"What if some did not believe?"

[Written Especially for Young People]

Only too frequently young people and adults, following popular customs and conventions, lack the courage to stand firmly for high ideals, because they fear they will be misunderstood or even ridiculed. Yet the Apostle Paul said, "What if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" Thus it is that the Scriptures, so rich in proof that "the faith of God" is effectual, are able, when spiritually understood, to instill within us renewed courage to stand for the highest right.

Many students of Christian Science all over the world are daily proving that adherence to the truth of being, as revealed in the Bible and in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, enables them to face undisturbed what appears to be lack of co-operation and understanding on the part of their companions. As a result of earnest study and of putting into practice the truth thus revealed, they have come to know that it is only through consistent realization of man's eternal at-one-ment with God, good, that lasting serenity may be obtained.

Whereas it may not be especially difficult to refuse to participate in drinking and smoking, it sometimes appears much harder to stand firmly for one's highest understanding of Love's ever-presence. The experience of a student of Christian Science who was traveling through mountainous country on a bus illustrates this point. Before starting forth, she faithfully prepared her thought for the journey ahead, endeavoring to realize that God at all times guards and guides His children. Some miles before reaching her destination she fell asleep, only to be awakened by the sudden impact of the bus against a much smaller car. Instantly, gratefully, she recalled our dear Leader's words on page 424 of Science and Health, "Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection." Despite the consternation of her fellow passengers, she clung earnestly to this statement of truth, refusing to heed the suggestions of fear about her. It was some minutes before it was ascertained that no one was injured and that the bus could proceed, and in the meantime another bus had pulled up beside them. The newly arrived driver offered to take on anyone who wished to leave the first bus, and one by one the passengers left the vehicle. Only the Christian Scientist remained, and the driver, visibly upset by the ordeal, wearily asked her if she too would not prefer to go with the others. Smilingly, she assured him of her confidence that they would reach their destination safely, and kept her seat. Some weeks later she learned to her great joy that the calm assurance she had expressed had given the driver the necessary courage to resume his duties and complete the journey.

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