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.

The sturdy tree seems to withstand the strokes of the woodsman's ax until the blow is struck which precipitates its fall. Every ax stroke delivered, however, has had its part in bringing about the downfall of the tree, even though it stood upright and unmoved until its equilibrium was disturbed by the final stroke. So, in combating the claims of disease and sin, the wise practitioner continues to smite the lie with the broad ax of spiritual truth until error gives way by virtue of the very persistence of the attack.

Christ Jesus was convinced of the efficacy of persistency. In the parable of the friend who, asking for bread, is denied, but persists and finally receives that which he seeks, Jesus says regarding the one of whom the gift is sought, "Because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." Urging upon the beliefs of evil the fact of their powerlessness, persisting in intelligent declaration of the all-power of God, will overcome the seeming barriers of evil, destroy its morale, and remove its effects.

In setting forth the necessity of holding firmly to the rules of Christian Science practice in order to succeed in working out one's problems, Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 462 ): "There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life." The familiar axiom, "Persistency wins," has even more pertinency in the practice of Christian Science than it has in the common round of life. Evil's tenacity at times seems very great; but shall we submit to its pretensions, wholly without foundation, be it said, however persistent it may be in holding to its claims?

Spiritual truth, which presents the facts of being, never falters or shrinks before the arguments of evil. Our need, then, is to establish that permanence of faith and clarity of understanding which hold truth as potent to destroy every vestige of evil. In the atmosphere of mortal mind, so called, mortal opinion and false beliefs flourish, but our Leader assures us (Science and Health, pp. 273, 274 ) that "this atmosphere of mortal mind cannot be destructive to morals and health when it is opposed promptly and persistently by Christian Science." Promptness is an important factor in the practice of this Science. Quick denial of false evidence lessens its chances to become established in thought. Persistence in our denial is no less important, if we would be free from the illusion of discord which mortal belief would impose upon us.

No quality of thought is more necessary to successful practice than steadfastness in truth; and steadfastness in truth involves both knowing and doing. Mere words will scarcely do the works which Christian Science has to do in the world. Words and deeds must conform, and persistence in truth is necessary to the winning of the crown of salvation—freedom and lasting joy.

Albert F. Gilmore
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Deliverance Through the Power of God
January 1, 1927
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