Editorial January 6, 1906 Issue

Patient Persistence

John B. Willis

Humanly speaking, the problem of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the devil is a serious undertaking, but in Christ's name it may be entered upon and continued with well-grounded confidence and unfailing cheer. If, in the presence of trying human conditions, one is ever tempted to be discouraged Christian Science comes to him as an aid of inestimable value, since it gives him firm footing, a solid foundation for thought, in the scientific apprehension of the allness of Truth, the unreality of error. If it is entirely clear to one in such an hour that the overcoming of sin and sickness, every physical and mental ill, through spiritual understanding, is just as natural and just as sure as is the overcoming of darkness by light,—then the period of depression will be brief, and he will renew the struggle with unquestioning assurance and a glad song.

When troubled about delayed results, it will be of advantage to remember that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places;" for if we have not reckoned rightly with our foe, it is more than probable that we have neglected some part of that "whole armor of God" which alone enables us to "withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." Inapprehension of the importance of any given problem, is the forerunner of unpreparedness to solve it, and hence of failure. A review of the facts of the situation often helps us to dissipate a weakening self-confidence, and begets that turning to God and reliance upon Him which frees from every phase of erroneous belief and gives strength for every exigency of experience. The recognition of all the claims of mortal sense should ever stir thought to the further recognition that every root of bitterness, every increment of error can be, and shall be displaced by patient continuance in right thinking and right doing. Thus shall we know that Truth cannot fail.

In the eighth chapter of his letter to the Romans, Paul puts the situation in a very plain, straightforward way. He says, "We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." In this communal phrasing he recognizes the inevitability of struggle,—a struggle from which even those who have already realized "the firstfruits of the Spirit" are by no means exempt. He also defines the remaining disability. The "body" is not yet redeemed; and the aspiring "groan within themselves" over the disclosure of errors yet to be eliminated. How true all this is! Later he reminds them, and us, of the saving power of that patient hope which knoweth that Spirit, divine Truth, is the sufficient helper, and that the struggle worthily maintained can but result in both present and future good to each. "If God be for us." he asks, "who can be against us?" and his answer is one of the noblest pæans of victory ever uttered.

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