Article June 19, 1954 Issue

PROGRESS

JANE GARAGHTY JENKINS

Students of Christian Science learn to their great satisfaction that all spiritual growth brings them close to God. They eagerly desire to progress and gratefully take advantage of the abundant provision afforded them in the Bible and all the writings of Mary Baker Eddy.

Study of these inspired sources awakens and arouses the human consciousness diligently to pursue the course of spiritual advancement. Progress does not just happen. Jesus outlined the necessary procedure when he stated (Matt. 7:7, 8): "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." And he emphasized (John 8:12), "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The Christian Scientist must follow the Christly directions. Mrs. Eddy points out that our Master shows the way, but does not do the individual's work for him. She says in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 25): "Though demonstrating his control over sin and disease, the great Teacher by no means relieved others from giving the requisite proofs of their own piety. He worked for their guidance, that they might demonstrate this power as he did and understand its divine Principle."

In the very first chapter of Genesis there is an established pattern for individual spiritual progress as presented in the record of the seven days of creation told in orderly steps. We learn in Christian Science that God, divine Mind, is recorded here as revealing His perfect creation. Mind decrees, "Let there be light." Then spiritual illumination reveals Mind forever sending forth its ideas. The chaos of mortal belief yields to the divine order—form appears—and the activity of divine intelligence awakens and illumines consciousness.

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