Article January 13, 1917 Issue

Patience

FLORENCE DAVIS KELLER

History supplies innumerable examples of patience with its splendid achievements, but none more sublimely beautiful than that expressed by the Founder of Christianity. The patience which was an inherent quality of the Christ-nature was not a passive waiting for events, nor an inactive submission to adverse circumstances, but rather an absolute trust in the wisdom of the Father. He said, "I and my Father are one," thus declaring the ever-presence of spiritual reality. It is truly a marvel that the best man who ever lived should have been condemned as an impostor by the very ones he came to bless. Nevertheless his experiences enabled him to say, with that sublime assurance which won for him the title of Master, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." This preeminent overcoming, accomplished through his endurance and patience and his complete acquiescence in the will of the Father, was the crowning quality of his career.

Experience, spiritually understood, is ever victorious even in the trials of our every-day life. On page 339 of"Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says, "Experience is victor, never the vanquished; and out of defeat comes the secret of victory." This calls for a close acquaintance with the rule which proves the divine Principle, Love, since in reality it governs all, and we learn to trust more and more as we are witnesses to the proofs of Love's ever-presence. This trust includes the patience which has her perfect work. It is the trust which is willing to wait, yet eager to be led; willing to "restrain untempered zeal" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 79), yet ready for immediate action. It is, in a word, wisdom, the concomitant of spiritual understanding.

Numerous are the instances that we know which illustrate the value of an understanding of patience. How it must have surprised the children of Israel in their flight from Egyptian bondage and from the relentless Pharaoh, to have their Godsent leader call out, even when the Red Sea was before them, "Stand still"! What could it mean? the wondering people must have questioned each other ere the way of wisdom unfolded. "Stand,"—that is, occupy or hold a place; maintain an invincible attitude. "Still" means at rest, quiet, undisturbed, calm. Then the message continues, "and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today." Then came the proof of God's unfailing care: while darkness enshrouded the Egyptians, a strong wind divided the waters so that the children of Israel went across on dry ground between the walls of the sea. This story is truly symbolic of the Father's loving care and His ever-presence and all-power; symbolic of divine Love's government, guidance, and protection.

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