all the world with its effulgent glory1 so will the light of ,truth1 known as understanding1 shine through us and turn pain into peace1 sadness into joy1 sickness into health1 error into truth4 ',wisdom ripens into silence1 ,and the lesson she doth teach1 ,is1 that life is more than language1 ,and that thought is more than speech4' ,how ,i long for this ultimate experience6 ,how ,i yearn for the fullness of this knowledge now2 for the ripened wisdom that shall unlock the doors of my own consciousness1 but ,i know1 dear1 this will come to us if we are faithful to the few little steps we know1 no matter how we stumble and fall in taking them4 ,oh1 that we may reach out to all the world in the sweet ministry of 'peace on earth1 good will to men4' ,you say 'there is a rift in the clouds for you1 too1 and the vague something which sometimes loomed up in your horizon is gone4' ,how glad ,i am1 no words can tell4 ,what a change there will be6 ,the old past shall be sweetened and sanctified by the new present1 and only the good memories shall remain4 ,what a blessed comfort in this thought1 'the ,lord shall be thy rear ward4' ,we have nothing to do with the past1 for it shall be utterly annulled4 ,the ,truth has erased it1 and it is swallowed up in the good in proportion as we recognize only the ,good4 ,this thought is a great consolation to me when ,i recall the hasty words ,i used to say when my temper got the better of me4 ,oh1 that old failing6 ,i hope it is forever vanquished--but there1 ,i must not forget to be scientific1 and of course it is not scientific to talk of error in any way4 ,jamie is a dear little scamp1 if he did try to break the rules and get something to eat between meals by playing prairie dog4 ,it must have been very funny to see him sitting in the attitude of a begging dog1 mutely appealing for something1 and being obliged at last to suggest that there was candy on the top shelf4 ,even my heart would have softened for the innocent little trickster4 ,well1 really1 we must try to give the children the liberty we older children desire and insist upon having in such a headstrong way4 ,bless my little darlings6 ,they shall realize the absence of fear1 the presence of love in their home1 which we must strive more and more to make typical of the great ,home in which we are all members4 ,i feel that they are dearer now than ever4 ,my love is more unselfish1 and ,i can really feel that they are truly consecrated to the ,good1 because ,i know how to hold them in the thought of the ,good1 how to annul the opposite influences and fill their minds with the sweet1 pure1 ennobling realizations of ,love4 ,meekly ,i say this1 because ,i know not my own strength1 or rather ,i know not how much divine strength ,i may recognize and use1 but this is the right path1 and ,i earnestly desire to walk in it4 ,you know some people say 7in their ignorance1 of course7 that this free thinking breaks up families4 ,oh1 if they could only know1 on the other hand1 how it strengthens the bonds1 how it clears up misunderstandings and falsities1 how it teaches us the sacredness of family relations1 and brings us into spiritual oneness1 which is the only true marriage4 ,spiritual light has come to me on this subject which can not be put into words1 but some time you will know what ,i know1 and we shall both be blessed by the knowledge4 ,peace be unto all ,god's children4 ,your loving ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,if thou art worn and hard beset1 ,with troubles that thou would'st forget1 ,if thou would'st read a lesson that will keep ,thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep1 ,go to the woods and hills6 ,no tears ,dim the sweet look that ,nature wears4 --,h4 ,w4 ,longfellow4 ,grace was in deep perplexity4 ,she pondered her problem over and over1 and though in reality she felt more like flinging pride to the winds than ever before1 she was not able to formulate or even consciously name her thoughts4 ,a strange1 unsettled feeling possessed her4 ,she wondered at herself that she did not contemptuously throw this letter of ,leon ,carrington's into the fire1 as she had the other two1 but for some reason did not do so4 ,all night she was uneasy and slept but little4 ,the next morning she announced to ,kate that she would spend the day at ,rosewood1 sketching4 ,what the trouble was1 ,kate could only surmise1 but wisely held her peace feeling instinctively that now was no time for questions4 ,she was relieved to hear of the prospective recreation1 for ,grace always came back from these trips with so much fresh inspiration1 and renewed enthusiasm4 ,it was a beautiful day1 one of those mild1 hazy days of ,october that seem made to teach humanity some of its most sacred lessons4 ,nature is the best of teachers if we know how to read her mystic pages1 her many and varied beauties1 her wide diversities of expression1 her fine subtlety of language1 for she is the handmaid of ,truth1 inasmuch as she holds before our admiring eyes pictures of ,truth and its wondrous laws4 ,if we can interpret the pictures1 we are wiser and better and happier4 ,grace was ever ready to listen to the oracles of nature1 but now they held a sweeter message than ever before1 and she keenly anticipated the pleasure in store for her as she seated herself in the car and disposed of her sketching materials for the half hour's ride to ,rosewood1 a pretty little woodland station near ,hampton4 ,she generally walked the mile and a half to the farmhouse in the edge of the woods1 where she had made the acquaintance of a kind hearted old lady1 who loaned her a great ,newfoundland dog belonging to the house1 for company in her rambles4 ,mrs4 ,clayland was rejoiced to see her1 for it had been several weeks since ,grace had called1 and she was eager to tell her of the great tree up in the ravine that had been blasted by the lightning1 and about the beautiful little waterfall caused by the ,cherry ,creek freshet4 ,grace listened patiently as she rested1 and asked questions that she had asked many times before1 because it pleased the old lady to tell of all the beautiful spots and dainty bits of landscape in her vicinity4 ,that was next to being the artist4 ,prince stood by1 looking with intelligent eyes1 first at the visitor and then at his mistress1 wagging his tail wistfully as though eager to be off1 for he seemed to realize that this was his holiday too4 ,are you ready to go1 ,prince8 asked ,grace1 patting the dog on the head as she looked into his great brown eyes4 ,prince licked his mouth and pushed his nose close under her hand while his tail wagged violently4 ,yes1 of course he is4 ,i wish my old limbs would let me go too1 but ,i can't even hobble to-day for the rheumatism has been dreadful the last week1 said ,mrs4 ,clayland1 as she wiped her spectacles4 ,grace hardly knew what to say1 for here was just the place for a little sympathy1 and yet she must shut her eyes to false beliefs and conditions1 so she wisely talked of the beautiful day1 the warm air1 and what not1 while secretly resolving that ,mrs4 ,clayland should be her first patient if she ever knew how to treat patients according to the ,christ method4 ,in the mean time1 she would give her some thoughts4 ,while ,mrs4 ,clayland volubly rattled on1 talking of all her aches and pains1 ,grace was doing her best to think of the very opposite statement1 that she was well4 ,at last1 however1 with ,prince trotting gaily in front of her1 she began her rambles in earnest4 ,she knew of a beautiful view from one of the hills near by1 and slowly wended her way thitherward4 ,the hush and quiet of the place seemed such a relief after the troubled hours of the past night1 and as she came to the gentle slope of the grassy hill1 she threw herself into the soft warm grass1 in the shade of a stately elm that stood there alone1 and gave herself up to thinking--thinking of the deepest and most sacred problems in human experience4 ,prince came and laid himself at her feet4 ,the soft autumn sunshine played here and there upon her form and face through the leaves1 while the occasional note of a bird or hum of an insect were the only sounds that broke the stillness of the lonely place4 ,what an exquisite pleasure to lie there and breathe in all this wonderful peace1 for it was like a taste of heaven4 ,far away from all perplexities and cares1 she could have lost herself in sweet forgetfulness but for this one theme that would persist in thrusting itself upon her4 ,at last it had resolved itself into the form of a question4 ,should she or should she not write to ,leon ,carrington8 ,might it not be possible she had been misinformed1 and that she was mistaken in her hasty conclusions8 ,life presented a different aspect now from what it had two years ago4 ,she was more lenient in her judgments1 more charitable in her opinions1 more softened in her pride2 changed more than she ever realized until she began the self examination on this point4 ,to be sure she had desired to change in these respects1 since she had seen a glimpse of the possibilities of ,christian life4 ,she had denied all qualities of character in herself that seemed undesirable1 and had affirmed charitableness1 patience1 wisdom1 but that she could ever have changed her mind on this subject seemed incredible and utterly inconsistent4 ,and yet1 what could she say to him8 ,she had no answer1 certainly no encouragement4 ,the only thing she could do would be to tell him frankly what her thought and judgment had been1 without going into details1 and learn the truth of the matter2 but that1 she would never do4 ,whatever injury she had inflicted through her silent1 erroneous thoughts should be as silently redressed by her best and most generous ones4 ,over an hour she lay there1 no nearer the solution of her problem than when she began4 ,it was getting late1 and she rose hurriedly1 shook the leaves and grass from her dress1 and opening her sketch book1 set to work4 ,an opening to the left in the woods revealed a view of lovely meadows and wooded hills1 clothed in all the gorgeous robes of autumn1 with a misty blue haze enshrouding them1 and gleams of a silvery river winding through meadow and woodland4 ,she rapidly sketched the outlines1 studied the beauteous blending of tints1 and wondered meanwhile1 what particular lesson she could learn or give by this beautiful picture4 ,again she looked at the scene before her4 ,suddenly there came into her mind some lines she had often admired3 ,oh1 the peace at the heart of ,nature1 ,oh1 the light that is not of day6 ,why seek it afar forever1 ,when it can not be lifted away8 ,ah1 here was the key4 ,the peace of ,nature1 typical of divine peace1 ,the ,light not of day1 divine ,light itself4 ,how sweet the thought1 how precious the lesson2 and the divine ,peace and ,light are indeed forever here4 ,could she throw such a divine message into her prospective painting8 ,could she make every form and color1 every hint of light and shadow1 tell the sweet story1 as this living picture told it8 ,surely1 the heart that overflows with an inbreathing of the divine1 must be able to teach the common heart of humanity1 else what is the use of inspiration8 ,on her way back to the house1 ,grace passed the blasted tree1 described by ,mrs4 ,clayland1 but she had no desire to study destruction or death4 ,it was life1 living things1 that she would portray4 ,was there not beauty and grandeur everywhere1 hinting of ,infinity8 ,even the noisy and monotonous waterfall now had a message for her as it rushed forcefully on its course1 regardless of any and all obstructions4 ,it was quite late when ,grace and ,prince returned1 much later than she supposed1 so that she missed the train and had to wait for the next1 several hours later4 ,mr4 ,clayland kindly volunteered to take her to the station1 an offer she was very glad to accept4 ,the lamps were already lighted when she entered the car4 ,she slipped into the first vacant seat1 but caught a glimpse of a face several seats in front of her that made her heart beat hurriedly and her breath come quick and fast for a few moments4 ,she resolutely avoided looking anywhere but out of the window1 and at the end of her journey quietly but quickly disappeared in the surging crowd4 ,,chapter ,,xxvii4 ,let me not dwell so much within ,my bounded heart with anxious heed1 ,where all my searches meet with doubt1 ,and nothing satisfies my need2 ,it shuts me from the sound and sight ,of that pure world of life and light ,which has no breadth1 or length1 or height4 --,a4 ,l4 ,waring4 ,kate had long ago become accustomed to these uncertain movements of ,grace1 and was therefore not alarmed at her prolonged absence4 ,she sat in a cozy chair1 reading the last letter from ,mrs4 ,hayden1 when ,grace entered4 ,what makes you look so sober1 ,gracious8 she asked1 tenderly1 after the hat and sketch book were laid aside and they had settled themselves for their usual chat4 ,oh1 ,kate1 ,i had a lovely time to-day1 with all the beautiful sights out in the country2 ,i wish you could see how much more there is in nature since we have studied ,christian ,healing1 was the evasive reply4 ,i think we see more in everything1 said ,kate1 whose curiosity was rather piqued by the evasiveness1 though she made no sign1 because everything stands for something4 ,it is like the x in algebra1 and interesting as the unknown quantity4 ,grace smiled a little4 ,she was thinking of a different kind of unknown quantity4 ,don't you want to hear ,mrs4 ,hayden's letter8 asked ,kate1 wondering more and more over the distrait manner and dreamy absorption of her friend4 ,the letter1 why1 of course2 where is it8 ,here2 shall ,i read it8 ,certainly4 ,grace grew more interested as the reading went on4 ,that is decidedly the most reasonable explanation of the atonement ,i have ever heard1 she exclaimed at the close4 ,yes1 it is reasonable and beautiful ,i must admit1 said ,kate1 but when ,i first read the letter my old fear came back for a moment that possibly it was all wrong1 but ,i remembered my right to an interpretation4 ,that one thought has been more helpful to me than any other1 for it has brought such a sense of liberty4 ,then ,i looked up the quotation about the 'word of reconciliation1' and ,i must say it is so perfectly plain ,i can not see why it has been so overlooked and neglected before4 ,where is it8 ,i did not catch that1 said ,grace1 following ,kate's finger as she pointed to the passage in the ,bible4 ,there is something so sacred in these meanings1 resumed ,kate1 and if ,i may only get the truth1 ,i care not what any one says about it4 ,i see now wherein lies the whole misconception or misinterpretation rather4 ,it is in the idea of ,god4 ,if we conceive of ,him as limited to human ways and capacities1 as the ancient ,hebrews did1 we naturally ascribe such works to ,him4 ,in other words1 added ,grace1 we judge ,god entirely by ourselves4 ,if we are broad and loving in our nature and character it is easy for us to regard ,god as love4 ,if we are vindictive and revengeful1 we can readily see ,him as angry and unrelenting4 ,yes1 we are so apt to judge the whole world and ,god1 too1 by our moods1 replied ,kate1 thoughtfully4 ,as ,emerson says1 'we see in others what we are ourselves1' quoted ,grace1 removing her jacket which until now she had retained in order to get warm after her evening journey4 ,oh6 what do you think of what ,mrs4 ,hayden says about marriage8 asked ,kate1 putting her pencil in her mouth as she held both hands out to assist ,grace4 ,she doesn't say enough to give an opinion1 replied ,grace1 but there must be something in her mind or she would not write about it now4 ,her ideas must be very exalted1 and ,i hope to know what they are1 for it is a very important question1 said ,kate1 with a casual glance toward her companion1 as she bit the end of the pencil4 ,mrs4 ,hayden decidedly denies the imputation laid to ,christian ,healing1 that it is opposed to marriage1 or that it tends to separate families1 said ,grace1 with more interest than ,kate would have thought possible a week ago4 ,i did not know any such imputation had been laid to it1 rejoined ,kate1 opening her eyes in astonishment4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i have heard it several times1 but people will talk whether they know anything or not4 ,i am glad ,mrs4 ,hayden mentions it for that is enough to show there is absolutely no foundation for such statements4 ,grace moved her chair and put her elbow on the table so she might shade her eyes with her hand4 ,why1 ,i don't see how people can say such things2 surely the tendency is to draw families into closer bonds of sympathy and affection1 exclaimed ,kate1 in questioning innocence4 ,it ought to be1 replied ,grace1 thoughtfully1 and undoubtedly is1 she added4 ,what do you think of this question1 ,grace8 ,kate ventured to ask4 ,at any other time she would not have dared approach the subject1 but ,grace seemed more pliable to-night for some reason4 ,what question8 asked ,grace1 rousing from her reverie4 ,oh1 marriage4 ,well1 sometimes ,i have thought the query going the rounds of the press1 ',is marriage a failure8' a very pertinent one1 but of course that doesn't touch the principle itself4 ,that is right and can never be otherwise4 ,most people talk and write as seriously as though it does touch the principle4 ,that is because they judge the principle by the persons representing it1 whereas they should stop and consider that humanity is prone to weakness and often fails to demonstrate its high ideals4 ,and it is because of failure they think there is something wrong4 ,take an individual case1 for instance1 and there are thousands4 ,if a girl marries unhappily1 she thinks there must be something wrong in the whole system1 for she judges everybody's misery by her own1 said ,kate1 secretly wishing ,grace would be more confidential1 and not so coldly intellectual4 ,then the way to a happy judgment of this question would be a happy marriage1 you think8 laughed ,grace1 with a faint blush1 looking up inquiringly4 ,don't trifle ,grace4 ,you know ,i said it all earnestly1 and really it is no matter to trifle over1 any way4 ,well1 that is true1 ,kate1 replied ,grace more soberly4 ,i don't believe anybody takes the question seriously enough4 ,it is certainly the most important of all things to consider4 ,do you think it right to enter marriage for any other reason than pure and devoted affection8 persisted ,kate4 ,no1 ,i do not4 ,why do you ask8 demanded ,grace rather sharply4 ,because that is the solution of the whole problem4 ,if they would begin to talk about love instead of marriage being a failure1 they would get some light on it1 a little impatiently4 ,grace looked up in surprise4 ,i know1 continued ,kate1 it is because people are mistaken or misled in their reasons for marriage1 that it even has a semblance of failure4 ,that is one reason1 certainly1 and another is that they do not understand each other's motives1 or have not the patience to bear with each other's faults4 ,we can easily see how misunderstandings can be put away when there is true love1 when we determine to see only the good1 and learn to 'resist not evil4' ,that is one of the strong points in ,jesus the ,christ's teachings1 said ,grace with unwonted earnestness4 ,i am so sorry people can't see it in the right light1 added ,kate1 regretfully4 ,you can have much charity for them1 for it is just what you would have said or thought1 if you had not studied the matter yourself4 ,you remember how ,mr4 ,narrow influenced you and biased your judgment8 ,yes1 and ,i see as never before that the ',truth makes us free4' ',he is a freeman whom the truth makes free4 ,and all are slaves besides1' said ,grace1 as she reached for the sketch book to look over her work of the afternoon4 ,it is no use1 she never will say anything1 even when she might1 thought ,kate as she reviewed the events of the past few days4 ,she half reproached herself for allowing anything to take her mind from the one special theme in which at last she had become thoroughly interested4 ,she was eager to learn1 to search in all directions for the meaning of things4 ,slowly the little grain of faith was growing into the mighty tree4 ,enchanting ,truth so round1 so perfect1 so beautiful1--no wonder we must reach out in every direction for the knowledge of thy fair signs that we may more correctly and more fully realize the perfect revealment of our own divinity4 ,,chapter ,,xxviii4 ,what a great power is the power of thought6 ,and what a grand being is man when he uses it aright2 because after all1 it is the use made of it that is the important thing4 ,character comes out of thought4 ',as a man thinketh in his heart1 so he is4'--,sir ,walter ,raleigh4 ,,marlow1 ,october ----4 ,dear ,husband3 ,i was just thinking of you all when the letter carrier came this morning and gave me a welcome surprise1 for your letters usually come in the afternoon4 ,it seems too wonderful to believe about the children1 and yet ,i can see it is their implicit faith that makes their words so potent4 ,they are doing their part to help too1 for every one in the world1 large or small helps in greater or lesser measure to carry out the plans of the invisible ,good4 ,i dreamed of being at home last night1 and it seemed as though you were all so happy and busy4 ,you did not see me4 ,even little ,jem was busily engaged in some kind of work4 ,i could scarcely see what it was1 but a vague white something like an invisible net was spread between you1 and the thought came that you and ,anna were weaving something1 and even the children had a part to fulfill for they flitted to and fro1 bringing something to you with faces so full of light and happiness1 ,i almost cried out with joy4 ,when ,i awoke ,i was deeply impressed that this was a symbol of united effort in making the seamless robe of ,truth1 and the family group represented the members of one body1 each with a work to do to perfect the whole4 ,no matter how humble our part may be1 no matter how childish and incompetent we feel1 by doing the best we know1 with the ability we have1 in all joy and earnestness1 we shall be serving the ,master and weaving the marvelous robe4 ,mrs4 ,pearl talked of the mighty power of thought in her lecture to-day4 ,every individual in the universe is inseparably connected with every other individual1 and we are1 as it were1 'touching elbows' with the whole world4 ,how is it done8 ,simply by thinking and being susceptible to thought4 ,every thought of the individual helps to make or mar the happiness and health of the world4 ,every negative thought 7and by that ,i mean opposite the good1 which is positive7 sent forth1 goes into the miasmatic fog of error1 and whoever believes in error or the reality of these thoughts1 attracts to himself this quality of thought1 which sooner or later1 makes itself manifest in physical inharmony4 ,for instance1 one who believes in the reality of sickness and the reality of evil is constantly attracting thoughts that make sickness manifest1 but if a knowledge of how to throw off or counteract those thoughts were used1 the cloud would be dispelled before it turned into inharmony or sickness4 ,this is why we are taught to deny every thought or feeling that is not harmonious or desirable1 everything which can not be predicated of spirit4 ,if this is what makes sickness and sin1 truly it is not to be wondered at1 for how many are perfectly happy1 perfectly unselfish and kind1 one single day at a time8 ,suppose one gets up in the morning with a feeling of crossness and impatience2 he goes to breakfast1 impresses the whole family with his discomfort1 and so through the entire day leaves the imprint of his dark forebodings on every person who sees him1 besides the untold influence that goes forth to the unprotected world1 inasmuch as thoughts go everywhere4 ,he retires at night1 disgusted with himself and displeased with the whole world4 ,people were unkind and unjust4 ,even inanimate objects were unusually aggravating4 ,he wasted half an hour trying to untie a knot1 hunted for a package of papers which were finally found in their proper place1 had a vexing ten minutes with his office key1 etc4 ,every impatient thought1 word or action was an expenditure1 not only of physical force1 but a loss of moral strength1 and just as surely as the world moves1 these thoughts1 in their revolving circuit1 constantly return to the thinker1 ',whatsoever ye sow1 that shall ye also reap4' ,who knows what dark trains of thought his lowering face suggested8 ,who knows what headaches and heartaches were brought on by the unconscious absorption of his impatience or bitterness8 ,who can measure the extent of that mysterious burden of depression1 so often called 'the blues1' that crept into the consciousness of somebody under the influence of the dark thoughts sent out by this one1 of whom perchance they know nothing8 ,it is this negative quality of thought that holds the world in bondage4 ,to destroy it is to destroy all inharmony4 ,on the other hand1 note the influence of the happy-voiced individual1 who comes to us so running over with the joy and beauty of life that we catch the thrilling inspiration of his mood and begin to enjoy the same sunshine1 see the same beauty and feel the same happiness4 ,one look or one word may often send us off into the most delightful reveries1 may inspire us to write a cheery letter1 vibrating with love and hope1 or prompt us to spend half an hour with one who needs the bath of joy our words may bring4 ,consciously and unconsciously we lighten the pathway1 lift the burdens1 sanctify the sorrows of the world by sending out and receiving this subtle thread of thought1 so fine in its essence and quality1 that any one and every one may feel its strengthening presence4 ,it is the negative or mortal thought that produces disease4 ,see how grief bends and breaks the strongest constitutions1 furrows the cheek1 dims the eye1 takes the appetite1 impairs the mind4 ,see how anger cankers everything it touches1 how jealousy corrodes the thoughts with poisoned arrows1 until the body is written over with letters of unmistakable meaning4 ,the body is what we may call the thermometer of the mind and registers the quality of thought4 ,universal beliefs in error find their common expression on the body4 ,every thought of sickness1 sin or discouragement is recorded or bodied forth4 ,with all our belief in and fear of evil1 sickness and death1 we are continually subjecting ourselves to false and undesirable conditions1 until1 as ,job said1 ',lo1 the thing that ,i feared has come upon me4' ,fear is more quickly productive of disease pictures than any other kind of thought4 ,some one has aptly said1 'if the human race were freed from fear1 it would be free from sickness1' which is verily true4 ,even the most learned doctors of medicine admit that an epidemic takes hold of those first who are most afraid1 and frequently leaves the absolutely fearless unmolested4 ,why is this so8 ,because fear weakens the power of mental control1 and consequently weakens the body4 ,to leave the doors unlocked1 and then watch for the thief1 is almost equal to having the thief in the house4 ,the material scientist says an epidemic has a material cause2 the ,christian healer says it has a mental cause4 ,before there is an object to fear there must be the sentiment of fear4 ,let scarlet fever appear in a community1 and every parent will immediately send out the most agonizing thoughts of fear4 ,where will they go8 ,everywhere1 because thoughts can not be restrained4 ,their influence goes out in every direction4 ,to the tender children especially1 because particularly directed to them4 ,all who have left the door open to fear1 though they may be sleeping in their unconsciousness of danger1 will be liable to receive these uncontrolled thoughts1 and some day when they least expect or fear sickness1 it may be upon them4 ,so the children1 to whom have been directed such thoughts1 only prove their susceptibility to them1 by picturing forth fear in the form of scarlet fever1 or whatever may have been the naming of the error4 ,anybody manifesting sickness without consciousness of fear proves passive or unconscious fear1 while those suffering sickness through a conscious recognition and fear of sickness are manifesting active or conscious fear4 ,there are two departments of mind sometimes spoken of as the conscious and unconscious4 ,the conscious mind is the conscious thought1 which is easily swayed or changed4 ,it has an immediate or direct influence on the body as is shown by the blood that rushes to or recedes from the face at some sudden change of thought4 ,the unconscious mind is the aggregation of past individual and universal conscious thought1 and is the character formed1 the second nature or instinct4 ,as the flesh and bones are more fixed than the ever moving blood1 so the unconscious mind is slower to receive impressions1 and slower to show them forth4 ,our bodies to-day are showing a harvest of the thoughts of generations or ages of the past4 ,the person manifesting consumptive tendencies is not only expressing his own conscious thoughts1 but is veritably the picture of the thoughts of his parents1 ancestors and the entire race1 concerning a belief in consumption4 ,year by year the thoughts of this error have been writing themselves in his face1 his eyes1 his chest1 his very walk and talk and breath4 ,unless he offsets them with thoughts of absolute ,truth1 they press him out of our sight4 ,he yields to the belief of death1 because he never said no to sin or sickness1 because he was at one with the world in its false beliefs4 ',the last enemy to be overcome is death6' reads the inspired statement of ,paul1 confirmed and strengthened by the ,master's never-dying promise1 ',if a man keep my saying he shall never see death4' ,there are certain fixed beliefs inherent in every mind which we call universal beliefs4 ,they are often referred to as belonging to the unconscious mind2 as1 for example1 the fear of pain or suffering under certain circumstances will come to the surface of consciousness1 proving that despite every feeling of confidence and fearlessness it has not been destroyed1 but sleeps in the unconscious mind4 ,these unconscious beliefs and fears of sickness are ultimately expressed on the body in different forms of disease1 sometimes given one name and sometimes another4 ,the material scientist calls a certain outshowing on the body cancer1 the ,christian healer calls it the picture of a belief of cancer4 ,in this way disease is always the manifestation of both conscious and unconscious thoughts4 ,special forms of disease are born by constant attention to the thought of disease and their symptoms4 ,it has been stated on good authority that physicians who make a specialty of certain diseases are apt to be afflicted with what they have especially fitted themselves to cure4 ,in a medical journal a case was cited not long since of an eminent physician who read before a great convention of doctors1 what was considered to be the ablest treatise on insanity ever written4 ',on going home from the convention he killed his wife1 four children1 and then himself1 in a fit of dementia4' ,this reveals a startling fact1 which might be corroborated by many others1 that the body ultimately pictures forth the idea4 ,but the thought is not confined to the individual4 ,it not infrequently finds the most striking expression in some member of the family or in any one under his influence4 ,if one man's thoughts so influence himself1 family or friend1 think of the influence of such thoughts on those who go to him for advice or treatment1 those who deliberately place themselves under his inspection and allow themselves to be guided both directly and indirectly by his erroneous opinions4 ,think of the vast stream of such thoughts going out from all medical colleges1 students and practitioners4 ,no wonder diseases increase as physicians increase1 as some of the best thinkers of the age declare4 ,not that one class of people is more to be reflected upon than another1 for some kind or degree of erroneous thought is held by all classes4 ,physicians talk sickness and death1 ministers preach evil and punishment1 the entire race believe in and suffer for sins4 ,it is centuries since it was first discovered that ideas were transmitted without the ordinarily accepted means of communication1 but1 to-day it is positively and repeatedly1 yes1 continually proven that thought transference is not only possible or probable1 but an every-day occurrence4 ,to realize that ',thoughts are things4 ,endowed with being1 breath and wings1 ,and that we send them forth to fill ,the world with good results or ill1' is to be mightily responsible for what we think4 ,to know that we are verily our brother's keeper1 and that every thought makes misery or happiness for the whole world as well as for the individual1 is something that should engage our deepest and most earnest consideration4 ,all thinking is for the weal or woe of the world that is yet in its infancy of knowledge4 ,as consciousness of truth takes the place of consciousness of error1 thoughts become light and beautiful and true with corresponding conditions4 ,let us no longer slumber in the arms of indifference and ignorance1 but awake to truth and righteousness4 ',better be unborn than untaught2 for ignorance is the root of misfortune4' ,,chapter ,,xxix4 ,blessed influence of one true1 loving soul on another4 ,not calculable by algebra1 not deductible by logic1 but mysterious1 effectual1 mighty as the hidden process by which the tiny seed is quickened1 and bursts forth into tall stem and broad leaf1 and glowing tasseled flower4--,george ,eliot4 ,oh dear6 exclaimed ,kate as she laid down the letter containing the lesson on ,thought4 ,i didn't know we were so responsible for every little thing that comes into our mind4 ,or goes out of it1 said ,grace1 smiling1 as she finished tinting a dainty plaque4 ,now we can understand that 'where ignorance is bliss1 'tis folly to be wise1' she added rather absent-mindedly4 ,yes1 but ,i think ,i prefer the wisdom to the bliss4 ,do you understand this lecture as well as the rest8 asked ,kate1 again glancing at the letter4 ,why shouldn't we8 ,it is plainly told1 and is a natural sequence to the others4 ,i should think it very helpful1 and if there really is so much power in thought1 it is time people knew it4 ,but what of the people who do not know it8 ,are they utterly defenseless8 ,as long as they believe in the reality of sin1 sickness and death1 they must suffer from them1 replied ,grace1 picking a loose hair from her blender4 ,then they ought to know how to learn and understand these things1 but ,i could not tell anybody4 ,we can solve any problem by going back and reasoning from the premise4 ,if any shock of sin or sickness come over us1 we have simply to remember the spiritual1 which is the only real creation4 ,it is not so easily done though4 ,to-day ,i met the most miserable looking cripple sliding along without any limbs4 ,i held my skirts aside as he passed1 and forgot to even think of him as ,god's child1 confessed ,kate1 in a regretful tone4 ,anything takes time1 and we can't expect to leap into perfection at once1 but what did you do after he had passed8 asked ,grace1 with some curiosity4 ,i pitied the poor creature and wondered what made him so4 ,that was the very way to keep him in the same condition1 said ,grace1 rapidly mixing some paint4 ,this last lesson very clearly explains that every thought has an influence1 and that you help to make the body manifest whatever you think of it4 ,if you think the real and true1 you help to make that show forth1 if you only think of the external or apparent trouble or defect1 and regard it as the real1 you are harming instead of helping4 ,i can readily see that we may affect ourselves1 but it seems hard to believe that we affect everybody1 protested ,kate1 incredulously4 ,it is because we cannot realize the law of thought transference4 ,i was reading just last week about that4 ,an instance of ,stuart ,c4 ,cumberland's mind-reading was cited4 ,it was wonderful4 ,and then long ago ,i read an old book written by ,cornelius ,agrippa about it1 but ,i was not very much interested1 and did not understand nor believe it at the time1 so my memory is not worth much concerning it4 ,then you really think ,i added another weight to that unhappy creature's burden of trouble8 cried ,kate1 in sharp surprise4 ,it would be best for you to deny his apparent conditions and affirm his real ones1 and instead of thoughts of pity1 which are only weakening1 you could think of happiness and contentment4 ,i truly believe we can learn to think of people this way1 if we only catch ourselves for correction every time we think wrong4 ,how shall ,i ever learn to bridle my thoughts8 was ,kate's despairing wail4 ,by learning to bridle your tongue2 ,i found a splendid text to-day on that very theme4 ,it is in ,james iii3 #b4 ',if any man offend not in word1 the same is a perfect man1 and able to bridle the whole body4' ,why1 it tells in those few words the substance of all we have learned in these lessons1 exclaimed ,kate4 ,only we would never have had sense enough to understand without the lessons1 added ,grace1 with a smile4 ,they may be likened to a golden key that opens royal gates1 said ,kate1 going to the piano to play while ,grace was putting away her paints and brushes4 ,a little later ,grace went out to mail a letter4 ,as she turned from the post-box1 she found herself face to face with--whom but ,leon ,carrington8 ,ah1 an unexpected pleasure1 ,miss ,hall6 he said1 extending his hand and warmly grasping the one she slowly held out to him4 ,he looked searchingly into her face1 with clear1 questioning eyes4 ,she dropped her lashes and drew back with a touch of the old haughtiness1 murmuring something he could not hear4 ,may ,i have the pleasure of a little walk with you8 he asked1 suiting his step to hers and ignoring her apparent coldness4 ,certainly4 ,how long since you returned to ,hampton1 ,mr4 ,carrington8 recovering herself as they walked4 ,only a few days ago4 ,i was called here on business for my uncle1 and will probably be detained several weeks4 ,he glanced at her as he spoke1 but she gave no sign1 only remarking it was a lovely season of the year for a visit4 ,they walked along1 talking only commonplaces1 until they neared her home4 ,did you receive my letter1 ,miss ,gra--,miss ,hall8 he asked1 with some unsteadiness in his voice4 ,yes1 she replied1 shortly4 ,she did not understand herself any more than he did1 and was vexed to find it so impossible to throw off her old proud ways1 for she really intended to relent enough1 at least1 to have an explanation1 and possibly--her thoughts could never go farther than this1 and here she was1 in the same imperious way1 shutting her better self away from even a fair consideration of duty4 ,these thoughts flashed through her mind while she walked on1 apparently with the greatest indifference to either his words or his presence4 ,but with a great effort she compelled herself to say again1 with more warmth1 ,i received it1 and intended to answer before this1 but-- ,she stopped abruptly4 ,he gratefully caught the morsel she had given1 and asked if he might not call the next day4 ,yes1 you may come at three1 she said1 careful to set a time when ,kate would surely be out4 ,at the door they parted1 and as she went up the stairs1 she wondered more than ever at her hardness1 for almost unconsciously she had given up all doubts of his honor as a gentleman4 ,what was it all about anyway8 ,nothing but a report that he was engaged to a young lady at the time he proposed to her1 and on the testimony of a single friend1 she had allowed herself to be miserable1 and make another miserable1 through this foolish pride that she would conquer by to-morrow afternoon4 ,what6 would she compel herself to so utterly ignore her own nature8 ,she leaned against the wall half way up the stairway1 startled at this revelation of herself4 ,she did not know she was capable of such changes1 and yet the last two weeks had greatly modified her opinions in many things4444 ,why should it not be so8 ,if it were right she could be glad1 and she reverently felt that it was right to let the ,truth erase all errors and right all wrongs4 ,to-night she would deny away every fault in her character1 especially pride1 deny every obstacle to understanding1 and then earnestly ask for guidance1 and wait till it came1 for this was truly a crisis in her life4 ,the next day she received her guest with a perceptibly softened manner4 ,the hour was spent in mutual explanations1 and the renewal of a more friendly relation on her part1 much to the satisfaction of ,mr4 ,carrington1 whose perseverance was surely worthy this much reward1 but ,grace would go no further1 although she gave him permission to call again4 ,she must know herself fully before another word on the subject were said4 ,marriage was a vague and solemn theme1 something to be pondered over days and nights and months perhaps1 she thought1 and said to him4 ,mr4 ,carrington was a man of earnest aim and high purpose1 thoughtful1 intellectual and cultured1 in every way congenial to her1 and she was glad to accept his friendship4 ,that he had loved her through all her coldness and neglect1 she no longer doubted1 which fact was of no small import in his chances for her favor4 ,finding how absolutely false had been the report that had caused her misjudgment1 she was anxious to prove herself at least1 a friend4 ,after he was gone she reviewed the situation4 ,had she gone too far8 ,no4 ,all was well4 ,she was content4 ,even if it should end in marriage1 for marriage was the highest symbol of perfection and--4 ,what the symbol meant was yet to be revealed1 but she already knew that it had a profound and sacred meaning4 ,,chapter ,,xxx4 ,the study of ,heredity1 spiritual anatomy and physiology is highest of all4 ,the key to this study is your own soul4 ,study yourself2 gain possession and mastery of your own spirit and you hold the key not only to the heights of liberty1 but the key that unlocks imprisoned souls4--,mary ,weeks ,burnett ,m4 ,d4 ,,marlow1 ,october----4 ,my dear husband3 ,gradually the vision broadens and we become more accustomed to the light4 ,it is as though we were put into a beautiful room filled with all manner of lovely forms and dainty colors1 flowers and perfumes1 where we have groped blindfolded from one thing to another1 trying to form some conception of the surpassing loveliness1 when gradually the bandage is removed1 layer by layer until the whole enchanting scene1 radiant with light is revealed to our wondering gaze1 showing the vast difference between supposition and reality4 ,the light grew clearer than ever to-day1 for we had our first practical hint on healing1 inasmuch as we were told how to take up a case for treatment4 ,we must never forget that we are1 and wish to remain as little children1 in our desire to apprehend and understand ,truth4 ,the natural attitude of the child-mind is one of receptivity and eager interest4 ,under the guidance of wise parents he will always be willing and anxious to learn more and more1 continually growing in wisdom and love4 ,back to the zeal and innocence of childhood we go then1 to learn the ever mysterious but ever charming alphabet of ,truth1 which leads us into the kingdom4 ,as we present ourselves in the great school room of life1 and take or recognize our appointed place beside the ever present ,school-master1 we learn the letters of the grand knowledge that shall teach us how to read the most learned books1 understand the deepest philosophy1 the profoundest science1 the divinest religion4 ,we would learn the ministry of healing1 that will set free the 'spirits in prison2' we would be glad messengers of the gospel of peace4 ,the door to great attainments is faithfulness in small ones4 ,there are three kinds or modes of healing4 ,the first or lowest1 is the intellectual2 the second or next higher1 the intuitional2 the third and highest1 the spiritual4 ,the first only can be taught1 the other two are attained by individual development4 ,the first comes by reason1 the second by faith1 the third by understanding4 ,the first is by argument or a system of reasoning1 the second by implicit trust or confidence in the ,principle1 the third by the realization of ,truth and the speaking of the word or perchance1 by one's very presence4 ,but there is nothing arbitrary about this4 ,the person who never heard of ,christ's teaching till yesterday may have so caught the fire of ,truth that to-day he stands at the altar a priest instead of communicant1 a teacher instead of pupil4 ,many just beginning their study of this method of healing require explicit directions and explanations of details1 in order to apply the principle1 feeling that they have no intuitional leadings and can not depend upon the invisible power because they know so little about it4 ,wait2 be patient2 trust4 ,remember that 'he who is faithful in little1 shall be made ruler over much4' ,you need not learn the rule if you learn the principle1 and only so long as you are ignorant of the principle will you need the rule4 ,to use the rule1 as the child uses the chair in learning to walk1 is to grow strong1 and able to dispense with it2 to use it as spectacles are used1 is to make it indispensable4 ,if we can not yet learn through divine ways1 let us learn through human ways4 ,the human is inadequate to express the divine1 but many nameless hints and light-gleams and sudden illuminations will flash upon the faithful worker all along the way4 ,words are signs of ideas and ideas are signs of ,god4 ,when we think or speak true words1 we have begun our mission of healing or helpfulness1 and from words we go on to the inexpressible thrill of realization4 ,we can not tell when we may thus change from the letter to the spirit1 can not tell when we come into the exalted condition of a spiritual understanding1 and having received the illumination1 we are not to feel that we have grown above the use of argument1 for it may be necessary to go back to the rule with the very next treatment4 ,above all else must the student of this ,truth guard against what may be called spiritual pride4 ,no thought of supremacy or greater advancement should be harbored for a moment4 ,all such things are clouds that obscure the light as much as other material beliefs4 ,to gauge ourselves by that inimitable thirteenth chapter of ,i4 ,corinthians is to maintain the perfect equilibrium of a loving1 charitable heart1 that can heal and bless all human-kind1 for 'love never faileth4' ,we become1 as it were1 the cleansed window pane1 through which shines the divine light of ,truth4 ,could we always be the cleansed pane1 ,truth would melt away all error1 just as the sun melts the frostwork1 but being still in the current of human thought we must wait patiently for further power to reveal the ,god-likeness4 ,wrong thought as the real cause of disease1 opens new avenues of information2 but we continue to explore and discover4 ,any kind of thought opposite the good is sure to break forth into some form of disease-pictures1 and the question is1 what kind of thought is it which thus reflects itself upon the patient's body8 ,all error will produce pictures of error4 ,the world's naming of the belief in heredity is the naming of its greatest error1 or belief in sin1 because that implies all sins of the flesh as manifested in the body4 ,back of all effect is a cause2 the disease is the effect1 the wrong thought is the cause4 ,one of the great causes of disease is sensual beliefs1 the appetites and passions of the carnal man4 ,it is error to suppose he is subject to conditions unlike ,god1 the ,source4 ',he that is born of ,god1 can not sin1 because his seed remaineth in him4' ,being in and controlled by the universal thought current1 the error of supposition1 he manifests it in his condition4 ,supposing consumption hereditary1 he suffers from the supposition2 supposing impurities of the blood transmitted through the flesh1 he finds it even so4 ,supposition1 false thinking1 being at the bottom of all erroneous conditions1 we proceed to deal with them as we do with any other errors or lies4 ,when we seek for anything with a desire to gain happiness1 it is because we hope to gain what our previous efforts have failed to bring us1 so the one who comes to be healed by ,christian ,truth1 comes with a hope at least that this will bring the health he has sought in vain from other sources4 ,he has turned in all directions in response to the advice received from this or that one of the friendly advisers1 so ready to constitute themselves the body guard of the world4 ,he has tried doctors of every school2 he has traveled east1 west1 north and south2 he has plunged into healing waters of all kinds and had all kinds of healing waters plunged into him2 he has been burned and steamed and pounded and starved1 till he is finally disgusted enough to want something that will not harm if it will not cure1 so he drags himself before us with possibly a gleam of hope1 possibly the faithlessness of despair1 and asks for a treatment4 ,and now you wish to know in what a treatment consists2 simply in silently telling the patient the truth about himself as ,god's child1 in giving him the principles we have learned concerning ,god and man1 and with earnest gladness assuring him of his freedom4 ,for the benefit of the young practitioner1 we will give a few directions or suggestive treatments4 ,we ask the patient for a statement of his belief1 which he is only too glad to give with elaborate and vivid details4 ,we meet every statement with an emphatic mental denial4 ,the faithful student who has fasted and prayed 7denied and affirmed71 is now the embodiment of one vast negative that should wipe out the positive belief of any inharmony4 ,the patient1 being in the belief of false conditions1 is of one mind with the world1 and so reflects the beliefs of mankind4 ,that we may be sure of meeting all classes of false beliefs1 we deny for him the reflection of any false conceptions of himself from the race1 his parents and ancestors1 his friends and associates1 himself and ourself1 for we are still one with humanity4 ,everybody has a conscious or unconscious belief in heredity1 and since it is one of1 if not the most formidable of human beliefs1 we deal with it first as the possible cause of our patient's belief in suffering4 ,after he has finished the statement of his condition1 we say to him mentally3 ',james ,martin6 ,hear what ,i say1 for ,i tell you absolute truth4 ,not one word of all this you have told me about dyspepsia is true1 because the carnal mind1 to which you have been listening1 is not subject to the law of ,god1 and you1 the spiritual1 immortal you1 are subject to the mind of the spirit which recognizes the spiritual creation1 therefore your spiritual self can not be sick or suffer from any inharmony4 ',this carnal mind belief named dyspepsia is not a condition of your real self4 ,the belief of the race1 ancestors1 daily associates1 yourself or myself in heredity and the sensual appetites can not be pictured forth by your body in the form of dyspepsia1 because the real you is spiritual and not subject to material beliefs4 ,it is utterly impossible for you1 who are spiritual1 to be influenced by any thought that is opposite the spiritual1 as it is impossible for the light to coalesce with darkness4 ',you are ,god's child1 made in ,his image and likeness1 and must be perfect like ,him1 for ,his conditions are changeless and eternal4 ,listen to this glad message that tells you absolute ,truth4 ,realize that as ,god's child you can not suffer1 for spirit knows no suffering4 ,you can not be weak1 for ,god is your strength2 you can not fear anything1 for ,god is your refuge and fortress4 ',god hath not given us the spirit of fear1 but of love and of power and of sound mind4' ',listen to me6--,the ',truth sets free4'--,now1 you are free4 ,you gladly acknowledge the truth1 and prove it in every thought1 word and deed4 ,like the ,master1 ,i say unto you1 ',lazarus1 come forth6' ,come out of the errors in which you have been so long entombed1 throw off the grave clothes of mortal thought1 and rise to new thoughts1 new conditions1 a new life6 ,rejoice that you are whole1 and let the world rejoice with you4444 ,it is finished4 ,in the hands of omnipresent ,good1 in the name of immaculate ,truth1 ,i leave you4 ',so may this be established1 yea1 it is already established4 ,i thank ,thee1 ,father1 that thou hast heard me4' 99 99 99 99 99 ,this lesson1 ,john1 is very hard to report4 ,i find so many questions suggested to my mind1 and so many if's and but's4 ,mrs4 ,pearl desired us each to take up a case for absent treatment1 some one we would like to help1 and from whom we could hear every day or so1 or who would be under our personal notice4 ,i am going to treat a little boy in the house where ,i board4 ,it is quite a severe case of catarrh4 ,i wish you would take a case1 too4 ,just try this form of treatment that ,i have given4 ,it may not seem clear to you at first1 but it is not the words you are to remember so much as the ideas4 ,get the thought firmly fixed in your mind1 and the words will come of themselves4 ,you readily see it is using the same principle with the patient that has been applied in self training4 ,first1 the denial of all error1 and then the affirmation of truth4 ,this treatment is for any chronic condition1 and is given twice a day1 in the morning and at night4 ,now1 ,i must say good-night4 ,it is nearly eleven1 and ,i really ought to say my denials and affirmations some more1 besides giving my patient the treatment4 ,with many kisses to the dear ones1 ,i am your loving ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xxxi4 ,once let friendship be given that is born of ,god1 nor time nor circumstance can change it to a lessening2 it must be mutual growth1 increasing trust1 widening faith1 enduring patience1 forgiving love1 unselfish ambition and an affection built before the ,throne1 which will bear the test of time and trial4 --,allen ,throckmorton4 ,it seems to me1 ,grace1 you have been touching up your complexion with some of the same paint as that in your roses1 exclaimed ,kate1 playfully1 as she inspected ,grace rather critically4 ,really1 ,kate1 you must be more careful1 or ,i shall add the sin of vanity to my other faults1 answered ,grace1 looking out of the window and smiling pleasantly1 with the least touch of absent mindedness in her manner4 ,no danger of that1 you dear old ,gracious1 but if you should say secretiveness1 ,i might be willing to stop1 said ,kate1 boldly1 yet hardly daring to look toward the window4 ,grace did not answer1 but continued looking out of the window for several minutes4 ,what makes you say that1 ,kate8 she asked at last1 turning around soberly1 while the rosy flush crept up to her temples and back of her ears4 ,oh1 ,i don't know1 ,gracious1 only it seems to me you are like a pure white lily bell1 and ,i want to creep into your heart and live in its fragrance1 but-- ,she stopped abruptly4 ,it seemed as though the almost imperceptible veil of reserve was falling lower than ever4 ,oh1 why could she not gain ,grace's confidence8 ,these thoughts passed rapidly through her mind while she stood as if transfixed1 waiting for ,grace to break the interminable silence4 ,if she had only known it1 ,grace was nearer to her at that moment than ever before1 but with her eyes cast down1 she saw not the yearning look on the face of her friend4 ,grace spoke at last3 ,but what1 ,kate8 she asked1 taking up ,kate's words where they had dropped4 ,but the petals will not open1 and ,i am left out1 finished ,kate1 determined to be frank4 ,grace looked out of the window again1 and was about to reply1 when a rap at the door startled them both4 ,it was a boy with a note4 ,miss ,grace ,hall8 he said1 handing it to her4 ,grace looked at the letter and then at the boy inquiringly4 ,i am to wait for an answer1 he said4 ,oh1 she murmured1 in a dazed way1 and hastened to find pen and paper for reply4 ,more mystery6 ,i declare1 it is getting interesting1 thought ,kate1 recovering herself1 as she furtively watched the rosy face of ,grace4 ,any answer8 asked the boy as he took the note4 ,no4 ,the door was shut and ,grace sat down beside the picture she had been working upon1 but presently arose and began pacing the room4 ,kate looked up at her as she passed1 but said nothing4 ,she could see that some deep thought was struggling for utterance1 and wondered much4 ,after a few moments ,grace stopped beside her4 ,i wish ,i might speak freely to you1 ,kathie1 but-- she hesitated1 but it has never been natural for me to be confidential1 and-- ,she began her promenade again1 but presently came back1 and drawing her chair close up to ,kate1 told her the whole story1 with long pauses and much hesitating speech4 ,and now he is in the city2 he--wants an answer4 ,he has invited me to--ride with him--to-morrow4 ,surely1 you will not refuse him that privilege8 cried the impetuous ,kate1 with visions of a romance unfolding in thrilling chapters before her very eyes4 ,no1 of course not1 in a low tone1 but how shall ,i answer him8 ,the last was scarcely audible4 ,it seemed almost as though she spoke to herself4 ,with her forefinger she idly traced some hieroglyphics on her lap4 ,what says your heart1 my ,lilybell8 asked ,kate1 softly1 as she caressed the hand that was at liberty4 ',the prisoned bird doth ofttimes sing1 but never at the bidding of its jailer1' was the low reply1 with a faint smile1 but tearful eyes4 ,poor ,lilybell2 she can not bloom before her time4 ,i can wait for her to open now1 for ,i am close to her throbbing heart4 ,wait1 dear ,grace4 ,let us sit silently and ask the ,father for guidance4 ,sweet and solemn moment1 when with one accord1 they waited for the ,spirit to pour out the full vials of love and wisdom4 ,it was a precious time of sweet communion1 of giving and receiving the best1 a consecration of self to better efforts1 higher aims1 holier living2 a baptism of strength and peace and lovely thoughts4 ,grace had entered upon a new epoch4 ,the past1 with its longings and struggles1 its loneliness and bitterness1 was already fading into the background of memory like some dark1 ill-favored picture1 and in its place came the present1 with its balmy atmosphere and dainty colorings1 promising joy and peace4 ,the morning looked fair4 ,how would be the noon and eventide8 ,ah1 no questioning when you ask the ,father's guidance6 ,have you not asked1 dear heart8 ,wait till the answer comes4 ,wait till the soundless message is delivered into your heart's safe keeping4444 ,the last beams of the setting sun came through the window and bathed them in its red-gold glory4 ,in her exalted mood1 it seemed to ,kate like a heavenly vision4 ,she saw ,grace glorified with a divine radiance1 baptized with a new peace4 ,white-winged angels hovered near1 like pure thoughts personified4 ,every glinting sunbeam seemed a golden shaft of love4 ,the glory paled into a mellow twilight4 ,the enchanting picture faded1 but the essence of its beauty changed into a heart-melody of softened sacred joy4 ,what but music could speak in this hallowed moment8 ,kate's very soul would utter itself4 ,she went to the piano as in a dream4 ,soft1 low notes1 faint and sweet1 breathed of tender questionings and tremulous doubts2 then a higher1 more triumphant strain of victory swelled the notes that lingered but a moment1 ere a tone of sadness and regret struck the keys1 whispering of sacred duty and solemn responsibility4444 ,again the music changed4 ,now peace and joy thrilled and rippled through the melodious chords4444 ,dearer than ever was the friendship thus cemented4 ,they had been caught up to heaven1 as it were1 and that which had been bound on earth was now bound in heaven4 ,mystical more than magical1 is the communing of soul with soul1 both looking heavenward4 ,here1 properly1 soul first speaks with soul2 for only in looking heavenward1 take it in what sense you may1 not looking earthward1 does what we can call union1 mutual love1 society1 begin to be possible4 ,they sat till late into the night1 discussing and considering all phases of life and its problems4 ,kate read ,mrs4 ,hayden's letter1 which in the agitation and excitement of the first part of the evening she had quite forgotten4 ,because of their deep earnestness they were well prepared to catch the healing mood4 ,this experience seemed indeed the shower that most opened the blossom of understanding1 and ere they slept1 each had taken some poor suffering mortal into her care as a patient4 ,the blessings they had received were already being passed to the waiting neighbor4 ,it is the deep1 unselfish ,god-love that takes the world in its embrace4 ,to perceive1 feel1 live the divine ,love1 is to have broken the old shell of selfishness1 when we may begin to send the tender rootlets of being into the ready soil of the universe4 ,,chapter ,,xxxii4 ,the power to bind and loose to ,truth is given6 ,the mouth that speaks it is the mouth of ,heaven4 ,the power1 which in a sense belongs to none1 ,thus understood belongs to every one4 --,abraham ,coles4 ,thro' envy1 thro' malice1 thro' hating1 ,against the world1 early and late1 ,no jot of our courage abating-- ,our part is to work and to wait4 --,anon4 ,,marlow1 ,october ----4 ,dear ones at home3 ,your letters were all received this afternoon4 ,am pleased to know that ,mabel is so interested1 for it will help her so much in her studies and work4 ,i must begin my daily report at once1 as there is not much time before class4 ,there was no lesson yesterday1 and about noon ,mrs4 ,dawn came after me to go with her and ,mrs4 ,browning1 her hostess1 to the dentist's1 as ,mrs4 ,browning had to have a tooth extracted4 ,we started1 treating her all the way with the quieting1 reassuring thoughts that allay fear4 ,before she went in we agreed to hold that thought4 ,when ,mrs4 ,browning went into the office1 we remained in the waiting room thinking as intently as possible3 ',there is not a thing to fear1 ,lida ,browning1 there is no tooth-ache with your real self1 there is no sensation in matter4 ,you can entertain nothing but the ,one ,life4 ,the ,one ,mind thinks1 and you are ,his idea1 perfect as your ,creator4 ,good is all1 ,love is all1 ,peace is already with you1 for you are one with the ,father4' 444 ,it was done4 ,the dentist was so amazed that he hardly remembered to give his patient a glass of water4 ',well1 ,i never knew a cuspidate to come so hard4 ,didn't it hurt terribly8' he asked sympathetically4 ',not a bit except when you first put on the forceps1' was her prompt reply as she rinsed out her mouth4444 ,i need say no more4 ,you can imagine our pleasure at this victory4 ,we never know how little our faith till we see how astonished we are at the demonstration4 ,you ask if ,mrs4 ,pearl has explained your queries4 ,a few questions were handed in yesterday1 but ,i had not time to put them in my letter4 ,one that always puzzled us1 was3 ,what is the origin of evil8 ,the questions are written on slips of paper and laid on the table4 ,she answers them before giving the regular lesson4 ,when she read this slip there was not a little stir among the fifty eager questioners4 ',what is the origin of evil8' she repeated4 ',it has no origin1' was the unsatisfactory answer1 after a momentary silence4 ,oh6 the blankness of those faces6 ',but1' she resumed presently1 'if you ask how seeming evil originated1 ,i may give you the ideas that came to me as a solution of that mortal mind question4' ,you know we might ask questions of each other forever1 but unless our thoughts are tinged with same quality1 or run in the same direction1 the satisfactory answer to one may not be at all satisfactory to another4 ,in other words1 we will not recognize the same phase of truth1 unless we are in the same stage of development1 so if you are not willing to take my explanation as true1 it may be that you are not yet where you can perceive it1 or it may be1 you require a different illustration to convey the same thought1 or1 there may be innumerable reasons1 but of this one blessed fact be assured3 if you hold yourself in the receptive attitude1 and sincerely expect to be guided by the spirit of truth1 some day the answer will come to you with such irresistible force and plainness that you can not forget it1 or ever be in doubt upon that point again4 ,it was in this way the light came to me4 ,that question had puzzled me more than all else1 and ,i asked every healer whom ,i met as to the correct solution4 ,for several months ,i pondered and fretted over it4 ,at last1 in despair1 ,i let it alone1 resolving ,i would not be further troubled4 ,but one day it unfolded itself so clearly and beautifully ,i was completely satisfied4 ,here it is3 ,taking the first account of creation1 we find man made in the image and likeness of ,god1 given dominion over all things4 ,if we believe man to be spiritual and not material1 if we know that spirit can not change its character or quality1 we must know that spiritually man never fell1 but that he seemed to fall through our misconception and misunderstanding of appearances4 ,man now manifests what he believes in2 his consciousness of truth is not fully developed and he mistakes appearances for realities4 ,having all possibilities of recognizing only the good1 he is perfect4 ,for every mistake that is made he manifests error1 the fallen1 or rather the undeveloped state4 ,the ,truth and ,love that he manifests in his life1 is the revealment of his ,god-like nature4 ,in the glimpses of his true self he recognizes his inheritance of power1 and in his mistaken conceptions forgets to acknowledge ,god4 ,he then judges according to appearances1 and says things are true because they appear true to the senses4 ,the creating principle of life is perfect1 but man neglects to acknowledge this divine power in proportion to his selfishness4 ,it is therefore his selfishness that prevents him from recognizing the ,good1 and causes him to see1 name and believe in matter and its consequences2 and he thus becomes materially minded1 and is known as the ',adam' in 'whom all die4' ,adam signifies error1 clay1 unreality4 ,christ signifies ,truth1 ,spirit1 ,reality4 ,if we believe in things that appear to be the creation1 we are believing in nothingness1 which so proves itself by death and disintegration4 ,if we believe appearances to be the sign of the real1 we are acknowledging the spiritual to be the all1 hence it proves itself by making even the body its sign1 manifest life1 health1 perfection4 ,if we cast out all selfishness1 pure love takes its place4 ,we must be purified from the beliefs of the world in selfishness and its consequences by recognizing that our 'sufficiency is of ,god4' ,this was very plain to me1 ,john1 and ,i hope you will find it so too1 but if you do not1 wait1 and as soon as you are ready for it1 the answer will come to you4 ,the lesson to-day was on deception and personal influences4 ,the whole world has been deceived into believing man is fleshly instead of spiritual1 so many false thoughts and beliefs have arisen1 which are the cause of all disease and trouble4 ,universally we are deceived1 individually we are deceived1 and it is not only because we are making our beliefs visible on the body1 but because we suffer from them mentally and physically that it is necessary to discover what they are and cast them out4 ,the term deception will cover the mistakes believed and made in ignorance1 and deceitfulness will include the beliefs in and expression of deceitfulness4 ,on the second day the patient is treated for the world's next greatest beliefs1 which are deception and deceitfulness1 and as before1 we set him free from this belief1 as possibly reflected or absorbed through one or more or all of these five avenues we mentioned in the first treatment4 ,because the world has admitted the first great lie1 that the material creation is the true one1 or synonymous with the true1 we have 'yielded ourselves servants to sin1' hence will see the consequences of such false conclusion1 until we deny the lie and affirm the truth4 ',oh what a tangled web we weave1 ,when first we practice to deceive1' is a couplet ,i remember learning long ago1 when ,i was a child1 and how applicable it is to this problem of deception4 ,truly1 it is a tangled web1 and the only way to get it untangled is to break off the thread and go back to the beginning where we can truly say1 ,i am created free and perfect and whole in ,his image1 and can not be influenced by anything different from ,him4 ,this is always spiritually true1 but if we deal with the worldly beliefs1 we find that according to appearances1 we are under the influence of our own and every other person's wrong thought4 ,we say of some people1 'how happy ,i am in their company1 how it uplifts me to be in their presence4' ,with others we feel a nameless depression1 a fearful1 unhappy feeling1 and shun their company4 ,as ,emerson so aptly says3 ',with some ,i walk among the stars1 whilst others pin me to the wall4' ,now1 in reality1 no good ever comes from personal influence1 although in the first instance it might seem so4 ,personal1 from the word persona1 a mask1 is only applied to the physical self or carnal mind2 therefore we can receive no benefit from the personal quality of our friend1 but we are benefited and uplifted by his freedom from personality1 or in other words by the divine individuality flowing through him and expressed by his benevolence1 his love1 his cheerfulness1 his wisdom4 ,inasmuch as he is free from personal or selfish thoughts1 he is filled and permeated with gifts from the divine ,fountain of all benevolence1 all love1 all cheerfulness1 all wisdom4 ,there is a difference between personality and individuality which most people do not recognize4 ,personality only pertains to the physical1 while individuality is the term properly applied to the spiritual self4 ',there is but one ,mind1 the ,universal ,mind1 which1 if we can lay hold on1 will give us all knowledge1 wisdom and power1' said ,emerson4 ,when we can throw aside a belief in personality1 or personal influence1 we will be free4 ,the negative thoughts sent out by the world have no power over one who has become filled with positive thoughts of righteousness4 ,when we trust wholly to the ,good1 and become wholly at one with the ,good1 recognizing the supremacy of the ,good1 we are free from all belief in miseries or burdens4 ,we breathe purer air1 which is invisible but life-giving2 we feed on heavenly manna1 the true word that is divinely nourishing2 we escape the awful bondage of fear1 knowing the perfect love that casts out fear4 ,we can not fear any false beliefs or wrong thoughts1 for we are so filled with true thoughts1 no such falsities can enter our mind4 ,some people talk as though we have great cause to tremble at this awful counterfeit power of mortal mind1 but if they would not talk of it1 nor fear it as having power1 it would vanish as mist before the morning sun4 ,the great sin is in admitting a lie4 ,admit the belief of sickness as a reality and you will see many witnesses to prove it4 ',agree with thine adversary quickly1 lest he turn and rend thee1' means make haste to dispose of the lie that will throttle you1 if you fellowship with it ever so little4 ,let us not be deceived1 but let us 'awake to righteousness and sin not4' ,another question1 and a very important one1 was3 ',what is the difference between the different teachers of ,christian ,healing8' ,i can best give the substance of ,mrs4 ,pearl's reply by reference to ,mrs4 ,fuller1 the healer from ,trenton4 ,you remember when she gave her parlor lecture at ,mrs4 ,haight's1 she said3 ',everything that did not come from her teacher was mesmerism1 that it was altogether false1 and it was so much of a power that it was indeed to be feared1 for there was no telling what its subtlety and cunning would suggest and execute2 that no cure effected by it was permanent1 but that the patients would sooner or later be worse than before4' ,oh1 dear1 ,i must not rehearse it1 for of course you remember how my old headache overtook me when ,i got home1 and how wrought up ,i was all night4 ,now ,i know what caused it1 and now ,i know the difference4 ,in the first place1 these people are taught the pure and beautiful foundation of pure ,christian ,healing1 but instead of holding to their premise that all is good1 they begin to talk about people and things that are not good1 imputing false motives1 and giving false power to those who1 as they say1 are not in the truth4 ,if they would only remember that counterfeits can have no power except as it is delegated to them1 that unreal thoughts must disappear in the presence of true thoughts1 they would not be troubled and puzzled4 ,adhering to the law1 they would recognize and talk about the ,good only4 ,ah1 ,john1 here is the secret of ,jesus' words1 ',resist not evil4' ,if we resist anything1 we recognize it as something4 ,if we regard evil as an entity1 we can not help fearing or fighting it1 but if we know it is nothingness claiming to be something1 we deal with it accordingly4 ,whoever resists evil or calls evil a power1 has not denied the reality of evil faithfully enough4 ,to talk of anything as having power1 is to believe in the power and become entangled in its meshes4 ,that explains ,mrs4 ,fuller's remark that she was 'actually afraid to meet one of those false teachers on the street1 and always took pains to warn people against them4' ,i speak of ,mrs4 ,fuller because you know so well what she did and said1 that you will understand this explanation better4 ,another remark she made was1 that 'this power of mortal mind is wholly ignored by these false teachers1 although they secretly use it so effectually and disastrously4' ,because they do not talk so much of evil1 she thinks they ignore it1 while really they silently but earnestly and vigorously deny it1 thereby getting a sure control over it4 ,she was taught to call this seeming power of mortal thought ,mesmerism1 and ,animal ,magnetism1 and after giving it such formidable names1 and so mighty a place1 it is most natural for her to say that it affects herself and family or her patients1 causing them to be slow in yielding to treatment4 ,thus you can readily see how she accounts for her failures4 ,mrs4 ,pearl teaches that we can deal with this influence of carnal or mortal mind1 by denying for the patient the conscious or unconscious reflection of it from these five different sources4 ,to the patient who is ignorant of truth1 mortal thought has a power1 because he has acknowledged it as having power1 but in our silent conviction of its powerlessness1 we speak the true word that sets him free4 ,the whole secret lies in our own freedom from belief in this false power4 ,the name ,mesmerism or ,magnetism makes it seem like some awful monster1 lurking in every corner1 ready to devour us1 while1 as ,mrs4 ,pearl says1 we go our way1 quietly denying all appearance of evil1 proving the law of ,good by recognizing only the ,good in thought and speech4 ,how beautiful this teaching is6 and how wonderfully the spirit leads us into all truth4 ,but it can not teach us if we talk error1 or deliberately judge others4 ,never till we are faithful in acknowledging the one ,principle of ,life will it prove itself the only power over us4 ,after the questions1 ,mrs4 ,pearl spoke of the third treatment4 ,we treat for everything we might have missed in the first two treatments4 ,sometimes this is called the sin treatment1 for it takes up so many things that belong more or less to everybody1 according to the world's belief4 ,a more explicit naming is selfishness4 ,selfishness is the beginning1 the mother of all the rest4 ,it reminds one of the seven devils from which poor ,mary ,magdalen was freed4 ,it is not unlikely these were their names3 ,selfishness1 pride1 envy1 avarice1 jealousy1 malice and cruelty4 ,this we deny for the patient through the five different sources1 and you can see how apt it will be to touch him1 for who is there of all earth's children that is perfectly free from any of these qualities4 ,with our strong faith in the law and power of the word1 we sturdily deny everything that might be the shadow obstructing his light4 ,as we go on in this study1 we learn the meaning of these outshowings of disease4 ,every visible thing is the expression of a thought1 whether ,god-given or man-supposed4 ,we look into a patient's face and read or interpret the signs of his thought4 ,is he selfish1 unkind or severe in his disposition1 there are the lines and expressions that betray him4 ,is he lovely1 gentle and kind1 a nameless feeling of peace and trust steals over us4 ,in the moments or times of silence that every healer should seek1 there may come something to hint of the truth1 some word or text or mind-picture that will teach what no book or teacher could tell1 for 'the spirit of truth leads us into all truth1' and the ways and means are varied according to our capacity to receive4 ,a mind-picture is a symbol representing some thought4 ,for instance3 ,suppose while ,i sit in the silence1 there comes to my consciousness a fragment of landscape1 a child's face1 a storm1 a sun4 ,these are ideas symbolized4 ,if it be a pleasant scene1 it may be to me a glimpse of the 'green pastures and still waters' that ,david sang about when depicting the life of the righteous4 ,it would mean peace for my patient4 ,if the symbol be a child's face1 it may mean that ,i must become as a little child in order to be led into the kingdom4 ,a storm may signify that my patient is passing through a crisis of mental commotion1 in which case ,i must use the invariable rule1 deny the false and affirm the true4 ,on the other hand ,i may never see a symbol1 but some suggestive text may come into my mind4 ,if ,i were depressed or discouraged1 these words might give me new courage and hope3 ',fear not1 for ,i am with thee2' 'wait patiently on the ,lord1 and ,he will give thee the desires of thine heart4' ,or ,i might not be conscious of anything while ,i am sitting thus in the silence4 ,the answer to my silent question may come to me in the most commonplace way days or weeks after it is asked4 ,some person may say something that will be the very clue ,i am seeking4 ,we are not to be anxious or troubled if many questions perplex us1 or many problems seem insoluble1 but wait1 trusting that 'he is faithful who promised4' ,we must not be wishing for the same signs or powers that others have1 but appreciate what is given to us1 for faithfulness shall receive its full reward in due time 'if we faint not4' ,no more to-day4 ,love to the babies4 ,how glad ,i am to know they are so well and happy4 ,faithfully1 ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiii4 ,comfort our souls with love1 ,love of all human kind2 ,love special1 close in which1 like sheltered dove1 ,each weary heart its own safe nest may find2 ,and love that turns above ,adoringly2 contented to resign ,all loves1 if need be1 for the love divine4 --,d4 ,m4 ,mulock ,craik4 ,grace looked very lovely1 as she stepped into the carriage1 when ,mr4 ,carrington called for her4 ,a suggestion of reserved feeling gave an added lustre to her beautiful eyes1 and the faintest wild-rose tint in her cheeks made her a fit study for any artist4 ,she looks like ,psyche just awakened4 ,can it be possible1 that with all her charms1 she was sleeping1 before to-day8 he thought as he took his seat beside her1 thrilled with new hope4 ,he drove into one of the broad1 quiet avenues that led out of the city and into a country road4 ,i thought you would like to visit ',the ,glen1' and see its autumn dress1 he said1 as they came in view of the river over which lay the ,glen road4 ,i have been wishing ,i might go there1 before the leaves fell1 and this is exactly what ,i enjoy1 replied ,grace1 looking out over the scene before her with a keen pleasure4 ,perhaps this is an answer to your wish4 ,sometimes ,i think our wishes are answered because of their intensity1 said ,mr4 ,carrington1 looking meaningly into her face4 ,george ,eliot says3 ',the very intensity keeps them from being answered4' ,what gave him the sudden1 triumphant certainty that he could bide his time8 ,she had lost all her haughtiness1 apparently4 ,he had never seen her in the mood of to-day4 ,apropos of wishes1 he resumed1 which are properly thoughts1 ,i have two friends in ,boston1 who can communicate with each other1 no matter how far apart they may be4 ,they call it the power of thought4 ,yes1 thought transference4 ,i am quite interested and fully believe it1 said ,grace1 glad to have the opportunity of sounding him on this and kindred themes4 ,he glanced at her in polite surprise4 ,indeed1 he said1 are you acquainted with the subject8 ,somewhat2 ,i have seen enough to know it is founded on law1 she replied1 briefly4 ,what law8 he asked1 wonderingly1 with a slight smile of incredulity lighting his face4 ,mental law1 of course4 ,she then went on to explain to him something of her study of mental healing4 ,at first he was rather skeptical1 but on seeing her seriousness1 he very soon grew sober and gave the most respectful and apparently absorbed attention4 ,by the time she finished1 he was really interested4 ,i have often thought that some day there would be more light upon the philosophy of thought1 but ,i was not aware it was so close upon us1 he finally said4 ,it is certainly much needed now1 she replied1 looking dreamily at the white clouds floating in the bits of blue above the trees4 ,she was thinking how much it had been worth to her in her trial last night4 ,he noticed the far-away look and wished he might know her thoughts4 ,what would have been his surprise1 could he have been told at this moment how much he was already indebted to ,christian ,science8 for had it not softened the cruel pride that had so encrusted her before8 ,he knew nothing of this4 ,he perceived a change in her manner and even character since he last saw her two years before1 although even then his great love had been able to condone all weaknesses1 or what others would call weaknesses4 ,to him they were part of her lovableness4 ,when she so coldly rejected him1 unlike most men1 he had determined to wait patiently for her indifference to turn into reciprocation4 ,he had recognized but one thing1 the simple1 supreme fact that he loved ,grace ,hall4 ,in regard to her1 there was and never could be any other thought4 ,inspired with such love as this1 such sublime patience1 such infinite hope1 is it any wonder he looked into her eyes and read a hint of victory8 ,the time was drawing near4 ,his two years of waiting surely gave him liberty to ask1 and the right to receive4444 ,as for that1 love1 such love as his1 had royal rights and it would win its own way when the moment came4 ,he would approach the subject gradually1 talking about his coming departure1 although he had mentioned that in his note1 had even dared to tell her this must be his excuse for requesting an answer sooner than she wished to give it4 ,oh1 what a lovely group of colors6 exclaimed ,grace1 involuntarily1 pointing to a tree decked in the most gorgeous foliage4 ,shall ,i get some leaves for you8 he asked1 anticipating her desire1 and descended from the carriage4 ,presently he returned1 with his hands full of small branches4 ,they are lovely hues4 ,is there not something else you would like8 ,i saw some beautiful ferns over yonder1 he said1 pointing to the spot4 ,will we have time8 ,i would like to get out1 she exclaimed eagerly4 ,time6 ',there's time for all things1' ,shakespeare says1 laughed ,mr4 ,carrington1 as he assisted her to alight4 ,grace was in her element amid the speaking grandeur of ,nature's hills4 ,have you a sharp pencil1 ,mr4 ,carrington8 ,i seem to have lost the one ,i always carry with me1 and that grand oak tree ,i must have as a model4 ,he quickly sharpened one and gave it to her4 ,how beautiful she looked6 ,he delighted to watch every movement of the deft fingers1 to study every expression of the beautiful eyes and mobile mouth4 ,he revelled in her beauty1 because to him she was the personification of all that was lovely and noble and great4 ,her character he would have loved just as much had she been plain instead of beautiful1 for his ideal was the inward1 not the outward beauty1 except as the two blended into one1 as they did with her4 ,you seem to be partial to the oak1 ,miss ,hall4 ,is there any reason for it8 ,yes1 ,i am4 ,it is a grand symbol of strength and firmness of character1 she replied1 still sketching rapidly4 ,i like to paint trees1 for they express so much4 ,some show such kindly benevolence1 with their broad1 spreading branches and friendly shade1 some are so graceful1 with their tall trunks and delicately veined leaves1 as though showing a fine1 tender nature2 while others are stunted and rough1 with coarse1 thick foliage4 ,i place each one as to character and station1 and they teach me many beautiful lessons4 ,and they will teach me many after this1 ,miss ,grace4 ,he wanted to say something more1 but she was so innocently unconscious of anything but her work that he must wait for a better opportunity4 ,having finished her sketch1 ,grace looked up4 ,the self-consciousness that had scarcely left her1 save these past few moments1 now returned with painful suddenness4 ,her eyes met his1 and a vivid flush overspread her face1 but she said nothing4 ,shall we go8 he asked1 holding out his hand to assist her4 ,his eyes expressed the question his lips could not frame1 but she did not see them4 ,they went to the carriage in silence4 ,the road presently left the woods and turned into a broad country lane4 ,both had forgotten the proposed trip to ,the ,glen1 but it made no difference4 ,at last the undercurrent of feeling had burst through all reserves4 ,mr4 ,carrington awaited the final answer1 and what did she say8 ,it was the sacred page in a maiden's life that is read but once4 99 99 99 99 99 ,grace had found in her lover a man who was broadminded and liberal enough to fairly consider these matters from a woman's standpoint4 ,they freely discussed a married woman's rights and privileges1 and both agreed that a wife should have an individuality after marriage as well as before4 ,i desired to express myself on this point before1 my dear ,grace1 said ,mr4 ,carrington1 because to my mind it is a mutual life1 and should be a mutual development4 ,it is1 indeed4 ,i have never looked at it in the right way1 till the last few weeks4 ,i used to feel that marriage was degrading rather than elevating1 because it seemed as though a woman had to give up so much that really belonged to her1 her name1 her property1 her freedom as an individual4 ,but now ,i see that true marriage should bring freedom in the fullest sense of the word4 ,in love there is no bondage1 he replied1 admiring her independent thought4 ,yes1 but the world has a faint conception of love1 the love that saves to the uttermost1 and endures forever1 said ,grace4 ,with such love there would be no danger of marriage degrading the individual1 no need of divorce4 ,he spoke strongly for he felt strongly4 ,any one speaking from the depths of a heart-conviction1 speaks with authority4 ,the world needs to be lifted to a higher standard on these matters4 ,the subject of marriage is too sacred to jest about1 and people in general think it no harm to toy with the word and all that pertains to it with the utmost carelessness4 ,grace was more like herself now4 ,she was very happy in the thought that ,mr4 ,carrington understood this as she did1 but she was not a little surprised to find herself giving such free expression to her opinions4 ,indifference and laxity is the result of the trifling4 ,my theory is that these things should be sacredly spoken of in the family1 when boys and girls are growing up4 ,that is the way my mother did1 said ,mr4 ,carrington reverently4 ,yes1 the family is more responsible than society1 for it makes society1 she replied1 secretly touched by the allusion to his mother4 ,she felt more and more confidence in ,mr4 ,carrington4 ,it seemed surprising to find how rapidly her love for him had increased since she gave it permission to grow4 ,she did not realize that it had been a smothered plant before1 trying to live without sunshine4 ,now it could grow in the warmth and brightness of beautiful day4 ,it was early twilight when they returned4 ,kate was waiting for her4 ,the joyous light in ,grace's eyes1 though she tried to veil it1 told the story4 ,kate put her arms about her1 saying1 as she caressed the rosy cheek3 ,lilybell is bloomed at last4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiv4 ,be cheerful3 wipe thine eyes3 ,some falls are means the happier to arise4 99 99 99 99 99 ,before the curing of a strong disease1 ,even in the instant of repair and health ,the fit is strongest2 evils that take leave1 ,on their departure most of all show evil4 --,shakespeare4 ,for two days no letter came1 and then ,mr4 ,hayden received two1 which he handed to the girls as he met them on the street the same evening4 ,can you spare them both8 said ,kate1 holding out her hand eagerly4 ,oh1 yes2 ,i am especially engaged to-night1 and besides they are better together4 ,i am rather glad for the delay4 ,i was afraid the first one had miscarried1 he replied4 ,the waiting had only increased their interest1 and on reaching home they at once sat down to read the the two letters handed them by ,mr4 ,hayden4 ,,marlow1 ,october ----4 ,dear ,john3 ,i suppose you1 like the rest of us1 are anxious to know how the patient feels after such a vigorous denial of the seven evils4 ,it is quite necessary to know what to do at this stage4 ,after the treatment for special sins1 ,james ,martin comes with bitter complaints that he is worse instead of better4 ,he tells a doleful story of how he suffered all night2 had chills and fever exactly as when he had the ague long ago2 how he coughed and choked and broke out with something like measles1 and was all the while so vilely sick it seemed as though he was about to die4 ,as he is telling his pitiful tale1 with perhaps a gleam of hatred1 disgust or helpless anguish in his eyes1 we are to sit calmly by and very soothingly give him the mental information that 'there is nothing to fear4' ,when he concludes his mournful story1 we assure him in quiet tones that there is no occasion for alarm1 as we know how to deal with these symptoms4 ,then1 very gently and slowly1 with a most self-possessed attitude of mind1 we talk to him mentally something after this fashion3 ',there6 ,james ,martin1 it is all right4 ,oh1 no2 nothing has hurt you1 nor can hurt you4 ,you are not afraid of anything2 you know there is no reality in sickness2 you are not suffering any inharmony because of fear or remorse for sin4 ,it can not be possible for you to reflect fear or remorse from your parents1 or the race or your daily associates4 ,neither is it possible for you to suffer from your own fear or remorse1 nor mine4 ,remember1 you are spiritual and not material1 and can fear nothing4 ,god is your intelligence1 and you know that truth is all-powerful4 ,now1 listen6 ,you are happy1 you are content1 you are filled with blessed peace1 'the peace that passeth all understanding4' ,you know the ,lord is your shepherd4 ,he leadeth you beside the still waters4 ,he maketh you to lie down in green pastures now1 this moment4 ,there is no future to ,god's promises2 they are in the eternal present4 ,there6 ,james ,martin1 a sweet ease comes to you1 the burden is taken away2 you are in the gentle care of ,truth1 which ever whispers1 ',come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden1 and ,i will give you rest4' ,sh--h6 ,gently the arms enfold you1 sweetly peace and love embrace you1 and you are at rest2 sleep if you like4 ,softly come sweet words of divine love to your waiting ear1 'fear not1 fear not1 for ,i am with thee4' ,peace 444 peace be with you1 ,amen4' ,this stage is called chemicalization1 because our words of truth1 dropped into the mind filled with error1 produce a fermentation similar to the effect produced by the union of different chemicals4 ,sometimes the patient chemicalizes after the first treatment1 in which case the second and third treatments are omitted4 ,when the patient first comes to be treated1 he might be likened to a last year's garden4 ,his mind is filled with the roots and rubbish of the beliefs he has sown1 and some of them are noxious weeds1 deeply rooted in the mental soil4 ,cutting and keen are the words of ,truth1 and like a burnished plowshare1 it enters the unsightly field and uproots everything in its path4 ,we now do not mention sickness1 because his mind is so unsettled and his active beliefs of disease all on the surface1 so we gently soothe him into forgetfulness of his trouble1 and quietly assure him there is no occasion for alarm of any kind4 ,thus1 with the word of peace and assurance we smooth the rough1 uneven soil1 until it is pulverized and prepared for the new seeds which are to grow and blossom into fair truth-flowers4 ,to deny errors for him who believes so absolutely in them1 is to dig down into the unconscious mind and rake up even the memories that are imbedded1 hence his symptoms of ague1 or measles or whatever beliefs he may have had4 ,because mortality dislikes to be told of its faults and consciously or unconsciously resents such telling1 the violence of chemicalization only marks the degree of conscious or unconscious mental opposition1 of which the bodily symptoms are the picture4 ,there is no law for chemicalization1 for some patients pass through this period without even noticing it4 ,sometimes instead of an excited feverish condition1 which requires the soothing quieting thought1 the patient is dull and sluggish1 perhaps unconscious1 as in fainting1 spasms or something similar2 then vigorous1 rousing thoughts should be given--sharp1 decisive and emphatic1 as when awaking a heavy sleeper4 ,when called to treat any one suffering from fever or any acute condition1 we give the soothing1 or peace treatment as it is sometimes called4 ,little children may be compared to mirrors1 reflecting every thought around them4 ,in treating them it is necessary to make the law--and the true word is always law--that they do not or can not reflect fear or belief of disease from their parents or relatives1 taking pains to name each person strongly holding thoughts of fear for the little one4 ,if it is a contagious and dangerous sickness1 according to mortal thought1 besides the near ones in the family1 deny that any thought of fear from the neighborhood or world can be reflected upon the child or manifested in this belief of sickness4 ,sometimes children are treated entirely through the parents1 that is1 the parents are quieted and assured of the truth concerning their little one--that it is living in the current of infinite ,love1 where no fear can touch it1 no sickness come near it1 no pain destroy it4 ,such cases require frequent or long-continued treatments1 or rather long-continued thought of the ,good1 mostly affirmation1 for very little denial is needed to cut the chains of error from a babe4 ,denial is to be applied more to the parents--the denial of fear4 ,if we feel at all doubtful or fearful concerning our work1 we are not at one with the divine ,love1 and must treat ourselves before we treat the patient4 ,be at one with omnipotent ,law1 and the ,law will prove itself through you4 ,know truth and do not tamely believe it1 then you may have marvelous proof of the difference between knowledge and belief1 ,god-like understanding and blind faith4 ,mrs4 ,pearl very clearly answered the question which was asked concerning the meaning of ,bible passages implying eternal punishment4 ,there is always punishment so long as we are in mortal belief1 but it is only in mortal belief we can suffer1 for the spirit made in the image and likeness of ,god can not suffer1 neither know suffering4 ,the word everlasting should be translated age-lasting1 to give the original meaning4 ,fire is a symbol of purification1 and in the language of ancient times it was customary to use strong figures of speech4 ,in the fifteenth chapter of ,john1 wherein ,jesus explains about the vine and branches1 what could be plainer than his illustration of the dead branches8 ',every branch that beareth not fruit1 he taketh away1 and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit4' ,every false belief is a branch that beareth not fruit1 hence must be taken away and destroyed even as dead limbs are burned4 ,falsity or evil1 being nothingness1 can not exist because it is not of the real creation and is necessarily cast into the fire of purification1 an illustration well understood at the time1 since all the city refuse was taken to ,gehenna1 a place outside ,jerusalem1 where fire was always kept for the purpose of burning this waste matter4 ',every branch that beareth fruit is purged'--that is1 if you are a mixture of good and evil beliefs1 you will have to be cleansed of the evil1 before you can do much with the good4 ,this cleansing process is quite properly named purging4 ,this is what we undergo in suffering4 ',he whom the ,lord loveth he chasteneth1' means the good in us chastens us1 cleanses us for the further working of the ,good4 ,punishment1 then1 there must be1 just as long as we believe in1 and fellowship with error4 ,mrs4 ,mc,claren1 a staunch ,presbyterian1 did not seem satisfied with this explanation1 but ,mrs4 ,pearl told her not to let the question trouble her1 for if she would do the best she could with what she knew1 in due time the solution would come to her4 ,in the night it came4 ,after she retired1 the question kept pressing upon her so that she could not sleep4 ,about two o'clock it seemed as though a great flood of light came1 and with it the clearance of the whole problem4 ,the texts on that theme became illumined as it were1 and she could see how impossible it is for the spirit to suffer or be punished when it is like ,god who can not 'behold evil4' ,she came over this morning and told me about it4 ,i will give you her explanation of ,matt4 xxv3 #ca1 #cb4 ',when the ,son of man shall come in his glory1 and all the holy angels with him1 then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory1 and before him shall be gathered all nations2 and he shall separate them one from another1 as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats4' ,the ,son of man1 consciousness of ,truth1 shall come 7be developed7 with all glorious thoughts 7angels7 and judge us in all our ways 7nations7 and shall discriminate between the false and the true1 the evil and the good1 then the good motives or good thoughts 7sheep7 shall coalesce or be set on the right hand with ,truth1 and the evil or erroneous beliefs 7goats7 shall be relegated to the left1 the negative or no-side1 and swallowed up in their native darkness which is nothingness4 ,this is the key to the rest of the chapter1 and it is in the same line with ,mrs4 ,pearl's explanation1 but ,mrs4 ,mc,claren is delighted that it came to her4 ,now she feels as though a mountain had been lifted from her heart1 so great has been her fear that ,christian ,healing would make her disbelieve in eternal punishment1 which she had learned was an incontrovertible doctrine4 ,now she realizes that nothing but ,truth itself is being revealed to her1 and it seems that her heart will burst for joy4 ,this may seem extravagant1 but it is just what she said1 and after all1 you are used to enthusiasm since your wife is an enthusiast4 ,is it not wonderful8 ,i ask myself over and over1 and echo answers 'wonderful'6 ,but oh1 how ignorant we ever will be1 unless we stop and wait for the spirit to tell us what is true6 ,it is ignorance and foolishness that we have to contend with as much as anything else1 for it is one of the thickest clouds that hide knowledge4 ,until we have learned to turn to the hidden fountain of wisdom1 we are helplessly bound to error's ways4 ,even after we go forth from a class1 and feel that we have been baptized with the spirit1 we are afraid we will not be wise enough to answer the world's questionings of our faith1 are afraid we may not know just how to proceed with a certain problem1 afraid we will be too weak to do the things that come to us to be done4 ',oh ye of little faith1' says the rebuking ,christ within us--'why doubt your knowledge1 when ,god is your wisdom8 ,why doubt your intelligence1 when ,god is your intelligence8 ,why doubt your strength1 when ,god is your strength8' ,as we realize there is but one ,mind1 and that it is omnipotent1 omniscient and omnipresent1 the influence of all other thoughts will fade quite away4 ,it is because we recognize the carnal mind whose thoughts are frivolous1 vain1 wretched or miserable1 that we are unsettled and dissatisfied4 ,there can be no foundation1 no sense of security1 to the one who is continually listening to other than the ,good4 ,know all wisdom through the universal ,mind1 and whoever draws his knowledge by inspiration from this source shall become as one with you1 and we all shall be as one with the supreme ,mind4 ,there is an indelible but invisible stamp of truth marking the utterance of those through whom this ,mind is expressed1 and the invisible something within us1 sometimes called the ',spirit itself1' sometimes the 'light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world1' will recognize and appropriate its own4 ,if we keep this judgment faculty unbiased1 it will lead us to choose the books we read and teach us how to separate the wheat from the chaff4 ,it is best to read the thoughts of one writer until we understand the root1 branch and growth of his inspiration4 ,it is not well to go from one author to another while we are young in the thought1 any more than it would be well to take a music lesson from a different teacher every week4 ,we must remember that 'he that doeth the will shall know of the doctrine1' and to start out with the ,divine will as our guide1 as we do when we say1 ',god works through me to will and to do1' is to grow in knowledge of all that pertains to the doctrine of the blessed truth that sets us free4 ,never talk of failures1 or be discouraged by them1 because many times the discouraging outlook is but the prelude to a bounteous harvest4 ,work with an undaunted faith in the mighty ,invisible1 knowing that you serve the only ,power1 are governed by the one ,principle1 ,infinite ,justice1 that ever rewards according to service4 ,doing your best1 the ,best rewards you4 ,under all circumstances we declare our unfailing wisdom because we ask of the ,good4 ,we can not foolishly be led away because judgment to do is always with us4 ,this is the fifth stage in the patient's progress1 and we treat him for ignorance and foolishness as possibly reflected from the five different sources4 ,deny that he can be ignorant of the truth1 or foolish in believing error4 ,affirm all strength and courage and steadfastness4 ,he comes to-day with an uncertain ring in his voice4 ,he is undecided as to what to do2 is weak and nerveless2 can not tell whether he is better or worse4 ,the treatment for strength and courage will bring him back to ,truth1 and he will brighten and revive under the warm influence of your sunny faith4 ,one more lesson6 ,i shall be glad1 yet sorry1 when it is over4 ,oh1 what an experience this has been6 ,surely1 ,i shall never be such a weak1 impatient woman again4 ,thank ,god6 ,now ,i know what there is for me in this beautiful world4 ,good bye1 ,,marion4 ,,chapter ,,xxxv4 ,build on resolve1 and not upon regret1 ,the structure of thy future4 ,do not grope ,among the shadows of old sins1 but let ,thine own soul's light shine on the path of hope1 ,and dissipate the darkness4 ,waste no tears ,upon the blotted record of lost years1 ,but turn the leaf1 and smile1 oh smile to see ,the fair1 white pages that remain for thee4 --,ella ,wheeler ,wilcox4 ,,marlow1 ,october ----4 ,i suppose this is the last letter ,i will write on the lessons in ,christian ,healing1 but ,i will be faithful as ever1 even though ,i tell it all over again when ,i see you4 ,everybody looked regretful enough when they went into the class room to-day1 but a hundred fold more so when we went out and the good-byes were said4 ,it means so much to us all4 ,we have passed through twelve lessons which may symbolize twelve epochs or stages through which we proceed from ignorance to understanding1 and understanding to complete demonstration4 ,we have been together scarcely three weeks1 and yet so much has been uncovered that we stand face to face with our real selves4 ,all that was conventional has been laid aside in our intercourse1 and the best and sweetest and most sacred phases of our lives laid bare1 so that we have had a clear glimpse of ,god's children as they are1 not as they usually appear2 and indeed it gives us better courage and stronger faith to go forth into the world again1 knowing that the possibilities of one are the possibilities of all1 for ',god is no respecter of persons4' ,i know1 perhaps better than some of the rest1 that we shall be walking in the valleys many times when our eyes are on the sun-crowned heights1 but if we can be patient and earnest1 our feet shall reach the fertile slopes and sunny grass lands of well attained effort4 ,my experience of the past shall be only a stronger incentive to perseverance in the future1 and while it seems human to fall1 it is divine to rise1 and knowing the divine privilege of proving divinity1 ,i trust ,god to work through me in my daily effort4 ,so said we all when we left the class room to-day1 and with a holy consecration to our new-born faith1 we trust we shall ever grow in grace and wisdom as ,god's children1 according to the promise4 ,mrs4 ,pearl spoke of our method as the science of silence1 and told us not to be zealous without judgment1 not to speak when silence would be golden1 not to act so as to bring reproach upon our cause or ourselves1 but remember to 'avoid even the appearance of evil4' ,she said many in their first joyous enthusiasm and overwhelming conviction would indiscreetly tell people 'there is no matter1' for instance1 so eager were they to bring everybody into the sweet liberty of the spirit2 but the world not being ready to properly consider the subject1 would of course ridicule and argue hotly against such a statement1 so that false opinions would spring up and most absurd practices and claims be attributed to ,christian ,healing4 ,our system should have a dignified place in the world's opinion1 and if we want to help give it that place1 we should aim to be living representatives of the principles1 maintain a dignified attitude regarding it1 and if we can answer any questions pertaining to it1 let our answer and manners be ennobling and ,christ-like4 ,we never argue audibly with unbelievers4 ,argument kills the spirit of any religion1 and the person who desires to prove his position by argument is not ready to be convinced by the spirit4 ,if you are obliged to carry on a conversation with an argumentative person1 silently deny all his statements of error1 and with calm positiveness affirm for him intelligence1 wisdom1 and a desire to know truth4 ,in other words1 recognize his spiritual self1 which is in perfect peace and harmony1 and the outward disturbance or inharmony1 which is simply nothingness expressed by him1 is annulled4 ,possibly you may seem obliged to submit and listen to him4 ,never mind4 ,carry on your silent thoughts scientifically1 and constantly think truth4 ,thus you will plant a seed that shall bring forth beauteous blossoms1 excellent fruit4 ,whenever you hear error talked1 deny it4 ,this is 'shutting your ears from hearing of blood1 and your eyes from seeing evil4' ,any error must be denied in order to see the proof of its opposite truth4 ,if everybody would learn to deny all the slander or gossip they hear1 we should soon have a new social world4 ,cruel tongues would cease their wagging1 timid hearts could breathe again1 and fair names bloom in every home4 ,this would be the beginning of a much needed reform in the daily press4 ,poor editors1 they are obliged to fill orders1 like the cooks and waiters serving the gentlemen and ladies in the elegant dining-room1 ladies' ordinary and ground-floor caf4 ,alas6 that the discovery should not be made by everybody1 so they could send in different orders4 ,how gladly would the bill of fare be changed6 ,but there is nothing more certain to change it1 than the little leaven of truth dropped in the highways and byways of daily life4 ,we must 'be diligent in season and out of season1' silently as a rule1 but at times audibly1 perchance forcibly1 for some minds seem so dull and sluggish as to need a startling thunder-clap to awaken them from their slumber of ignorance4 ,thus some patients that come to be healed must be told sharply and definitely how to think or what to say1 for sometimes it is necessary to make them say their own word of healing1 they are so completely absorbed in material beliefs4 ,we grow more in wisdom and spiritual judgment as we proceed faithfully along our way of scientific thought and living1 and thus have an unerring insight into what we shall do and say in order to give to each the healing gospel4 ,when we go to church we ought to acknowledge and emphasize every true statement made by the clergyman with our silent affirmation1 and as emphatically deny every erroneous statement1 that we may turn the tide of ,truth into a broad stream of spiritual uplifting for the whole congregation4 ,should the minister be inclined to speak about the awfulness and power of ,god's wrath and punishment1 we can silently assure him that ,god is a ,god of love1 not wrath1 and tell him he desires to present only the true side of religion4 ,some people might say this would be wrong1 to dictate to any one how they should talk1 but you will notice that it is not dictation of action1 but rather recognition of motive--the true motive of the true self4 ,we have a right to recognize the highest and best of every person4 ,indeed1 we are going directly opposite ,god's commands if we acknowledge any but the good creation1 which is the spiritual4 ,what can the spirit1 which is perfect1 made in ,god's image and likeness1 have to say of ,god's anger or punishment1 when it knows neither1 inasmuch as it is pure as the ,father in heaven8 ',shall not the judge of all the earth do right8' ,not only in the social circle and in the church1 but in all kinds of work1 in all affairs of business1 and above all1 in the home1 must we thus live up to our principles which soon prove our sublimest theory by our sublimest practice4 ,and1 blessed privilege1 we do not need to understand all1 before we can begin to demonstrate our precious religion4 ,we need not worry about the burden of to-morrow and thus drop that of to-day1 but only carry that of to-day with the strength that is given for the day4 ',consider the lilies of the field1 how they grow2' daily appropriating their portion of sunshine and air and dew1 they unfold and blossom1 exhale their fragrance1 display their matchless beauty1 thus fulfilling their appointed mission2 so we may unfold and blossom into rare excellence and strength of character4 ,refreshed by the dew of a pure purpose1 nourished by the sunlight of true thoughts1 fed by the all-abounding manna--the living word1 we soon grow strong enough to withstand driving tempest or boisterous gale4 ,mentally we are quickened1 learning to discern the opposing force in ourselves1 and meeting it with the sharp sword of truth1 lay it low at once4 ,but it requires practice to wield this spiritual weapon2 it takes judgment faculty to discover whence comes selfishness that exhausts and weakens2 whence comes the material or sensual thought that sickens and wearies1 or the jealousy that poisons and embitters the life-forces4 ,faithfully and diligently do we use the word of denial1 that sets us and our patients free from these subtle enemies2 faithfully and earnestly we affirm all truth and purity and goodness as our portion1 as our strength1 our refuge1 and our defense4 ,by the blessed law1 when we have thus cleansed ourselves1 we become at one with the one ,life4 ,we intuitively draw to ourselves the best quality of friendship and give forth the best2 we seek the most uplifting and spiritual literature1 because it gives us a fresh baptism of spiritual light1 which in turn we give to others1 so there is a continual receiving and giving1 a continual blessing and being blessed4 ',henceforth ,i call you not servants1 but friends1' said the ,master before his departure4 ,now 'the servant abideth not in the house forever1 but the son abideth forever4' ,we came as servants to be taught4 ,while in our ignorance1 we were the servants or inferiors2 knowing the ,truth we became free1 and henceforth are brothers1 sisters1 'heirs of ,god and joint heirs with ,christ4' ,we now claim our inheritance1 the privilege to enter into the kingdom and possess the land1 our royal birthright4 ,in this kingdom are 'hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge4' ,the patient who comes to us must on this day be told of the royal gift of health1 and we may say3 ',now are ye clean through the word ,i have spoken unto you4' ,he1 too1 must now become the friend1 and need no longer be the servant4 ,when he first came to us he was like a little child that had lost his way4 ,we could not show him the way to the velvet slopes of health without taking hold of his hand and leading him through the thickets and underbrush in which he was lost4 ,so we graciously reached down to him1 by talking of things with which he was familiar1 of animal passions1 of selfishness1 of sin4 ,we gently and kindly showed him they were not the true1 proved to him that his belief in them had led him off the right path1 and talked to him of brighter1 better1 truer thoughts that led to smiling skies of hope1 to balmy airs of peace4 ,each day we assured him of his true inheritance1 and now we confidently assert that he is in full possession of it4 ,now he is ready to believe the affirmation without the denial1 because he is convinced that the affirmations are true1 and he comes to us this day with clear1 clean eyes1 and a child-like joy in his recovered health4 ,we give him the final word1 the benediction1 the binding assurance of his birthright4 ,realizing as we must ourselves the wondrous truth concerning his real self and all which that implies1 we impressively and with the most thrilling conviction affirm for him that only health1 strength1 joy1 courage1 peace1 satisfaction1 can come to him as the child of ,god1 the idea of ,mind in the power of the ,thought that thinks him into being4 ,we assure him that he can recognize and reflect nothing but ,good1 that he can manifest only the ,father whose son he knows himself to be4 ,nothing but ,mind can affect him4 ,he is like a column of light against which no darkness can be thrown2 like a true answer to a problem which any number of wrong answers can not change4 ,spiritual like ,god1 he can only recognize and appropriate what is ,god-like4 ,henceforth he knows himself and his ,father1 knows that whatever he may ask 7realize7 will be granted unto him4 ,knows that he must acknowledge the ,truth1 and he will abide in the kingdom of ,good4 ,we send him forth with all the blessings he can desire1 because we have realized for him the possession of those blessings4 ,knowing that ,god is all there is1 and that our patient lives1 is moved and has his being in ,god1 we point with unerring finger to the sunny uplands of health4 ,he can never more relapse as he will ever walk in the open fields of ,truth4 ,we bid him ,god speed on his journey1 and thank ,god that he has come into the consciousness of life everlasting1 into health and joy without measure4 ,so be it forever more4 ,the thought of perfection should be held steadfastly1 even though the patient do not manifest health at once4 ,no matter if the cure is not effected in one1 two1 three weeks1 or even as many months1 hold fast1 with unwavering faith 7even if you do not give regular treatments all the time1 and it may be well to skip a week or so occasionally71 knowing that good seed must bring forth good fruit2 when1 where or how1 you nor no other may know4 ,time is unthinkable with ,god4 ,we are dealing with ,principle1 not time4 ,we plant the seed1 ',god giveth the increase4' ,do the best you know1 and work out your own problems4 ,no one else can do that for you4 ,jesus gave us the key1 showed us the way2 more than that he could not do4 ,we must live our lives and maintain our place by our own efforts4 ,it is 'he that overcometh' who receives the supreme gift of eternal life4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvi4 ,may ,i reach ,that purest heaven1--be to other souls ,the cup of strength in some great agony1 ,enkindle generous ardor1 feed pure love1 ,beget the smiles that have no cruelty1 ,be the sweet presence of a good diffused1 ,and in diffusion ever more intense-- ,so shall ,i join the choir invisible1 ,whose music is the gladness of the world4 --,george ,eliot4 ,mrs4 ,hayden's was a joyous home-coming4 ,no sooner was the first rapturous welcome from children and husband received1 than in came ,grace and ,kate1 who1 in their eagerness to see her1 had scarcely been able to let her have the first half hour to her family4 ,i think you will have to include us in your family1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 for we could not resist the family welcome1 said ,grace1 smiling with happiness1 as she grasped ,mrs4 ,hayden's hand and drew ,kate close beside her with the other4 ,you are included my dears4 ,there is but one family you know1 was the cordial reply grasping the hand of each4 ,what a change in you1 ,grace--,kate--why1 ,i should hardly know you1 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hayden1 after the first excitement was over4 ,grace has lost the cloud of perplexity and doubt1 and ,kate the expression of fear1 she added1 turning to ,mr4 ,hayden with a pleased surprise4 ,didn't ,i tell you they were both growing beautiful8 was his laughing answer4 ,but girls1 he added1 don't you notice something different in ,mrs4 ,hayden8 ,that is quite wonderful1 ,i think4 ,really1 ,mrs4 ,hayden1 exclaimed ,grace1 with wonder1 you are not nearly so fleshy are you8 ,i can hardly define the change1 if that is not it1 but ,i noticed something the moment ,i saw you4 ,i have lost something in weight since ,i left home1 she replied1 somewhat amused at their looks of astonishment4 ,your figure is so much better proportioned1 too1 continued ,grace4 ,and your complexion clearer1 added ,kate4 ,do tell us what it all means4 ,you certainly look better than ,i ever saw you1 said ,grace again4 ,i am quite thankful she came home before all resemblance to my wife was lost1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 with a hearty laugh1 as he looked at each in turn4 ,well1 be serious now1 and ,i will tell you something after ,i have put the children to bed1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 cuddling the sleepy ,jem in her arms4 ,fred and ,mabel stood beside her1 frequently interrupting the conversation1 for they1 too1 wanted to share the good time with mamma4 ,when ,mrs4 ,hayden returned1 she resumed4 ,it may seem strange to you as it did to me at first1 but ,i see it clearly now1 that desiring1 searching and living for right1 brings the body into harmonious expression4 ,if we think truth1 we see it expressed in harmony1 beauty1 symmetry1 because the external is the expression of the internal4 ,it was particularly by the denial of matter that ,i lost the superfluous flesh1 for since ,i was too fleshy to be of symmetrical form1 it was superfluous and---- ,did you know the denial of matter would have such an effect8 interrupted ,kate4 ,no1 not till ,i heard some of the rest of the class speaking of it1 and then ,i could hardly believe it1 but after ,i understood the theory better1 of course it seemed more reasonable4 ,it is both wonderful and reasonable too1 ,i think4 ,why didn't you write something about it8 asked ,kate again4 ,oh1 there are many things that can be told better than written4 ,and many things that can be thought better than told1 added ,grace1 thoughtfully4 ,another lady in the class had about the same experience1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,but tell us the scientific reason for such an effect8 continued ,grace4 ,i will1 as well as ,i can4 ,have you noticed that it is people who are materially minded in their tastes and habits that are apt to be fleshy8 ,that depends upon what you would call materially minded1 was ,grace's smiling reply4 ,i mean those who like what the world calls the good things of life--those who think a great deal of material pleasures or environments1 and find it comparatively difficult to think or realize spiritual things4 ,oh6----yes1 ,i believe that is true1 although ,i have never thought of it1 said ,grace1 slowly4 ,because the denial of matter makes all these things secondary1 the effect of the new thought is to make the body more spiritual4 ,of course6 ,why could we not see it before8 was ,kate's conclusive query4 ,what effect then1 has this denial on lean people8 asked ,mr4 ,hayden1 more seriously1 for until now he had been inclined to regard this as a little 'far fetched1' as he would have expressed it4 ,it does not effect them like the denial of evil1 because material things are not so important to them1 while they are apt to be pining and fretting about the evils and ills in the world1 either as touching themselves or humanity in general4 ,denying evil and evil conditions would then have the opposite effect1 and cause them to gain flesh1 or grow into the expression of physical harmony to correspond with the spiritual4 ,this is only a higher reading of what we have already learned1 and it is lovely to know we may go on indefinitely1 ever reading something new1 said ,grace4 ,now tell me something of what you have all been doing8 said ,mrs4 ,hayden1 as she looked at ,grace4 ,oh1 ,kate has been doing some wonderful treating among her pupils1 and the patients we took up1 are all doing nicely4 ,grace is very modest4 ,she doesn't say a word of how quickly she cured me of neuralgia1 or a horrible fit of the blues1 supplemented ,kate1 looking fondly at ,grace1 who had become dearer than ever since their confidential talks4 ,mr4 ,hayden has a good report for himself and the children1 too1 though ,i suppose you have heard from him1 ,grace remarked with a smile4 ,he looked rather pleased at her thoughtfulness1 but said3 ,i would rather hear more from ,marion4 ,were there many cures in the class8 ,several4 ,mrs4 ,dexter1 the lady ,i mentioned in my letters as having been a long while under the doctor's care1 went home perfectly well1 and ,miss ,singleton also1 of whom ,i wrote4 ,a gentleman who had been in a previous class told his experience4 ,his right arm had been fractured in the army4 ,orders were given that it should be amputated1 but by the intervention of a physician with whom he was acquainted1 the arm was saved1 though he had never been able to use it much4 ,at times it was very painful4 ,it was so weak he could scarcely lift a plate of bread to pass it at the table4 ,after a few lessons1 that arm was just as well as the other4 ,in his joy he told everybody4 ,when the doctors got hold of it1 they laughed at him saying if that arm was as large as the other in six months1 they would believe there was something in ,christian ,healing4 ,in six weeks it was as large and strong and sound as the other4 ,that was remarkable1 said ,mr4 ,hayden1 speaking for all4 ,did you hear anything about treating animals8 he added after a momentary silence4 ,oh1 yes4 ,we may think of an animal as the perfect expression of ,god's thought1 as manifesting the true ,life1 the same as human beings4 ,after all1 said ,kate1 that is something we ought to expect1 for are we not promised dominion over all things8 ,certainly1 and we are not proving our right1 till we prove the dominion1 answered ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,it is a beautiful thought to me1 and several of the class told of successful work in this line4 ,one lady had treated a frightened horse1 and made him so gentle any one could drive him4 ,it is mostly fear that is reflected upon animals4 ,they manifest thought1 even as humanity does4 ,i have often noticed horses4 ,they are apt to show the same disposition as their masters4 ,this explains it1 said ,mr4 ,hayden thoughtfully4 ,why didn't you write about all this8 ,i was afraid it would be too strong meat for you1 for ,i could scarcely realize it myself4 ,it seems as though we have had so many wonderful suggestions it will take a life time to understand them1 remarked ,kate4 ,there is no end to the study of ,infinity1 was ,mrs4 ,hayden's reply4 ,how do you account for the quick cures8 interposed ,grace4 ,it all depends upon how quickly one receives the consciousness of ,truth4 ,that is the healing process4 ,but there are not very many quick cures1 comparatively1 though it is the quick cures we should aim for and expect1 for the cure is always in the degree of our realization of the allness of ,god4 ,another of the older students told of some wonderful absent healing4 ,a lady that had been four years an invalid1 and given up to die by five physicians in the place1 was healed in three weeks by absent treatment4 ,is that considered as effectual as present treatment8 ,there should be no difference1 because we ought to realize that with ,truth there is no space nor time4 ,all is the eternal now and here4 ,some prefer to give present treatment1 especially in acute cases2 with others absent treatment seems more effectual4 ,i am glad to hear that1 for ,i feel that ,i can do better absently1 said ,grace1 with a look of relief4 ,but tell me1 questioned ,kate1 eagerly1 have all persons the same gifts8 ,in the germ1 yes2 but all are not equally developed4 ,we enter this study in different stages of unfoldment4 ,some heal quickly1 others slowly2 some teach naturally1 while others find it more difficult1 especially at first4 ,we develop the gift we desire to use by continually claiming it and using it1 and bye and bye we shall marvelously prove that we have it4 ,in ,love we recognize no partiality1 no time and no place1 and thus we can truly say all we desire is truly ours4 ,grace laid her hand on that of ,mrs4 ,hayden1 saying3 ,words can never express our gratitude to you both for your extreme kindness in allowing us to read your beautiful letters1 ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,they have made life seem entirely different to us4 ,she was deeply in earnest1 and her quivering lip spoke more than a volume of words4 ,grace speaks for us both1 added ,kate1 huskily4 ,dear friends1 replied ,mrs4 ,hayden1 much touched herself1 ,i am glad1 yes1 more than glad1 that you can speak so of my letters1 of which the greatest merit lies in their simple earnestness--4 ,she ceased abruptly1 and for a few moments all were silent4444 ,it was a silence too full for words4 ,a door had opened--a morning dawned for each of them4 ,the mysterious future verged into the mighty present4 ,all that was grand and noble and tender filled the measure of their aspirations4 ,the world surely might enter into their joy1 for their joy surely entered into the world4 ,mrs4 ,hayden broke the silence1 saying3 ',ask and it shall be given you2 seek and ye shall find2 knock and it shall be opened unto you4' ,many years have ,i asked and sought for the kingdom of heaven1 but never till now have ,i found the right knock4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvii4 ,love is the high consummation and fulfillment of all ,law4 ,it casts out fear1 discord and imperfection4 ,to minister is ,god-like1 ,christ-like4 99 99 99 99 ,the law of love reaches down1 rules1 and overcomes adverse laws which are below itself4--,henry ,wood4 ,outside1 deepening twilight of a midwinter's day3 inside1 a bright grate fire1 soft curtains1 beautiful rugs and simple but elegant adornings for mantel and wall in this lovely room of a lovely home4 ,the only occupant is a young woman--young because of the real life of which she so vividly and strongly expresses a consciousness1 the only life after all to be expressed1 and which1 rightly appropriated will and must forever be clothed with the freshness and vigor of youth4 ,the young woman is ,grace ,hall ,carrington4 ,she sits before the glowing embers in an expectant attitude4 ,she is evidently waiting for some one1 and as she waits1 her mind seems full of pleasant musing4 ,the three years that have passed since we saw her have ripened her character4 ,we can see that4 ,the unrest and longing which pervaded her whole being in the old days are gone4 ,a poise and calmness of spirit have taken their place4 ,even her attitude as she sits there with the shadows flickering over her1 is full of a suggestive alertness that expresses an awakened life4 ,the forces that had slumbered so long in her being are fully alive to their duty and their privilege4 ,yes1 ,grace ,carrington is awake1 and happy as a wife and woman should be4 ,she is thinking even now of the richness of effort and opportunity that have been hers in these last years4 ,she had been particularly fortunate in her marriage4 ,few women have as much to be thankful for as she has in this respect1 but then1 she waited to find her true womanhood before she found a husband4 ,perhaps that had something to do with it4 ,at any rate she is satisfied that she waited4 ,the door bell rings4 ,a moment later she is greeting two visitors4 ,who but the friends we knew in the old days--,kate ,turner and ,mrs4 ,hayden8 ,i really expected you sooner1 ,mrs4 ,hayden2 ,kate is more uncertain4 ,one never knows when to look for her2 but never mind1 we are together again1 so come up to the fire and let us get settled for the evening4 ,and ,grace hastened to make her friends comfortable4 ,oh but it is nice to get home occasionally1 cried ,kate with a shrug of pleasure as she looked around the beautiful room and then at the smiling hostess4 ,i only wish you would come oftener ,kathie4 ,it seems like the old days to have you here1 replied ,grace with a loving pat4 ,i suspect ,kate has a bit of news for us1 remarked ,mrs4 ,hayden1 as she sat down near the fire4 ,indeed1 exclaimed ,grace1 lifting her eyebrows1 and tightening her hold of her friend's hand4 ,and is the momentous question decided1 dearie8 ,yes1 and ,i am to report for duty next week1 was the reply4 ,good for you1 ,kathie4 ,i always knew the ,truth would make your music heard1 and as ,professor ,beal's assistant it will be heard a long way and to good advantage4 ,she is reaping the reward of her trust in the ,law1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,that is the only thing that will make the working sure4 ,well ,kate1 you have trusted surely1 and to think what a proof this is6 ,how you talk ,grace6 ,one might think you had never proven it at all1 or that your work didn't bear witness to your own trust1 reproved ,mrs4 ,hayden1 smiling4 ,oh well1 girls1 my work has been of the silent order altogether1 or rather it has consisted more of silence than work4 ,there's no telling how it will show up1 was the blushing response4 ,it had been a standing joke with the three as to how ,grace managed her liege lord1 inasmuch as he had never been quite won over to the ,healing1 protesting that he had no time for such things1 persisting in a good-natured skepticism1 although strangely enough he believed a great many things when they were presented without the name of ,healing attached to them4 ,perhaps that very silence is the secret of its showing1 for ,i assure you it shows1 resumed the elder friend1 who still seemed to the other two1 the incarnation of all that was noble and wise4 ,do tell us the way you manage anyway1 ,grace1 begged ,kate1 with special reasons for inquiring4 ,why my dear1 there's nothing to tell unless it be that a bland silence is a good thing to cultivate4 ,there's no use in making so much of a bugbear of these people who seem to oppose1 and the best way to lead them into the green pastures is to let them nibble along the outside until they want to jump the fence and get over in spite of you4 ,now ,leon is really quite hungry to know some things1 especially about the practical application of thought to business1 but he knows just where and how to find what he wants1 so ,i let him take his own time and his own way4 ,which will end1 of course1 in his wanting to know all1 providing you have the patience to wait1 laughed ,kate4 ,that is a foregone conclusion4 ,i can wait1 and ,i will1 said ,grace4 ,besides1 she continued more soberly1 ,i must consider ,leon's rights4 ,he should not be forced to a conclusion simply because ,i hold it4 ,a hot-bed growth1 produced by whatever means1 will not bear the hardy1 healthy bloom of a natural development4 ,he may be slow but he must be true4 ,there ,grace1 you have touched the keynote1 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hayden warmly4 ,it is freedom people need1 freedom to think and act the highest1 for everybody has a highest4 ,yes1 if they can only keep the channels open for the inspiration of the highest to come to them or work through them1 remarked ,kate with a gesture of doubt4 ,what better way is there to give freedom or open the channel1 than to destroy prejudice1 put away antagonism and-- ,either in yourself or others1 interposed ,grace1 for to hold prejudice or to believe in evil is always an obstruction4 ,after all1 it all hinges upon the non-resistance of evil1 said ,kate4 ,yes1 one of the first laws of the beautiful ,christlife1 and yet one of the very last to be practiced in my experience4 ,i tell you girls1 it is the lesson of non-resistance we most need4 ,mrs4 ,hayden spoke earnestly as she always did1 and her words carried weight4 ,go on1 ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,if ,i'm asleep anywhere1 ,i wish you would wake me up1 cried ,kate1 drawing the hassock upon which she sat1 close up to the elder lady1 and putting one hand in her friend's lap1 as she waited expectantly for the answer4 ,well dear1 ,i'm only talking on general principles1 and what ,i have discovered in myself-- ,please tell us what you have found ,mrs4 ,hayden1 said ,grace4 ,we need all the light we can get1 and no matter how it may cut1 we won't shrink will we1 ,kathie8 with a loving glance at the latter4 ,no1 we'll only know and be glad that the hot blaze of truth is melting some more of the dark spots in our range of vision1 returned ,kate4 ,it is only this1 began ,mrs4 ,hayden1 modestly4 ,i have been looking my theory and practice squarely in the face lately1 and ,i find them in many things quite widely separated4 ,for instance1 ,i have been saying for three years that there is no evil1 while in many cases my actions have carried the very opposite idea1 and-- ,why1 what do you mean1 ,mrs4 ,hayden8 cried ,kate in astonishment1 who has been more faithful1 who more loving1 and who more successful in proving the unreality of sickness and evil8 ,for one thing then1 ,i have never put away the tendency to pronounce judgments on people or things1 and ,i must get beyond that before ,i prove that ,i mean what ,i say1 when ,i say there is no reality in evil4 ,but surely we can't help seeing the negative side of things1 was ,kate's remonstrance4 ,no1 but we can help making it positive1 and we can avoid fighting against it if we only stick to our first statement that there is but one ,law4 ,i see what you mean1 said ,grace quietly4 ,you mean that we must hold so perfectly to the allness of ,good1 that no shadow of ignorance can ever darken our vision or our consciousness4 ,yes1 indeed1 we all see that that is the ultimate1 interposed ,kate with some warmth1 but when and how are we to reach it8 ,in the first place we must know that the ultimate is always in the ,now1 and that by holding to our highest statements with that thought1 we can rest in the consciousness of the allness of ,good as ,grace has expressed it4 ,with that consciousness there is no judgment and no resistance4 ,kate still looked mystified1 ,please make it a little plainer1 she begged4 ,well1 last summer when ,i was called to treat ,mrs4 ,hart's child1 as you know1 the father knew little or nothing of the ,science1 and when he insisted on having a physician what did ,i do8 ,instead of calmly realizing that all the medicine in the world could not hurt ,truth1 and dealing with his ignorance as ,i would with his fear1 ,i felt that it would be a terrible thing to countenance such disloyalty1 and so withdrew from treating the case1 forgetting that the father's ignorance could not be called disloyalty2 forgetting that my faithfulness to principle would be the same regardless of any and all ignorance4 ,in fact my action belied my words that there is no reality in evil4 ,but--why1 what else could you do8 asked ,kate with a puzzled frown4 ,i could1 or at least ,i ought to be able to maintain my faith and my consciousness of ,good just the same under those1 as other circumstances1 and so make no resistance4 ,oh yes1 ,i see what you mean1 exclaimed ,grace suddenly4 ,you mean that we make something of what we declare as nothing8 ,exactly1 ,grace4 ,we resist it by thinking it something antagonistic to ,truth1 whereas we should remember our first statement that there is but one ,power4 ,it is the ,one that heals in every instance4 ,we know that4 ,why should we stop to combat what other people think or do not think8 ,there6 ,now ,i understand you1 ejaculated ,kate with a brightening face4 ,it is the ,one only which acts under all disguises1 and--but what would you have us do8 suddenly falling into doubt again4 ,as of old ,kate was ever the questioner4 ,dear1 ,i am not talking of persons or laying down rules of action for anybody1 but ,i am giving you my idea of the non-resistance of evil4 ,the question with me is1 am ,i 'about my ,father's business4' ,if ,i accuse someone of being unfaithful1 or if ,i criticise any methods1 means or persons1 ,i still believe in something besides the ,good4 ,even if ,i accuse myself in any way no matter how slight the fault1 ,i am recognizing that which ,i have declared does not and never did exist4 ,you see what ,i mean4 ,there is no use to multiply examples4 ,oh yes1 ,i see1 but can ,i live up to it8 ,that is the all important question1 was the dreamily earnest reply4 ,as for that ,i might say the same1 but we are not to look at that side of the question4 ,a safe and ,i think the very best guide to right living1 is to measure every act by the standard of love4 ,would love prompt this or that thought1 or decision or action8 ,it is very easy to decide4 ,a thoughtful silence fell upon the group4 ,the evening shadows grew deeper outside4 ,the firelight cast long crimson shafts of light into the corners1 and flickered fitfully over the faces and forms before the grate4 ,i have been learning a lesson too4 ,it was ,kate who broke the silence4 ,her voice was reverential4 ,her eyes were bright with an inner light4 ,i have been holding strongly to the name--the name of ,jesus ,christ--and realizing what it means1 and it has helped me more than anything4 ,what does it mean1 ,kate8 ,that is something which is still a little tainted with the old superstitious worship of a personality1 said ,grace4 ,beware1 ,grace2 that is criticism4 ,put it away until you know1 warned ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,thank you4 ,tell me every time1 returned ,grace humbly4 ,indeed1 this contemplation of the name takes one farther from personality or the recognition of mere person than anything else1 ,kate went on earnestly4 ,jesus ,christ means ,god or ,truth manifest4 ,holding the words with that thought1 all sense of person1 limitation1 or time1 disappears4 ,wisdom and power come to fill your consciousness1 until the ,christ life seems not only a possibility but a real demonstration4 ,kate paused4 ,perhaps she had said too much6 ,but there was no mistaking the vibration of a sympathetic thought1 even if the pressure of friendly hands had not reassured her4 ,it is wonderful how many ways there are of attaining the same end1 mused ,grace4 ,now ,i can gain the same state of mind ,kate speaks of1 by holding to the idea of ,law4 ,to me everything is embodied in that1 although of course1 any great word understood as to its real meaning is an all-inclusive term4 ,but we cannot always live in an ecstasy4 ,we should not if we could1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden4 ,we must get beyond that if we ever attain the mental poise that will carry us through everything4 ,but ,i am so weak1 murmured ,kate4 ,how shall ,i ever-- ,there1 child1 you are doing the very thing that will keep you from growing strong4 ,what right have you to pass judgment on ,katherine ,turner anymore than on anyone else8 said ,mrs4 ,hayden almost sternly2 then suddenly softening her tone she added1 ,dear heart1 we must not let self judgment or self condemnation creep in upon us to leave their blight of discouragement or failure4 ,no1 the only way is to keep our eyes fixed on the mark of the high calling1 resisting nothing1 carrying on our lips1 success1 in our hearts love1 in our lives truth4 ,by the outer we judge nothing3 by the inner we know all4 ,personally1 that is1 physically we are only a part of all external limitation4 ,individually1 that is1 spiritually1 we are the potentiality of ,infinity itself4 ,and that means the possibility of true living1 which is positively necessary to perfect demonstration1 added ,grace4 ,yes1 perfect demonstration in oneself or in others1 said ,mrs4 ,hayden emphatically4 ,in fact the first1 last1 and only consideration is or should be true living1 or the ability to be lived4 ,that is what it amounts to1 after all1 accorded ,grace1 for what is true living but the setting aside of self1 so that the great1 infinite ,life may be established in our action1 as a manifest reality8 ,kate rose softly1 and went to the piano4 ,then spoke the mighty ,voice through ,music1 and through that wondrous harmony a consciousness of the perfect ,life1 with all its power and presence1 burst upon these three who were no longer three but ,one4 ,for that moment they knew and lived only as the ,one1 and in that moment the world received a baptism of blessed1 healing tenderness4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,mystic ,,success ,,club was founded to carry on and extend the ,teachings and ,ministry of ,our ,magazine4 ,one supplements the other4 ,both are doing an unparalleled work in the redemption of humanity from ,disease1 ,sorrow and ,poverty4 ,to spread the glad gospel of ,health1 ,happiness and ,prosperity is the special object of the ,,new ,,york ,,magazine of ,mysteries4 ,to show how to attain and keep these ,god-given blessings1 is the wonderful mission of the ,mystic ,success ,club4 ,not by theory alone1 but by daily1 hourly practice1 can an individual demonstrate any law4 ,the ,law of ,success is no exception4 ,the ,mysteries of ,life can be known only when man understands the mystery of his relations to ,god and the universe1 as well as his relations to ,man4 ,through wise ,counsel1 ,sympathy and the ,mystic tie that binds all aspiring souls1 the ,mystic ,success ,club is giving and will continue to give to its members1 such vital help as only brotherly and ,god inspired love can give4 ,the ,mystic ,success ,club has a correspondence that reaches into the thousands1 to what good purpose and magnificent results1 a glance at the ,testimonials in ,our ,magazine will freely reveal4 ,you who desire to have ,health1 to have ,happiness and to be ,prosperous are invited to join the ,mystic ,success ,club4 ,if you will drop us a postal card1 we will send you at once1 absolutely free1 our booklet entitled1 ,from ,disease1 ,poverty and ,drudgery to ,health1 ,wealth1 ,power and ,success4 ,after reading this booklet your faith will be great1 because you will be confronted with facts4 ,when you feel an inner feeling to become one of us1 write immediately an application for membership in the ,mystic ,success ,club4 ,every member must be a yearly subscriber to the ,,new ,,york ,,magazine of ,mysteries at #a4jj a year and get three friends to subscribe4 ,upon the receipt of the three subscriptions for #c4jj you will be entered on our membership books as a full life member with no further payments or dues of any kind whatsoever4 ,we will then mail you the ,first ,degree 7for health74 ,by faithfully and regularly giving it a little of your time each day1 it will put you on the road to perfect and permanent health4 ,at the end of thirty days1 we will mail you the ,second ,degree 7for receptivity74 ,in thirty days more the ,third ,degree 7for attractiveness71 and in thirty days more the ,fourth or ,final ,degree which prepares you for ,realization4 ,it takes four months to work through the four degrees and you are then in a far more healthy1 receptive and attractive condition than you ever thought of being4 ,if you are already a subscriber to ,our ,magazine1 then it is only necessary for you to send three new subscriptions for #c4jj1 and if you are not a subscriber1 you must send the three subscriptions and your own subscription1 making #d4jj4 ,if you will do your part1 the teachings of the ,mystic ,success ,club will bring out in you all the resources of your soul1 mind and heart4 ,it will fit you for the highest and noblest service--the highest and noblest success4 ,it will help you to make your life now and here larger1 broader and grander in every way4 ,you are invited to write and ask advice1 whenever1 and as soon as you feel moved to do so4 ,with ,holy ,love1 ,peace and ,good ,will to all beings in the ,universe1 we wish you ,success1 ,health and ,happiness4 ,the ,,mystic ,,success ,,club c_/o ,,new ,,york ,,magazine of ,mysteries #bb ,north ,william ,st4 ,new ,york1 ,n4 ,y4 ,u4 ,s4 ,a4 ,carol's ,conversion ,,just ,,published ,,another ,,great ,,book ,,from ,,the ,,pen ,,of ,,helen ,,van-,,anderson ,,price1 #b4jj1 7beautifully bound with cloth7 ,this book is a wonderful delineation of the spiritual life1 and how it comes to him who is ,,as ,a ,,little ,,child4 ,no earnest seeker after ,god and the higher life can afford to be without this story of life and living4 ,,published ,,by ,the ,new ,york ,magazine ,,of ,,mysteries #bb ,north ,william ,street ,new ,york ,city