Article December 16, 1922 Issue

Continuance in Well-doing

ELLEN GRAHAM

Many a time, after one has begun the journey from material sense to Soul through the study of Christian Science and its demonstration, the question presents itself, Why do I not progress more rapidly? Now this lack of progress may be only suppositional, since spiritual growth is often so gradual from day to day as to be almost imperceptible, as in the case of the growth of a tree; and the question may then be but the attempt of error to cloud the thought with a false sense of discouragement, and so hinder the desired advancement. When this is the case, a brief retrospect should speedily show in how much of growth one has to rejoice; and thought will then be winged anew to attain to greater heights of understanding and demonstration.

On the other hand, the question may be forced upon one by awakening to the activity of Truth; and then close selfexmination becomes necessary. If this be undertaken with sincerity, it will quickly uncover the stumblingblocks which have been allowed to hinder the forward march. In the parable of the sower, recorded in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew's gospel, Jesus indicated some of the conditions that tend to hinder the development of the good seed; unsuitable ground,—lack of receptivity to Truth, or unteachableness; shallowness of soil,—unstable or superficial thinking; choking thorns,—"the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches." A very little honest investigation should reveal which of these foes has been holding sway over our thought; and not infrequently it will be found to be one or both of the last-mentioned. How many times, for instance, the student of Christian Science finds himself prevented from the daily study of the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, which is essential to progress! Various distractions present themselves, perhaps under the guise of family obligations, social or civic duties, or even the allurements of so-called pleasure. The first thing to be done in a case like this is to ask one's self honestly: What is my first aim? What is my chief desire? When these are known to be good, the avowal of them will help to clear the way for the recognition that the attainment of every right and pure desire is possible, and show the path that must be followed to reach the desired goal.

In studying the life of Christ Jesus it becomes evident that he was daily about his Father's business. It is recorded of his early days that "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." In later years he was found declaring: "I can of mine own self do nothing;" "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works;" "I and my Father are one." These sayings of the Master unlock the secret of true progress. One must have a clear and definite understanding of God, "the Father," revealed in Christian Science as divine Principle, infinite Mind, omnipotent and omnipresent Life, Truth, and Love, and of man, or real spiritual selfhood, as the idea or expression of infinite divine Mind. The truth of being thus apprehended must then be lived in the daily life, and, step by step, the heights of scientific demonstration will be gained. Our Leader has pointed out very clearly on page 462 of Science and Health that "whoever would demonstrate the healing of Christian Science must abide strictly by its rules, heed every statement, and advance from the rudiments laid down." And she adds, "There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life."

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