Editorial January 1, 1927 Issue

Steadfastness in Faith

Albert F. Gilmore

Among the early Christians, apart from the disciples themselves, Paul was the most ardent adherent to and supporter of Jesus' teachings, both as to their letter and spirit. Indeed, the steadfastness of his devotion to the sacred precepts of his Lord and Master has become proverbial; and none can gainsay that his marvelous experiences in disseminating those teachings bespeak full agreement between his words and deeds. Having set his course, he pursued it even to the end of his earthly life. His familiar admonition to the church in Ephesus is an excellent example of this unyielding loyalty to his inspired precepts: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Christian Scientists read a valuable lesson out of Paul's words. They know the great importance of standing firmly for the truth which they have accepted as their rule and guide of life. However great may be the temptation to yield to the suggestions of matter, "here a little, and there a little," they know that only by unbending loyalty to divine Principle do they progress in the ability to demonstrate the power of Spirit over matter. The Christian Science practitioner learns the necessity of continuing under all circumstances to combat the arguments of evil with the sword of Truth. And even though the erroneous beliefs may not seem readily to yield, thought is not allowed to entertain the possibility of failure.

In a testimony which recently appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel, the testifier stated that a serious claim of sickness had been worked upon by a faithful practitioner for two years without the slightest outward evidence of improvement. Then suddenly, as out of a clear sky, perfect healing was experienced. Even on the day before the relief came there was no indication that the healing was at hand. From this experience we may learn to persist in our faith, steadfastly to continue our protestations of truth and persistently to know that the word spoken with assurance and understanding will have its mission fulfilled in destroying the seeming hold of error, even though the outward demonstration be delayed.

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