Article December 29, 1928 Issue

Tests

ALICE A. C. CORTRIGHT

A Child was once asked what part of her school work she liked best. She instantly replied, with enthusiasm, "Oh, the tests!" The shining eyes and obvious sincerity of this little pupil caused her interrogator to think deeply upon this subject. Tests, as he had always considered them, were difficult things, to be avoided if possible; and yet, why? If one has learned his lessons well, should he not welcome the opportunity to prove his faith by his works? And if he has not, surely he should be grateful to have the weak points in his preparation brought to his attention.

So, in demonstrating the teachings of Christian Science, it should be no occasion for discouragement or alarm that we are called upon to give proof of our progress by putting into practice what we have learned through the daily study of the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly, through the reading of our periodicals, and through the many other aids we have in acquiring an understanding of this wonderful truth.

These tests come to every student of Christian Science, according to his need. With some, the test may be that of obedience; while another may need most the lesson of confidence, or steadfastness, gratitude, unselfishness, patience, joy, charity, loving-kindness. But most frequently, it would seem, we are shown the need for humility, the unselfed love which can say with all honesty, in every circumstance, "Father, ... not my will, but thine, be done." Every Christian Scientist declares that God is the only governing power; that man is the expression of God; that "in him we live, and move, and have our being." And yet, in the management of our human affairs, how prone we are to waver between differing opinions, considering first this, then that, then something else, until, sometimes after many wanderings in the bypaths of material sense, we return humbly to the Father and listen for His voice!

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