Article July 18, 1914 Issue

Continuance

WALTER SHAW

Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." Those who have accepted the teachings of Christian Science, and have been studying the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," for some years, find therein an imperative and constant demand for progress. A few who have not apprehended what this teaching involves, may have grown weary, and under stress of some "hard saying" have become offended, like a portion of the Master's followers who "from that time ... walked no more with him." To say that Christian Science is an easy method of salvation would be to understate the facts. There is no royal road to true, practical religion. An acquiescent belief in Truth is quite futile. The demand is for repeated proof or demonstration that we understand Truth. Every problem solved means advancement to a higher standard. Our great comfort is that increased knowledge of divine Truth brings clearer understanding and power to work, so that we may ultimately rejoice in tribulation, knowing that it will eventually bring "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

It is often helpful to remember what others went through at the dawn of the Christian era for Truth's sake; how Paul endured in his wonderful work and practice, and also to recall our Leader's struggles in the early years of this great movement. Without such trials and testings what would have been the value of these examples of fidelity? Mrs. Eddy says, "Progress takes off human shackles" (Science and Health, p. 256), and surely it is inspiring to know that the bondage of material sense must ere long give place to perfect freedom. Advancement is gained by devout consecration and love for the cause. It is through moral and spiritual growth that we conquer error. Christian Science presents the highest ideal. It teaches that it is not merely intellectual development that is needed, but self-abnegation and love for God and man.

On the first page of Science and Health we read that "desire is prayer," and what one truly desires is evidenced by conduct more than by words. Many strive eagerly to acquire all the help they can gain from our services and from our periodicals. In every Christian Science field there are those who are never absent and never late. Others still allow weather conditions or social engagements to influence them, not having yet seen the importance of putting Christian Science, the cause of Truth, foremost of all duties. There may be times in the experience of every student when disappointments temporarily cloud our vision. These may arise through the difficulty of arousing those we love to a sense of the paramount and vital importance of Truth. The desire to propel others seems inherent in human belief. The inquiry, "What shall this man do?" brought the sharp reprimand from the Master, "What is that to thee? follow thou me;" and if we could always remember the obvious lesson from this reproof, we might save ourselves much trouble. It may, however, be the joy and privilege of each of us to be counted among those "who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life."

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