Article April 30, 1938 Issue

True Motives

ARTHUR TIPTON STEWART

On page 326 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy makes this statement of profound significance: "Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way."

This definite statement does not merely indicate that the Father may open the way under the specified conditions, but that, with certainty, He will do so. It is, moreover, a comforting statement, since the need of mortals is to find a way out of conditions which would prevent reception of the good of God's providing.

Many may ponder that promise, as did one who was comparatively young in the study of Christian Science. Confronted with a condition obstinately continuing despite what he considered his best endeavors, he recalled that statement and read it again. "I wonder," he mused, "why the way does not open? My motives are good, honest, commendable, and desirable." And then he remembered that Mrs. Eddy had used none of those adjectives. She had said nothing about one's motives being good, honest, commendable, or desirable. She said "true motives," and he had learned that she used words with meticulous care. With this recognition of her meaning of these two important words came a readjustment of his thinking, followed by the promised result.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Benefits from the Sunday School