human
Eloise sends her love to you, dear Carol. She is so happy to know you are so wonderfully better. We feared so much that you, too, might be crippled for life, as she has been, by a fall. The spinal concussion caused her to lose the use of her legs. We have consulted the first specialists, but they have never been able to do anything for her. When the doctor told me this morning how miraculously you have been healed, I felt I must come and ask you to tell me something about it. Tell me, dear Carol, what is Christian Science?
gpt
I think Christian Science means knowledge--a knowledge of God; and as we gain this knowledge we draw nearer to Him. Cousin Alicia used to tell me we are all God’s children, but we have wandered so far away from Him. We are prodigals, dwelling in that far country where we are fed, like the swine, on husks. Christian Science just teaches us the way back to our Father’s house; and as we find the road and walk in it, we lose the evils that tormented us. Jesus was our elder brother who never left his Father’s house. Although he lived on earth, it was still his Father’s house, because he lived always in the consciousness of good. And that is what we have to try to do. It seemed easier when I was with Cousin Alicia.
human
What a beautiful thought, Carol, ’living in the consciousness of good.’ But, dear, how can we do it, with sickness, sorrow, and sin, all around? When I look at my wee girlie, I can never know joy or happiness; her young life to be so cruelly blighted through the carelessness of a maid. Every child I see running about free and happy is like a dagger in my heart, as I know that she should be the same.
gpt
When Cousin Alicia came from America after my mother’s death, I was very ill, and the doctors said I could never be better. But she knew that I could. She said, ’You are God’s child, dear Carol, and all God’s children are spiritual, and therefore perfect. Awake from this dream of suffering and pain.’ Every day she used to talk to me, until she led me to understand what it is to live in the consciousness of good, and then I was well.
human
Oh, Carol, it seems too wonderful to be true! Do you think that something might be done for my little girl?
gpt
Why, of course. I am sure if you will take her to my home, Cousin Alicia will teach her as she taught me. She is always so happy to teach people about Christian Science. Shall I write and tell her you will take Eloise to her?
human
Thank you, dear Carol, but I think, perhaps, before you write, I must ask Dr. Burton. If he is willing, I will gladly take my little girl to Miss Desmond.
gpt
Dear boy, you have given me hope. You cannot think what it has been to a mother’s heart to be so long hopeless,
human
Have you seen Carol, Mother?
gpt
Yes, darling, and I have had such a sweet talk with him. He has made me so happy. I seem to see you running about like other children.
human
Oh, Mother, wouldn’t that be lovely! And is he really well?
gpt
It seems so, dear. Mrs. Mandeville is keeping him quietly in his own room to-day. But he seemed so well and happy. He wants me to take you into Devonshire to stay with his cousin. He says she will teach us what she has taught him--and then--Oh, Eloise, my darling, you, too, would be well and strong, no longer a little crippled girl.
human
What is it, Mother, that he has been taught?
gpt
It seems something so wonderful and beautiful, dear. He says that dwelling in the consciousness of good is dwelling in our Father’s house, but, like the prodigal son in the parable, we have wandered away into that far country where all sorts of evils can befall us. My girlie, we will try to find our way together into this happy understanding of good which causes the fetters to fall. I will speak to Father to-night and ask him to let me take you.
human
Do--_do_, please, Mother.