Called to serve

FOREWORD
Reason for writing and reading
Simonsen's book speaks to its readers with simple directness.  In the foreword, he offers his reasons for writing: "to make public and beneficial the experience of an earnest seeker of the Truth who applied the Principle discovered by Mrs. Eddy, and who had unfolded to him the solution of one of the most vital problems confronting mankind today, namely, that of demonstrating over lack and limitation into the glorious freedom of the abundance of substance and supply." Furthermore, he cautions that absence of the "correct understanding of substance and supply" (p. vii) leads to sin and sickness. This is a startling statement.

CHAPTER ONE
Calling and commitment
Here we learn a little of the author's background. In 1843, his devout parents sailed to north America on board a mail packet from Skein in Norway. Landfall was made in Quebec (Canada) and thence to Milwaukee (Wisconsin) via the Great Lakes. The journey was difficult, as were the family's early years. Bible study was an important part of each day and the young Severin was particularly interested in Jesus' healing of the sick; in fact, he records an instance of turning to God in prayer when his mother was ill. Her recovery was foundational to the lad's growing trust in and turning to God for help in times of need (p. 19).

The teen-aged Severin soon felt a calling to "bring [God's] message of love and salvation to mankind" and opportunities to speak in his father's Methodist church shortly presented themselves to the fourteen year old. He learned some valuable lessons: never to relinquish the work entrusted to us, because by doing so we are "apt to miss the blessing and reward for good and faithful work and unquestioning obedience to God" (p.24); one must watch and guard one's thoughts (p. 21); and we should never heed error's voice (p. 27).

Having now thoroughly committed himself to serving God, Simonsen writes that he "took up the study of the Scriptures with renewed energy" in the hope of being "the greatest possible service to [his] fellow man" (p. 28). However, he was soon tested, just as Abraham had been (Gen. 22:11,12). While Abraham reached the point of being prepared to give up his son Issac, Simonsen was caught in a quandary regarding his much loved dog. As a result of earnest prayer, he was able to let go his great personal attachment to the dog with the result that he was both able to keep the dog and also fill his spare time - not with doggy pastimes - but with study of the Scriptures (p. 29).

Love at first sight
After graduating from Garrett Biblical Institute in 1881, Severin completed further study in Europe where he "searched [in vain] for someone who healed the sick according to Christ's command" (p. 30).  Once back home, he spent his holidays as a travelling salesman and it is here that he relates the tender and nourishing story of how he met his Mary Elizabeth (pp. 30 - 35).

Christ's command: heal the sick
Some years later, Simonsen was still pondering Christ's command to heal the sick whilst also battling a debilitating disease that appeared incurable. His elder brother (a Methodist minister) suggested he try Christian Science because a good friend had been "marvellously healed" through its means (p. 38), but his physician brother-in-law discredited the method as "nothing but hypnotism" (ibid). Later however, a fellow church member called on Mr. Simonsen, asking him to try CS. She offered proof of its validity. A mutual acquaintance had been completely healed through Christian Science of paralysis of the right side of her body (p. 38-39).

Simonsen then recounts his visit to a CS practitioner (p. 39 - 43). He writes: "I was passing through an experience and unfoldment never to be forgotten. Everything...took on a more glorious appearance" (p. 42).