Article May 8, 1926 Issue

Beatitudes

JENNIE THOMPSON

The demonstration of the law of Life and Love, as taught in the Beatitudes, may be regarded as climbing. The steps must be taken in their proper order, for all advancement in Christian Science is the result of orderly unfoldment. We begin to ascend a mountain usually from the bottom, and the climb is uphill all the way. "Uphill" need not be interpreted as something toilsome or laborious, but as the leading up to higher altitudes and a purer atmosphere, each step upward allowing the next one to be taken. Moreover, this climb is an individual demonstration, not in any sense lonely; for are not all Christian Scientists journeying in the same direction? Neither need it be attended by fear of stumbling; for is there not always a fellow-traveler to stretch forth a helping hand when a rough place is reached?

The climbing of a material mountain, particularly when the ascent is being made for the first time, necessitates the services of a guide; and in the making of our spiritual ascent we also need a guide. Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 254 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" that "when we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs our path." What better guide could we have than God? But even with God's guidance we do not expect to be at the end of our journey immediately, or to make the ascent without striving; for as our Leader continues on the same page, "Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much." The word "begin," printed in italics, emphasizes the importance of making a beginning.

Turning to our dear Master's Sermon on the Mount to learn how to begin aright, we may study the first step to be taken in order to receive blessing. We read, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven." No one can begin to understand Christian Science until he sees his own poverty, his lack of real happiness, and his need of spiritual good. Realizing this, and turning to the one and only source of good, confident that spiritual goodness is the only thing worth striving for, he has taken the first step up the mountain, he has started on his journey heavenward.

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