Editorial June 1, 1912 Issue

PROSPERITY

Annie M. Knott

To most people prosperity means chiefly worldly success, and few there are who do not greatly desire it, even if they are not willing to labor for its attainment. Prosperity is undoubtedly a right condition in which all should share, but this cannot be realized until its true foundation is seen to be righteousness. When this is understood and demonstrated we shall no longer be fearful of missing it ourselves, or confused as to the prosperity of others. In other words, we shall discriminate between the spiritual sense of prosperity, which is permanent, and the material, which is delusive and fleeting. A famous theologian of the seventeenth century says that "prosperities can be enjoyed only by those who fear not at all to lose them;" which would mean those who know that what God gives can never be lost.

A deep lesson on this subject may be gained, from the experience of the psalmist, who says that his feet had well-nigh slipped because he was envious "at the foolish," when he "saw the prosperity of the wicked." In this darkened mental state he not only assumed the divine prerogative of judgment, but he decided that according to sense evidence God was unjust in supporting or at least permitting such conditions. At this point he failed to see that ill-gotten riches are a curse, not a blessing, and that another's problem does not concern us, for here and always applies the Master's word, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." The student of Christian Science who keeps close to Principle turns away from material sense evidence and declares with conviction that because God is just, justice must and will prevail, and in this assurance he rests his case. Our revered Leader reminds us that "trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff,—a broken reed, which pierces the heart;" and she adds, "We do not half remember this in the sunshine of joy and prosperity" (Science and Health, p. 66). Nothing indeed is permanent until its spiritual sense is reached, then we have "joys substantial and sincere," to quote an old hymn.

The 118th Psalm gives the experience of one who had passed through great trials and who was at length saved by divine power alone. He then saw that this deliverance by Truth was "the stone which the builders refused," but which is really "the head stone of the corner," and with this recognition of the divine allness he prayed, "O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity." The one who is spiritually healed is ready for true prosperity! The beloved disciple knew this when he wrote to Gaius: "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth," and Christ Jesus insisted that if we seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," all that we need will be added unto us.

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