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in place of that lurking sin, the "Mind that was in Christ Jesus"? In other words, would it not be wiser humbly to learn from another's experience; to avoid the same foolishness, the same sin, the same ignorance?

The writer is not merely theorizing, but rather is speaking from personal experience. He has measured to another from his lofty self-righteousness, and been measured unto in return, while smarting under ignorance and folly rebuked in himself. His love of Truth has compelled him to look within; to see the deceitfulness of his own carnal heart, and be willing that it should be uncovered and cleansed,—even by fire. Not only is he forced to be willing, but must himself help to keep the purifying fire burning; that it may consume the very last claim of ignorance and sin, leaving only the Truth of Being to be found abiding in him.

Christian Science is not only a revelation, but a revelator. Truth revealed, in turn uncovers every phase of the lie. That is why the "honest heart" is the only one that can bear its fires. The "honest heart" is one that really wants to find the kingdom of God and his righteousness," at whatever cost of pride or worldly wisdom; the heart that is willing to have its deceitfulness uncovered, for that is the only way by which it can be said of any human being: "He himself knew what was in man." It is the only way by

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which our trust can be transferred from man to God. The trustworthiness of the Divine revealed, discloses the utter untrustworthiness-not only of our own human heart, but of the heart of man.

God help us to measure as we would be measured unto; to guard as sacredly the conflicts and failures, the growth and victories of a brother, whether a fellow-teacher or our student, as we would have him guard ours. God help us to learn, soon, not to chide another while a sense of injustice rankles in our own heart. Jesus never did this! God help us never to exult in another's pain; for it is the same snake that envies another's hard-earned "well-done," and will poison unto death. "May he give his angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways!"

FOUND AT LAST.

A

M. BETTIE BELL.

S far back in childhood as I can remember, I had a longing to know about God. Rather than play and romp as other children, I found happiness in reading the Bible to the old negroes on the plantation, and telling them all I could about the beautiful things recorded therein. At every ailment that came to me they would prophesy to my parents: "You'll neber raise dat 'ar chile, she's born for dem heabenly mansions. . . . It takes dat 'ar chile to make eberybody t'ink de black negro'll go to heaben if he behave himself properly as God be no respecter of persons." Fear of death was continually held before me, by both white and black, because of a delicate appearance and frequent illness.

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My parents were members of the old school Baptist church; and, our home being considered a hospitable roof for one and all of the ministers and church people, the subject of religion discussed with and by them became a familiar theme. I myself often questioned my father about the prophecies in Isaiah, Ezekiel and other books, but his reply was: "The deep mysteries of Godliness are hidden from us, and you are too young a child to inquire into these profound things." Yet the longing to know kept forcing its way; and many a night I lay awake praying to God to show me the way, to give me a right heart and a true understanding, above all, to keep me from saying or doing any evil thing.

A happy childhood was followed by a social young-ladyhood, and yet there was an unsatisfied desire for something better, higher; something that the world could not give. Sometimes also there was a striving to hush these vain longings, to smother thoughts about God; because I did not know of any one who could wisely answer the many questions arising, and thus satisfy the deep yearnings. I now know it was the vain search for the real, the unsatisfied desire for Truth, that often made me ill.

When very young I parted with my sunny home at "Cedar Grove," and took the name of one of the noblest of the earth. It seemed that in my own home, where new interests would put to

silence the inner warfare, I would be happiest. Earthly joys seemed very real; but the inward struggles went on, and naught of earth's bountiful offerings could stop the search for the true boon of Life.

The dream of mortal joy was broken by the loss of a beautiful boy too beautiful to lay under the sod; the pride of my heart, the hope of my life. Why must this be?

So-called Christian people said it was done through God's will to humble me; that the chastisement was needful. They thought that I loved the world, and that this was to force an acknowledgment of God, and make me willing to join the church. Mortal sympathy fell like a clod upon the heart; but I listened to the advice of elder people, and finally myself united with the old school Baptist church, being convinced that this was the way to find the Light. They seemed to me the people who lived nearest the Truth; for they talked more about the Bible, and loved each other better than any people I knew. They also had a high appreciation, through faith, of a living Redeemer; but no understanding of a living, saving Principle. They preached the realities of hell, until the fear of eternal punishment was so grounded in the consciousness, that the demonstration of Christian Science alone could destroy it. Having joined them however, I thought: "Now the rest will come, the peace that passeth understanding be given, and with it surely will come some knowledge of God," --but the battle was just the same. I found no panacea for sickness, no boon for sorrow, no health, and no uplifting from sin; though I was deceived in thinking this was all right.

Time sped away. Other dear ones came to cheer the home, claim the attention, and give plenty of food for thought. I began to search the Bible more and more, that I might see the way to rear them; to give to them the stimulant of a Christian life, and the example of a Christian mother. I prayed for them day and night; but my prayers were not of the kind to keep out the doctor, or obviate administering of medicine. My love for them was full of fear, and anxiety was the demon of torment. How often I wondered, "Is this the Christianity that Jesus came and labored to show us? Is this the way he would have us live?" The question remained unanswered. Faith in the promises was unshaken, but I could see no way to apply those precious promises to my daily life.

I loved my family as do few mothers—indeed my great sin

was idolatry; but the sudden appearance of the illusion of scarlet fever, in one short week robbed me of all I had! In Lexington's beautiful cemetery, five mounds mark the resting place of what idols in the flesh.

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As before, Christian pillars versed in theological lore said, "It is God's doing." Many a night I walked the floor, declaring: "If it is God's work, I do not want to know anything about God! If Christians and ministers persist in saying God sent this fifth-told woe upon me, to punish for some awful sin I know nothing about, both ministers and Christians have told a lie about God, and I do not want to be in the company of either." They almost crazed me with their modes and means of comfort charging God with the horrors of mortal error! To be alone that I might search the Scripture to find out whether God did it, was all I asked. It seemed I must have died had I not heard the sweet whisperings: "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . . I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. . . . If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death." These words from the fountain of Life would still the grief. Could the Father who put such words into the mouth of His beloved Son, be the cruel God to rob me of all my loved ones?

Months of lonely widowhood passed, in which the heart was schooled by its discipline, and the daily cry, "Not my will but thine be done." At length a new husband, new home, new city, new society changed the thought to live and do for others; but when the heart is once broken, who can mend it? Only God!

Sickness marked me for its prey, clogging the wheels of action and stultifying many a good motive and aim. Starving for the bread of Life, I went to church with my family every Sunday, hearing given these motives for church going: "This is a popular church; the fashionable people go here. The minister gets off some very cute sayings, and it don't cost a man much. He is not dunned for extras, and nothing is expected of him but to listen to a fine, rhetorical lecture." Heartsick, I turned from this picture, and found rest in the Sermon on the Mount.

Two beautiful daughters came to fill the void and cheer our home, for us to continue to love with fear and anxiety. Beliefs settled upon me so thickly that I came to be called an invalid; and there followed days of suffering under medical treatment of all kinds and qualities, until all methods were exhausted and laid

by as valueless. I often wondered which had become the most chronic: the sickness, or the Doctor and his powders. The yearning for God increased, and eventually led me to my Saviour.

In 1884 a friend called and told me of some wonderful cures effected through Christian Science. After hearing the mode of treatment I doubted its efficacy. It seemed impossible that any thing could be done, but I was urged to take the treatment. That night I dreamed I saw Jesus standing by my bedside, with a look of compassion on his face, saying to me, "Daughter, be of good cheer, thy faith hath made thee whole." I consented to receive treatment at once, and in two weeks time was enabled to take charge of my family and home duties; soon afterward becoming able to entertain a house full of company. I spent the summer in taking friends to the dear Scientist, that they too might receive the blessing and the healing balm.

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The next step: I must know of this power - the nature of this silent method that soothed when all else failed. To myself I said: "I will take nobody's word for this. I will take SCIENCE AND HEALTH and compare it with the teachings of Jesus, Paul and others. If it accords with my BIBLE I will accept it. If this method proves to be the healing, teaching and preaching given by Jesus, I will follow; will study, and devote my life to it." Peace and rest began to dawn. I searched the BIBLE and SCIENCE AND HEALTH faithfully, and can say, with joy unspeakable, that I have found at last the way to demonstrate the Life that knows no death.

I took my first course of instruction under a student; and then, being convinced that this was the Truth, could only be satisfied by taking primary, normal and obstetric courses with the Discoverer of Christian Science - which I did in the next three years. Through the illumination of her spiritual understanding of God, darkness was lifted from the land; and behold the light of healing ability! the strength found in wielding the sword of Spirit to hew down the claims of sin! The final mastery over death is included in the Principle and rule of the Science of Being.

Progress is the law of demonstration. Through this beautiful teaching, I was enabled to hew down the claims of sickness and sin; to rise into newness of Life; to disarm all unconscious error, by the power of the law of Spirit which gives us dominion over it. Six years have passed since first I heard of Christian Science.

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