The Pastors Son | Page 7

and then I will hear no
more of this nonsense. I don't think I will mention the matter again until
we get to studying the lessons; then as we get to this medicine question,
I will point it out to them."
So the pastor, after having thought himself into a better frame of mind,
dismissed the subject from his thoughts, arose, and walked over to the
bookcase, selected the book he wanted, and was soon absorbed in
reading.
In the meantime Walter had hurried to his room and was soon busily
engaged in reading "Science and Health."
About nine o'clock he heard his father and mother coming upstairs to
retire for the night. He hastily turned out his light and scrambled into
bed, clothes and all.
A few moments later when his mother looked in she found him in bed
nicely covered up, and supposing him asleep, quietly left the room. As
soon as Walter was sure they had retired, he arose, relit the gas, and
continued reading. It was after midnight when he laid down the book
and said, "I feel sure this book is true, and that God made only the good,
and never made me or any one else sick. I believe I will get well when I
understand how to pray aright." Then he undressed and got into bed, a
happier and more hopeful boy than he had ever been.
After saying his usual prayers, he added, "And now, God, I wish to
thank you for all the good things you have given me. I could not thank
you this morning, for then I thought you had made me sick. But now I
know that you are all good and could not make evil; truly I now have
something to be thankful for and shall always remember this
Thanksgiving day."

CHAPTER IV
PREPARING FOR THE LESSONS
The next morning, when Walter awoke it was broad daylight, and the
hands on the clock pointed to the hour of ten, as his mother came into
his room with an anxious look on her face and said, "I have just come
up to wake you as your father was worried because of your sleeping so
long; how do you feel this morning?"
"Oh, mother, I feel better this morning, and I had the best night's rest I
have had for years. I never woke up once all night, and I feel strong and
hungry."
"Thank God you are better, I will go down and get your breakfast
ready."
"All right, mother, I will be down as soon as I wash and dress." Before
going down, he went over to his trunk, took out "Science and Health,"
and said, "I believe that you contain the truth and will free me of this
disease." He then placed it in his trunk again, being careful to hide it
from the view of any one who should carelessly look into it.
Hastily descending to the dining-room, he ate a hearty breakfast. As he
was leaving the table his mother said, "I am sorry you did not take
advantage of the beautiful sunshine yesterday, for the wind has changed
and is now blowing severely from the north and it is very cold and
dreary out."
"I don't mind it at all to-day, mother, for I feel so much better that I
hadn't noticed the weather."
His mother was somewhat astonished to hear him speak so cheerfully,
as it had been customary for Walter to complain of feeling worse on
dreary days. Then she thought, "It must be that new medicine, for he
certainly is better, and I pray God he will continue to improve."
As for Walter, he was glad it was a dreary day, as this would give him

an excuse for staying in his room and continue his reading. He wished
he was there now, but did not want to awaken the suspicion of his
mother by too hurried a departure. So he walked about the room, trying
to think of some excuse. Finally a happy thought occured to him, and
he said, "Mother, I believe I will take the Bible and go to my room and
read, so as to be prepared for our lesson this evening."
"Very well, Walter, you will find it on the library table."
Walter walked into the library, secured the book, then went up to his
room, took out "Science and Health" and was soon absorbed in its
contents.
The afternoon was a repetition of the morning.
At the supper table the Rev. Williams said, "I am sorry we cannot start
our Bible lessons for a few evenings, as I have received a notification
to be present at some meetings to be held by the local clergy."
"Any matter of importance, James?" asked his wife.
"Not particularly so.