Article June 1, 1899 Issue

Patience

BY PAUL R. MAYBURY.

Webster defines patience as, "Endurance without murmuring or fretfulness. The act or quality of waiting long for justice or expected good." When one "waits long for justice or good," his faith in the existence of that justice or good, must be very real. Such a faith, which by degrees becomes understanding, the student of Christian Science possesses in the Principle and laws of this Science. And this is why sincere Scientists are becoming more and more generally acknowledged to be just, charitable, and patient—without self-righteousness.

The Christian Scientist needs prayerful patience in handling specifically the errors that seem to form an actual part of his true being, and, in a general sense, those that appear to belong to his neighbor. When in earnest, he constantly strives to know that evil is no part of God's creation; that it neither has influenced, nor ever can influence, his true selfhood, or that of his brother. It is to be regarded simply as an illusion—nothingness. Therefore he must instantly cast out these subtle suggestions of evil, as a startled dreamer turns from the thought of some terrible nightmare, and thankfully turns his awakened sense to the assured realities about him.

The mother is patient with a fretful or fearful child; and because she understands that this inharmonious condition will soon disappear, she tenderly quiets it with her presence. In like manner do we need forbearnce and wisdom in dealing with those who are new-born of Spirit. We should not become discouraged or neglectful because of their apparent weakness or slowness of growth; but should encourage and help them until they are strong enough to stand alone. Then they will help and cheer us along the upward way.

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