Article September 6, 1947 Issue

BEWARE THE LITTLE FOXES!

FRANCES WARD SMITH

Occasionally a Christian Science student will voice discouragement over inability to demonstrate the truth of being in a given instance. He is apt to find it difficult to see why persistent metaphysical work has failed to achieve the desired results.

A pointed answer to such a question is found in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 149): "The rule and its perfection of operation never vary in Science. If you fail to succeed in any case, it is because you have not demonstrated the life of Christ, Truth, more in your own life,—because you have not obeyed the rule and proved the Principle of divine Science." And how is the Christ to be demonstrated? The same author gives an indication in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 166): "This spiritual idea, or Christ, entered into the minutiæ of the life of the personal Jesus. It made him an honest man, a good carpenter, and a good man, before it could make him the glorified."

To bring the Christ into the minutiae of our daily lives is a prerequisite to success in Science. It requires clarity of thinking, honesty of purpose, and unremitting self-examination and self-discipline. In the study of music, a person who does not learn correct fingering in the preliminary exercises will never become an expert performer, even though he may read music well. Likewise, habits of thinking and acting contrary to Principle will hinder one's successful application of metaphysics. For example, the habitual exercise of human will in little things may result in one's unconsciously trying to force a demonstration. Carelessness in everyday work may encourage carelessness in the application of the truths of Christian Science. Inability to discipline self in little ways would make it difficult to discipline thought in the way that Science requires for satisfactory spiritual achievement. The Bible expresses this thought in Luke (16:10): "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

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