Article January 24, 1925 Issue

Steadfastness

Manilla Harris Smith

In thinking of the truth which Christian Science teaches about the “pearl of great price,” to which our Master referred in Matthew, one naturally considers the setting which is worthy of anything so precious. On page 123 of the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” Mrs. Eddy tells us, “Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.” Thus it is apparent that the proper setting for this priceless pearl must be found in thoughts of purity, strength, and beauty; and of the many such qualities that of steadfastness is one of prime importance.

Even though one desires to reflect this quality, there creeps into the daily thinking much that does not tend toward spiritual progress. Careless, material thoughts seem diligent in tempting one to turn from his holy purpose. So slyly do these errors enter the unguarded consciousness that they make the light of Truth appear, at times, to be in total eclipse. Upon examination, very likely the leader of these dark visitors is found to be discouragement or self-condemnation; and one soon learns by experience that he cannot afford to entertain or follow these would-be leaders, but must busy himself with constructive thoughts, which are abundantly supplied from the Bible and our Leader’s writings.

The discords resulting from the various guises of wrong thinking but call us in greater humility, obedience, and steadfastness to follow our Master, Christ Jesus, who had, materially, no place “to lay his head,” but demonstrated that all rest and contentment are to be found in Spirit, true Being. An upward trend may be gained by pondering the instruction given on page 261 of Science and Health: “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.”

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