Article January 8, 1916 Issue

Clinging to Principle

LUCY E. DOE

Some years ago, when the writer was a very young student of Christian Science, a valuable lesson was learned while watching the growth of a hill of pole-beans in the garden. It was noticed that after they had grown large enough to put out tendrils the conduct of the vines differed greatly. One reached at once for the pole, clung fast, and began to climb as though the aim and end of its being was to reach the top; others twined around one another and lay on the ground for a time, until some of them incidentally reached the pole and began their ascent. The result was that the first vine reached the top of the pole very quickly and bore abundantly. The others did not succeed in getting even half-way up the pole, because they were hampered by one another, and they did not bear so well.

All this illustrates the contrast to be found in the attitude of students of Christian Science toward divine Principle. Some see at once that they must cling to God and His idea, not to personality; they reach out for and lay hold upon divine Truth at all times, realizing it to be their strength and support, sufficient for their every need in the working out of their problems. Such students have one aim,—to grow and bear fruit. They know it is an individual work and act accordingly; thus in due season they "bring forth abundantly." Not being hampered by the opinions and habits of others, they are not retarded in their growth or work.

Other students feel that they must cling to one another or to some other person for support and sustenance, and act accordingly. In this way all are placed at a disadvantage, and growth and fruitage are greatly retarded. If one of the number does eventually get a firm hold of Principle, he is treated as a mainstay. Others lean on him and cling to him, instead of taking a firm hold on Principle for themselves and working out their own problems. They thus remain very near the ground, instead of being "lifted up" into the sunlight of Truth and Love as the result of their faithfulness to God and His law. How much better it would be if we would all realize that God is just as much to us as He is to any one else; that it is our privilege to work out our own salvation and make every effort to gain such a firm hold on Truth that we shall feel confident that God is our sufficient support and strength at all times.

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