Editorial September 12, 1931 Issue

True Satisfaction

Duncan Sinclair

Satisfaction varies according to the mentality of the individual. Thus, the materially-minded believe that they receive satisfaction through the material senses; while the spiritually-minded find satisfaction in the beautiful, the pure, the true, the lovable — the qualities of Spirit. And between these extremes are those who vacillate in their allegiance as they incline to the one side — materiality — or to the other — spirituality. Indeed, while mankind would fain reach out Spiritward and seek satisfaction in spiritual things, it too frequently finds itself groping about in the mist of material sense, unsatisfied.

It is a fact beyond cavil that sooner or later the materially-minded find that sensuous pleasures nauseate, that sinful indulgence ends in suffering. Take the case of one, for instance, who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor. He may indulge himself to excess, perhaps for a considerable time; but unless he corrects his thought and actions the day will come when he will reap the reward of his foolishness in ill health of body or mind, or of both. The satisfaction which sensuousness claims to give turns out to be a myth, and bitterness of heart supervenes.

On the other hand, the spiritually-minded, those who contemplate the truths of Spirit and conform their lives to them, cannot fail to find true satisfaction. The spirituallyminded do not indulge in those material things the use of which so frequently means moral degradation and suffering. Sin is obnoxious to them, and they strive to live above it. By denying reality and power to evil, they overcome temptation. Their tests may be many, for evil claims permanence and persistence; but divine wisdom leads the way, and by it they are guided past the pitfalls of materiality and obtain the reward, the true satisfaction of spirituality. Mrs. Eddy says on page 322 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Man's wisdom finds no satisfaction in sin, since God has sentenced sin to suffer."

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