Just now the world in general is seeking for the courage to press on, in spite of setbacks, in spite of discouraging circumstances. It is looking for a sure foundation whereon to build its hopes, one that will not fail, and upon which it may stand fast until victory is at hand.

A writer of another century, Harriet Beecher Stowe, gives encouragement in these words to men and nations that seem to encounter overwhelming difficulties in their progress: "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." This stimulating admonition cheers with the firm counsel, "Never give up," for one can always "hold on a minute longer;" and though it gives no definite truth to which one may pin one's faith and confidence, it nevertheless conveys the writer's belief in a power outside one's self which will cause the adverse tide to turn.

The Bible chronicles a great victory achieved because the advice to "stand still" was heeded, when the fleeing Israelites were pursued by the Egyptian hosts. Standing on the shore of the Red Sea, unable, as they believed, to go on, and overwhelmed with fear because of their approaching enemies, they turned against their leader. But Moses was moved of God to speak to them thus: "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Then came the command from God to "go forward." Their deliverance from the enemy was signalized in Moses' song of rejoicing, wherein he declared, "The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, ... and I will exalt him." Centuries later, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul's inspired confidence was voiced in his admonition, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

In these later years the modern world has been blessed by the loving spiritual discernment of Mary Baker Eddy, which enabled her to elucidate and to hold fast to divine truth, which, guiding the Israelites, "went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, ... and by night in a pillar of fire," and which gave Jesus power to heal the sick, cleanse the leper, and raise the dead.

In spite of many disappointments and obstacles our Leader was able to hold firmly to the truth she had discovered, to found the Christian Science movement and give to the world the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which, when properly studied and its teachings applied, enables one to "stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."

Perhaps in the student's working out of a problem, the demonstration proceeds smoothly for a time and then suddenly there appears to be a setback. If the student gives in to fear and doubt, much of his previous progress may seem temporarily to be lost, and his forward steps may have to be retraced. How much wiser, then, it would be for him firmly to take his stand right there, and by holding fast to Truth refuse to give in to fear and discouragement! There is one way by which this can be done, and this is indicated in the wise counsel found on page 495 of Science and Health: "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not."

The elimination of fear comes with the definite realization that God is the only power, presence, and intelligence; that He created nothing unlike Himself; that man is forever His likeness; and that good reigns here and now. The error which confronts us is only an illusion of so-called mortal mind; and when we understand that there is but one infinite Mind and its manifestation, and that Mind is God, then error and its hosts, lack, limitation, inactivity, sorrow, friendlessness, sin, sickness, and death lose all appearance of reality and are seen as nothing. Thus we are able to recognize that error of any sort is a dream, and that lack, limitation, inactivity, sorrow, friendlessness, sin, sickness, and death have never been true, and therefore can produce no evil results.

As we declare these truths in solving our particular problems, thus clinging "steadfastly to God and His idea," we "hold fast," "stand still," and we certainly shall "see the salvation of the Lord." If we stand confidently in the light of demonstration, our feet do not slip and our steps do not have to be retraced. But we find that we have truly progressed, perhaps even beyond our fondest hopes. With the declaration and realization of the truth that all is ever right in God's creation there comes a great sense of gratitude, even though the outward manifestation of the demonstration may not as yet have made its appearance; for it is right that we should be grateful here and now for God and His creation as it truly exists.

Our Hymnal, offering encouragement and enlightenment, presents a beautiful opportunity for rejoicing in these living truths. As we sing its hymns understandingly and joyously, fear is cast out and in gratitude we are able to "hold fast that which is good." We sing of a "firm ... foundation," and also:

The story is told of a small child who once loved to climb a gravelly little slope near her home. The climb was a hard one for so small a child because the gravel fell back upon her feet, making her steps uncertain. But she took a triumphant delight in accomplishing the ascent each time. It was noticed that each time when the going was extremely hard, and the sliding of the gravel down the slope began, she would thrust her little feet down through the gravel to a firmer foundation and sing lustily till the uncertainty was past. Then she would proceed happily to her goal. When asked why she sang, she responded that it kept her from being afraid and from hearing the gravel fall, and that then she could push her feet in deeper to the solid ground.

So in the heart filled with a song of gratitude for the invincible knowledge of Truth there is no room for fear, and the sound of error's voice is drowned in our praise to God. We take a firmer hold on this "firm ... foundation," this "Rock of Ages," and are given strength for each day—renewed strength to "hold on a minute longer." No matter whether the problem be personal or one of national import, it is our privilege thus to hold our ground. As we do this, our lives may become a song of gratitude swelling the chorus of melody which the whole world will one day wake to hear.