Article September 23, 1922 Issue

The "pearl of great price"

MARIE H. LACKEY

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE, as discovered and given to the world by Mary Baker Eddy, is indeed the "pearl of great price" spoken of by Jesus in the gospel of Matthew, when he likened the kingdom of heaven to a "merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

Paul tells us that we are bought with a price. How many times to unenlightened sense this price seems high; in fact, higher than we care to pay, thinking as we do that it demands of us that we give up something of great value,–some cherished belief, perhaps, or a selfish habit, something we have always looked upon as real and that seems a part of ourselves! Doubtless, it is a chain about our necks, a manacle to our wrists; but to us–until the light of Truth causes the "evil to be self-seen" (Science and Health, p. 411) it seems a treasure, and we are loath to part with it. The price is not too high, however; and once having glimpsed the glorious truth of spiritual creation, through the practicability of Christian Science, the honest heart will be led safely through the wilderness of cares and sorrows, doubts and fears, ignorance and self-will, into the rest and peace "which passeth all understanding." Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 380), "Truth is always the victor;" and because this is so, the right motive always wins. "Motive," as defined by a dictionary, means "that which incites to action; prompts or excites to choice." God, being infinite, is the only cause of right motive; and man, in God's image and likeness, at all times and under all circumstances reflects the right motive. This spiritual power, made manifest through divine law, is the true incentive. It is the gift of God, the understanding and acceptance of which is salvation now and forever. Is it not well worth while, the seeking for and buying of this pearl?

In that marvelous article "Fidelity" in "Miscellaneous Writings" (P. 342), Mrs. Eddy says: "Seek Truth, and pursue it. It should cost you something: you are willing to pay for error and receive nothing in return; but if you pay the price of Truth, you shall receive all." Spiritual love is true currency,–the only real circulation; and man's seeking and finding is within his spiritual consciousness. His ability to love and circulate love is infinite. Divine Love is the creator, and love is the creation; therefore man in reality always has had and always will have within his true spiritual selfhood the "pearl of great price," or the understanding of Love. As Mrs. Eddy writes (Christ and Christmas, p.53):–