Article January 8, 1944 Issue

Progress through Experience

[Of Special Interest to Youth]

DANENE C. STEWART

Deep in the heart of every student of Christian Science is the earnest desire to progress, to move forward, to express more and more the qualities of eternal Mind. We are told on page 296 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, "Progress is born of experience." Should we ever be discouraged when we are faced with a difficulty or problem to be solved? Should we not rather rejoice and say with the Apostle Paul, who knew so well the value of experience, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake"?

In explanation of this text Mrs. Eddy has written in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 200): "The divine Science of this rule is quite as remote from the general comprehension of mankind as are the so-called miracles of our Master, and for the sole reason that it is their basis." She adds, "Christians to-day should be able to say, with the sweet sincerity of the apostle, 'I take pleasure in infirmities,'—I enjoy the touch of weakness, pain, and all suffering of the flesh, because it comples me to seek the remedy for it, and to find happiness, apart from the personal senses."

A great statesman, referring to implements of war with which to defeat national aggressors, said not long ago, "Give us the tools and we will finish the job." We as Christian Scientists have been given by our beloved Leader in her writings the tools with which we can ultimately defeat the only aggressor, the carnal mind, which we are told is "enmity against God." Should we not, then, welcome every experience as an opportunity whereby we may progress?

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