Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1898).djvu/480

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
460
SCIENCE AND HEALTH.

It has been said to the author: “The world is benefited by you, but it feels your influence without seeing Seclusion of the author. you. Why do you not make yourself more widely known?” Could her friends know how little time the author has had in which to make herself outwardly known, except through her laborious publications, — and how much time and toil are still required to establish the stately operations of Christian Science, — they would understand why she is so secluded. Others could not take her place, even if willing to do so. She has therefore remained unseen at her post, working for the generations to come, never looking for a present reward.

In founding an ethical and medical system, I have labored to expound divine Principle, not to exalt personality. Motives and substitutes. When striving to benefit mankind I have disregarded certain persistent efforts to misrepresent me, hinder my work, hide my character, and pervert my methods. I have clung to Truth most closely in the hour of trial. The weapons of bigotry, selfishness, ignorance, and error may often pierce our heart, but remember they chasten it as well. “The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” Who would gain worldly and temporary advantages by adulterating Christian Science, and so making it void? All such falsity has a foundation of sand. Dishonesty can never found a true system of ethics or health.