One of the beautiful mental conditions in the life of the true Christian Scientist is that of right abiding. The word "abide" is full of meaning. A dictionary defines it in part as "to dwell," "to remain in a place or state," and in another meaning "to endure." The word also implies such characteristics as constancy, steadfastness, fidelity to a trust, loyalty. The scope of its larger meaning is practically unlimited when considered in connection with the essentials of Christly character. What manifold promises are there for those who abide in Truth!

To abide in Truth does not indicate a state of inactivity. Indeed, the very opposite is true. In a By-Law of the Church Manual our beloved Leader especially calls attention to the need for vigilance. In Section 6 of Article VIII, entitled "Alertness to Duty," she states, "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind."

This By-Law impresses upon us the importance of being alert to those phases of error disguised as subtle suggestion. Not infrequently such suggestion would have an experience or circumstance appear as desirable or good when it may be evil. Oftentimes in one's journey to the promised land of attainment there are obstacles in the path that are plainly seen and understood aright. It is not difficult to take a stand against these easily recognized forms of evil. But we need also to guard against more subtle errors that may appear harmless, such as relaxing our efforts toward the goal of our desires and aspirations when the journey is only partly completed.

And how may we know when "aggressive mental suggestion" is arguing? What are the signs of its coming when there are no outward evidences to warn us? Ah, here is where we see that our greatest need is to abide in Truth. To be steadfast, faithful, ever dwelling in "the secret place of the most High," furnishes the light that exposes the seemingly hidden pitfalls of suggestion. Our greatest protection lies in our ability to abide in the Mind that is God. This is the place of safety, this the impregnable fort of protection from the enemy's darts. This is the quickened spiritual sense that discerns the errors of mortal mind, however subtly these errors may have seemed to be hidden.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 22) Mrs. Eddy gives this admonition and promise: "If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race. When the smoke of battle clears away, you will discern the good you have done, and receive according to your deserving." The faithful Christian Scientist endeavors to be constant and steadfast and untiring in his journey from sense to Soul, ever remembering the words of Christ Jesus, "He that endureth to the end shall be saved." There may be times when there seem to be "fearful odds" against us, but in order to overcome the temptations of doubt and discouragement we have only to hold our gaze to the goal, and abide in the vision of the spiritual and perfect.

In all history there is recorded no darker hour of sorrow and apparent defeat than that which came to the few who accompanied the humble Nazarene in the painful journey to Calvary's summit. To them, not knowing the great significance of the hour, there came the crushing blow, the tragedy of tragedies—the crucifixion of their beloved Teacher and Master.

The we have in Luke's Gospel that vivid story of two disciples wending their way to a little village several miles from Jerusalem. And while they were thus journeying the Master himself, having arisen from the sepulcher, joined them. He must have discerned their need for light, and even though they did not recognize him at first, they drank deeply of the spiritual truths he poured out to them as they walked along. As they drew near to the village they became aware of his intention of leaving them, and immediately, we read:

"They constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spend. And he went in to tarry with them." It was then that the blessed Master gave to them of that spiritual food which caused their eyes to be opened—their spiritual discernment and understanding to be quickened—"and they knew him." No longer mere pupils through faith in Jesus, their personal Teacher, now were their thoughts illumined with the infinite light of the Christ. Their faith had unfolded into an understanding of the truth, and henceforth they would be able to demonstrate more consistently the teachings of their Master.

When as students of Christian Science we seem to be walking along those roads leading out from Jerusalem, possibly in some hour of depression and in the belief that we have met with defeat, are we also, like the two disciples, unaware of the presence of Christ? Does our day decline, and are the shadows speaking to us of the eventide? In Science and Health (p. 586) "evening" is defined, in part, as "mistiness of mortal thought; weariness of mortal mind; obscured views." Then may we at this point of our journey utter the prayer, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And lo, the Christ, ever present, even though not seen in our erstwhile "mistiness of mortal thought," is then recognized.

What comforting assurance, what peace and joy come to the illumined thought; and spiritual sense hears the divine promise: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." The morning dawns, the light of the Christ, Truth, is full and radiant, and the awakened heart begins to sing: