Article August 12, 1922 Issue

Patience

A. WARENDORFF

In the tenth chapter of Hebrews we read, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Now the Bible is full of promises to those who do the will of God; yet many who come to Christian Science for healing are not willing to "let patience have her perfect work." They would like the promises before fulfilling the divine requirements, and expect the healing without the cleansing. Impatience is a quality of so-called mortal mind, and should not be permitted to control our lives. Patience is referred to in the Scriptures as an attribute of God. Since "God is no respecter of persons," all earnest seekers for Truth are entitled to healing in Christian Science; but the desire for healing should be subordinate to the desire for purification.

The following are two of the numerous definitions of patience given in a standard dictionary: "Tranquil waiting," and, "The exercise of unfaltering endurance and perseverance in any work or activity, or in pursuit of a desired end." Christian Science teaches us that patient waiting does not mean idleness or mental lethargy, but, rather, persistent and patient effort to overcome all wrong thinking, in order to make room for Christ, Truth, to abide in our mental home.

Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 4): "We reach the Science of Christianity through demonstration of the divine nature; but in this wicked world goodness will 'be evil spoken of,' and patience must bring experience." Two definitions of experience, in the dictionary, are: "Personal acquaintance with reality," and, "To undergo a change of heart; to be converted." Our Master said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." The "exercise of unfaltering endurance and perseverance" in the study and practice of Christian Science brings a change of heart, or conversion. This means putting off "the old man with his deeds," and putting on "the new man;" in other words, becoming spiritually minded. This kind of patience brings healing.

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