Trust

KATE W. BUCK

In the eighth chapter of Mark is recorded with graphic clearness the feeding of the multitude by Jesus, and his recognition of the fact that not only must mankind be taught about God and His ever present activity, but that their material needs will be met through spiritual understanding.

In the epistle of James we read, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" This was likewise the attitude of the comprehending Saviour of the world when he said to his disciples, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat." His loving consideration of the people who had followed him, his thoughtfulness in that many had journeyed so far to hear him, should find duplication in the hearts and deeds of his present-day students, as they, too, strive to meet the human need. This is forcibly brought to our attention in the words of Mary Baker Eddy on page 37 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she says, "When will Jesus' professed followers learn to emulate him in all his ways and to imitate his mighty works?"

Through the feeding of the multitude Jesus proved his unflagging faith in ever present supply, and his instant gratitude for and acceptance of that which was at hand. When he asked his disciples how many loaves they had, they told him they had seven. No comment was made by the Master upon the statement, no complaint, no sign of dismay. He accepted the fact that there were seven loaves. Then—he must use what he had. He neither asked for more, nor worried because there were so few. Unhesitatingly he took what he had and proceeded to share it, giving thanks even because he had so much, confidently knowing the omnipresent abundance of good. Indisputably, it was through that attitude of thought the needs of all the people assembled were met. So it was also with the "few small fishes." These, too, he shared, after having blessed them. And after all had satisfied their hunger, there was enough and to spare.

What a lesson this is to greed and selfishness, to the thought that would usurp all for itself, ever reaching out for more, and fearing to share when having but little, lest personal supply become exhausted! Men are accustomed to think those mean, restricted thoughts, when as sons of the Most High God, thought should be as big and free as the universe. On page 79 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us." Reliance, such as the Master manifested, upon divine sufficiency can never know lack, for one is the direct opposite of the other. Faith in good gives what may be at hand to those in need, thankful that there is something to share and never fearing the outcome. This is the reflection of Love at its highest and best; it is the way in which God gives continually, for we see abundance of beauty, life, activity, power, freedom, round about us all the time—more than we can at present understand or appropriate; and it is forever inexhaustible.

How well the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science comprehended the experiences of the Nazarene, as he strove to inculcate trust in good in the thoughts of those about him; for she speaks often of how patiently Jesus endured. Even after witnessing such a positive manifestation of the beneficent law of divine Love as was evidenced in the feeding of the multitude, his disciples were on another occasion again fearful lest they themselves become short of food. Surely they could not fail to be touched by his reproachful question, "How is it that ye do not understand?" Witnessing constant proofs of the power of God and its expression through Christ Jesus, still they doubted or only half believed. Yet how steadfast Jesus remained; how loyally he loved his brethren, persistently holding to his faith in God and man's ability to express the divine qualities! Profoundly conscious of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, thinking not of reward for himself, he clung tenaciously to his faith in the triumphant establishment of God's kingdom upon earth.

Every devoted follower of the Christ to-day must likewise stand firm; for comprised within the teachings of Christian Science is the immovable fact that the final revelation and ratification of spiritual realities cannot be thwarted. "Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty," and thou shalt know thyself as His son. In a poem called "Trust" by Whittier, there is shown the yearning desire of the Quaker poet to answer some of the humanly puzzling questions; he writes simply.

I have no answer for myself or thee,
Save that I learned beside my mother's knee;
"All is of God that is, and is to be;
And God is good."

How strikingly in accord with this are the words, "Trust in Truth, and have no other trusts," which were uttered in an address delivered by Mrs. Eddy at Pleasant View in 1903 (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 171). Well did our revered Leader know that in no other way could "the ransomed of the Lord" return to Zion.

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