Article July 18, 1908 Issue

THE TRUE AMBITION

LOUISE SMITH GLANVILLE.

MOST of us who are enjoying the rich blessings which attend the knowing of God aright, find much cause for encouragement in looking back over the years before we had found Truth, and comparing our ambitions then with those of the present. From our early school-days we were taught that "knowledge is power," even that merely material knowledge which in the light of Christian Science we find must be unlearned if we would grasp the understanding of Spirit. Once we thought it of great importance to be accomplished in many things, to be conversant with topics of the day and the latest literature, and quite likely we may have dreamed of fame and wealth. This cultivation of the mortal self was ever suggested as a worthy ambition, notwithstanding the fact that in attaining it little time was left to meditate upon spiritual things, to be unselfish, and to minister lovingly to those in need; in short, to be truly good. In our reaching up for the golden apple of worldly comfort and social distinction which hung so temptingly upon the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil," our backs were turned to the nourishing fruit of Spirit which should bless us with eternal life. If we were considered honorable in our dealings with men, lovable in disposition, and examples worthy of emulation, according to the world's sense, we ourselves felt quite well satisfied that we were as good as mortals usually are, until the call of Truth roused us from dormant satisfaction in matter and pointed out to us our very grave sin of absorption in materiality. Our view-point then changed, for the taste of Spirit's joys destroys our appetite for the gross sweets of matter. We began to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;" almost oblivious of the corresponding promise, "and all these things shall be added unto you," until we saw the once longed for golden apple lying at our feet. We had ceased to prize it merely because it was a golden apple, but we hailed it joyfully as a sign that we had entered into the abundance of spiritual supply.

When once our supreme desire is, as Mrs. Eddy tells us, to "have no ambition, affection, nor aim apart from holiness" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 155), it is inspiring to note the opportunities which God gives us to learn of Him. Every circumstance and condition holds a valuable lesson for us. We see even the desert "blossom as the rose," for we are finding real beauty in divine Mind; isolation from loved ones teaches us that God is our Father-Mother and friend; lack of social pleasures causes us to look for true happiness in contemplating the things of God. We draw very near to Him in times of storm and stress, and when we have found our way again into peaceful waters, we sometimes find ourselves more careful than we were before about losing our bearings. If we are misled for a season, our discordant thought is manifested in such a way that we are glad to turn again, "like tired children to the arms of divine Love" (Science and Health, p. 322); and though the lesson may be severe, we shall be thankful for having had it to learn.

Praise to God, who in His infinite love and goodness has given us through our beloved Leader a guide-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which enables us to apprehend the Word of Truth and to ascend the hill of Science, at the top of which the crown of holiness is awaiting us. Our cross may sometimes seem heavy, but if it serve to keep our gaze more steadily turned toward the goal, we may well say, even for this, "Father, I thank thee."

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