Article June 19, 1909 Issue

THE LAW OF PROGRESS

CLARENCE W. CHADWICK.

The progress of the human race heavenward cannot be measured according to any intellectual standards. Some of those regarded as the brightest intellects of the ages have been slaves to the most degrading of habits. Material accomplishments may seem to embellish and to smooth life's pathway, but they also bring their responsibilities and heartaches. Sooner or later the mortal comes face to face with the stern fact that all the knowledge of the world of sense cannot relieve him of the discomfort and unhappiness which the accumulated learning of years has brought him.

Finally, through sore trial and anguish of heart, he finds himself listening to the advice of some kind friend, to try Christian Science, and as it is his last resort he heeds the invitation and meekly asks for help. In due season it comes, often so speedily that he can scarcely believe it possible. He begins to read, to study, to ponder the Christian Science text-book, and as thought is uplifted to behold the heretofore unknown and unseen facts of existence he exclaims, "It is wonderful! Why did I spend all these years in ignorance of my spiritual birthright? Why was I not sooner led to this blessed truth which heals and purifies and saves? Why did God permit me to remain so long in ignorance of my freedom and health and happiness?" As thought advances from faith to understanding, all these questions are answered to his entire satisfaction, and he learns to rejoice in what he now knows about God.

Before, he was content to believe a great deal about matter and its assumed laws. Now he is content to correct and to unlearn what he has learned through the material senses, and to seek first the knowledge of the kingdom of God. Herein lies his progress heavenward. Before Christian Science came to him he was serving the belief in matter and its supposed laws. Now he is serving Spirit, and is coming to understand spiritual law. This reversal of things has also unveiled the mythical nature of sin as well as disease, and has given him the understanding with which to overcome evil instead of serving it. He is now under the law of progress, God's law, the law which "demands of us only what we can certainly fulfil" (Science and Health, p. 233). So long as he was governed by the physical senses he was not obeying the government of God, good, and consequently not under its protection. This fact every human being must learn before he can begin to make conscious progress toward the kingdom of heaven. Sense testimony relegates the heavenly kingdom to an uncertain future existence, and offers no present reward for present moral and spiritual effort. Christian Science ushers in the ever-present reign of Spirit and declares that this is the kingdom of heaven at hand. It reveals what is true concerning God and man, and mortals begin to progress out of erroneous mental, moral, and physical conditions.

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