0.0 – Christian Science Publication Contents

1	REFORMERS 

  	    The olden opinion that hell is fire and brimstone, has
 3	yielded somewhat to the metaphysical fact that suffering
  	is a thing of mortal mind instead of body:  so, in place
  	of material flames and odor, mental anguish is generally
 6	accepted as the penalty for sin. This changed belief
  	has wrought a change in the actions of men. Not a few
  	individuals serve God (or try to) from fear; but remove
 9	that fear, and the worst of human passions belch forth
  	their latent fires. Some people never repent until earth
  	gives them such a cup of gall that conscience strikes home;
12	then they are brought to realize how impossible it is to
  	sin and not suffer. All the different phases of error in
  	human nature the reformer must encounter and help to
15	eradicate. 
  	    This period is not essentially one of conscience: few
  	feel and live now as when this nation began, and our
18	forefathers' prayers blended with the murmuring winds
  	of their forest home. This is a period of doubt, inquiry,
  	speculation, selfishness; of divided interests, marvellous
21	good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out
  	its own destruction; and reform does and must push on
  	the growth of mankind. 
24	    Honor to faithful merit is delayed, and always has
  	been; but it is sure to follow. The very streets through
  	which Garrison was dragged were draped in honor of
27	the dead hero who did the hard work, the immortal work,
  	o...f loosing the fetters of one form of human slavery. I
  	remember, when a girl, and he visited my father, how a
30	childish fear clustered round his coming. I had heard
 
 Miscellaneous Writings --- Reformers                                          
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 1	the awful story that "he helped 'niggers' kill the white
  	folks!" Even the loving children are sometimes made
 3	to believe a lie, and to hate reformers. It is pleasant,
  	now, to contrast with that childhood's wrong the reverence
  	of my riper years for all who dare to be true, honest to
 6	their convictions, and strong of purpose. 
  	    The reformer has no time to give in defense of his
  	own life's incentive, since no sacrifice is too great for the
 9	silent endurance of his love. What has not unselfed love
  	achieved for the race? All that ever was accomplished,
  	and more than history has yet recorded. The reformer
12	works on unmentioned, save when he is abused or his
  	work is utilized in the interest of somebody. He may
  	labor for the establishment of a cause which is fraught
15	with infinite blessings, — health, virtue, and heaven;
  	but what of all that? Who should care for everybody? 
  	It is enough, say they, to care for a few. Yet the good
18	done, and the love that foresees more to do, stimulate
  	philanthropy and are an ever-present reward. Let one's
  	life answer well these questions, and it already hath a
21	benediction: 
  	    Have you renounced self? Are you faithful? Do
  	you love? 
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