Article September 6, 1919 Issue

The Unfolding of God's Purposes

HENRIETTA A. FIELD

THAT every student of Christian Science may learn to differentiate between the ideas of Spirit and the beliefs of material sense is evident, for Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 505): "Spirit imparts the understanding which uplifts consciousness and leads into all truth. ... Understanding is the line of demarcation between the real and unreal." To realize that there is a line of demarcation between truth and error and that consciousness can be so enlightened as to see this difference and choose intelligently, is to lay a sure foundation of confidence that a right decision is possible of attainment under any circumstances.

Science and Health provides a most exhaustive study of the character, qualities, and activities of spiritual ideas, and so furnished the means for their identification; while experience soon makes it possible to apply some of the simple, practical tests that will guide into a right choice between ideas and illusions. One of the first steps in discerning whether that which is presented has the origin and character of an idea, is a frank and fearless investigation of the motives and desires that lie back of it. Is it the child of reason, justice, and love, or the product of some wayward mesmeric influence? Whither does its development tend,—toward the promotion of spiritual betterment or toward self-gratification and self-advancement? Will it bring clearer views of God or bury one deeper in materialism? The answer to these questions will go to the very root of the matter, for Mrs. Eddy says of the exalted thoughts or spiritual ideas (Science and Health, p. 299), "These upward-soaring beings never lead towards self, sin, or materiality, but guide to the divine Principle of all good, whither every real individuality, image, or likeness of God, gathers." Thus by their character and probable leadings, ideas may be recognized and accepted, and their opposites rejected.

The next step is a perfect willingness to be led, whether the leading harmonizes with human desires or not, a determination to put aside human will and endeavor, to give up outlining, and to recognize Spirit as that which outlines and creates. Then will the unfolding of the right idea be in every way natural and orderly, for "order is Heaven's first law." Spiritual ideas never appear as a confused mass out of which good may be drawn at random, but like the flowers they come in the fullness of time each clothed by Spirit with appropriate and diversified expression, suitable to its place and mission. The Science and art which pervade all spiritual creation find their most delicate expression in this perfect fitness of things to their surroundings, for there are no misfits or misplacements in Truth and Love. Every vague longing and unformed thought, if right, will be directed into its proper channel of expression, if one will but wait patiently on God. And according to its kind or intelligence will it manifest some degree of true love, strength, beauty, and usefulness.

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