Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27

the search-light of investigation. Those
who have gone through similar ex-
periences-many who have found IN
Christian Science a complete answer to
these problems-will know what 1t all
means.
Doubt Grows with Rapldlty
The rapidity with which doubt grows
when once permitted entrance into the
heart, Is in contrast to the very grad
ual. almost reluctant, manner in which
faith usually returns. The doubt is
accentuated and perpetuated by the
fact that the doubter too often. be-
comes the easy victim of any shade or
belief which happens to be brought
under his notice. A Ieahet, sugges-
tion from a friend, a casual article,
may turn him like a tired child to the
study of some new way out Of his per-
plexities. The writer found in a spe-
cious metaphysical teaching material
for study and thought. 1t apparently
had it's attractive features. 1t prom
ised to give relief from physical dis
cord as well as a satisfactory solution
of theological problems, but it did
neither, though it's investigation was
pursued with all the earnestness of the
neophyte. 1t was nebulous, tainted
with materlalistic thought and prac-
tice, and in every way unsatisfytng.
The searcher was partially stranded.
He had cut himself off from The church
that had fer so long been his spiritual
home, and 1t was impossible to return.
The foundations of faith were uncer-
tain. Belief In certain doctrines had
vanished, or apparently so; as mat
ter of fact, 1t was only their right In
depreciation that. was obscured, but
doubt overshadowed everything. The
mental condition was seemingly hope
less: in reality it was hopeful. "Certi-
tude is a point" says a great theolog-
ian, speaking during a painful expert
ence. "but doubt is progress. was
not near certitude yet. Gertrude is a
reflex action; 1t is to know that one
knows" And to "know" is the goal of
every doubter.
That was seven years ago. Then the
healing etreams of Love We're turned
in the direction of the perplexed one.
Very reluctantly attention was given to
Christian Science, then just beginning
to find a new field under the Southern
Cross. The reluctance was the result
of an indisposition to investigate q
form of faith about which so little that
was Biblical or spiritual had then been
heard in the new field of Australia.
Adherents were very few; it's teach
ings seemed to be somewhat on the
lines of that which had Just yielded so
little practical result, but the persis-
tence of Z. friend led to the reading of
Science and Health. About this book,
now to the writer Of priceless value, a
good deal might be said To this day
he remembers the interest with which
he read that it was a key to the
Scriptures" that 1t had given rest to
many weary hearts, and that through
it's study many afflicted ones had been
restored to health. The book was read
and reread, but its deep spiritual i'm
port was not then recognized, and for
a long time 1t was put aside.
Periodicals Were Valuable
The Christian Science periodicals
were then diligently studied. and tes-
timony must be borne to the immense
value of these in the great work of
spreading the truth. In few months
Science and Health was again taken
up, but its reading was accompanied
by a study of pantheism and other
lines of thought which 1t was believed
would be helpful. This was the writ
er's way of coming into Christian Sci
ence; but it is not to be commended to
every one. Investigation, to be thor
ough and complete, however. cannot be