Prosperity and adversity

It has been said that Christian Scientists ignore the Old Testament in their teachings. That this is an erroneous statement, is proven by the following lesson taken exclusively from the Old Testament; a lesson showing that the whole Scripture, as taught by Jesus, is “the guide to Life.” Prosperity and adversity, being words of abundant significance to all, have been chosen as the subject for study; while a few thoughts bearing thereupon, thoughts suggested by both the Bible and our text-book, Science and Health , are offered for consideration.

Obedience is the first requisite for prosperity, as shown by the following illustrations: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; I, II. There might be cited from the Old Testament, many other instances of success obtained through obedience to the law, even at times when there seemed but few faithful ones. The histories of Enoch, of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Caleb, Joshua and other Judges, of many of the Kings and Prophets are all types of fruitfulness through obedience manifested even when wickedness seemed to be in the ascendency. These histories are to be found in the first part of the Bible, especially in those books preceding the Psalms. Mortal mind, however, is prone to doubt that the way of Truth causes man to prosper, until the proof is given. 6. III., Because it is faithless and uncertain itself, it cannot credit the certain fulfilment of Divine promises; but, from our knowledge of the instability of the mortal, we can be sure of the stability of its opposite, the Immortal. IV, V. Yielding to doubt or fear then, is a cause of adversity. This is plainly shown in the history of David in his relations with Saul. 7, 8, 9, 10. VI. This is disobedience to the Spirit, and reaps the reward spoken of by Moses, and also by the prophet. 11, 12, 18. VII. But adversity is not lasting in the case of those who repent and, in self-abnegation and self-forgetfulness, put their trust in Immortal mind. 14, 15; VIII, IX. God has given assurance of help and support to all who trust in Him, as manifested through His prophets, and as evidenced in the following histories: 16, 17, 18, 19 20 21, 22 X, XI, XII, XIII.

In order to achieve success, prayer and work are necessary. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. XIV, XV, XVI, XVII. This prayer and effort, however, must be for that which is pure and true, or its results will not prove lasting. 28, 29, 30, 31. XVIII. XIX, XX. Turning to Love, Life, Truth, for wisdom, is beginning aright; 32, XXI, XXII. for Love guides man prosperously, and is therefore the cause of success. 33, 34. XXIII, XXIV. Love is magnanimous, generous, ever giving freely and abundantly that which is good. 34, 35, XXV.

At times, wickedness appears to prosper; 36, 37, 38—XXVI. often seeming to be the ruling power while Goodness seems hidden or lost entirely. This is the time when it seems better to yield to vice than to virtue; as if that were the easier as well as the right way. 39. XXVII. The prophet asks why this should be, and is inclined to murmur at it; 40. XXVIII. but the answer is given by the Psalmist. 41. Our text-book, also explains this seeming power that would prevail over the Good, XXIX, XXX. In the light of these explanations we perceive that that which seems to give life, to hold power, to be something worth having,—which therefore seems something to be relied upon, trusted in and hoped for—is but a sham, a delusion, a falsity, darkness, nothingness; hence essentially devoid of power, stability, and endurance. There is nothing in it to fear, and nothing to give pleasure; hence we need not be troubled or disturbed by it. 42. XXXI. Murmuring or complaining is not an element of prosperity, and cannot bring forth good fruit. The murmurings of the Israelites, at the time the spies brought back word concerning the strength and size of those occupying the promised land, instance this fact. 43. XXXII. Listening to and believing in those who abuse the confidence of others,—whether by fostering discouragement, or rousing, with flattery, a belief of personal ability—leads to adversity. Analyzing this latter claim closely, we find it occasioned by a desire for popularity, and to be credited with good judgment Ahab, king of Israel, in the desire to gain Ramoth, a city in Gilead, listened to the counsels of false prophets that were full of flattery; and his attempt was rendered unsuccessful thereby. 44, 45; XXXIII.

The desire that another may prosper, according to the way of Truth, leads to giving wise counsel which, when followed, insures success. 46. XXXIV, XXXV. So long as Solomon followed the counsel of his father, he was successful; shown in the narrative of his life. It was his departure from this advice which resulted in his downfall. Thus appears the necessity for following in the footsteps of those appointed to guide, instead of leaning upon one’s own opinions. Faith in this leadership brings success to undertakings for improvement; 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52. XXXVI, XXXVII, XXXVIII, XXXIX. because such leadership fosters faith in Spirit instead of in matter. Recognizing spiritual means instead of material, is ever a source of prosperity; while following the leadings of carnal mind, so-called, brings adversity. 53, 54, 55, XL.

Ridicule is a form in which temptation often appears to us, one which seems difficult to overcome; for, though there may be in the heart a moral consciousness of the power of divine Love to help and save, that power is not apparent to mortal sense while surroundings seem to indicate success of the opposing force. But a continuance in well-doing in spite of threats or sneers of mortal mind, leads to the overthrow of opposition and final success. An instance is found in the account of Nehemiah and Sanballat at the time when Artaxerxes gave permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 56. The Psalmist, also, offers a declaration in confirmation, viz: “he that endureth to the end shall be saved;” 57: while Jeremiah predicts the overthrow of all opposition to faithfulness. 58. XLI. Perseverance must be manifested in a noiseless way, and for the sake of Truth; for this is the manner in which to enter the kingdom of Christ. 59. XLII. This is the model which should ever be held in thought.

“The Preacher” admonishes us to give pure thought at all times, as we cannot fix a time for good or for sowing the seed. 60. Yet pearls must not be cast before swine, but are to be dropped judiciously. The understanding requisite to do this, is gained by strict adherence to the rules of Christian Science, XLIII, XLIV. Thus the Christ-idea becomes manifest to mortals, as prophesied by Isaiah and other prophets, and as verified by Jesus in his life. 61, 62, 63, XLV. It becomes known then that as mortals are governed by the Good, so do they prosper; 64, XLVI, though this prosperity may not always be discerned by mortal mind. At the time of the crucifixion, it seemed that all Jesus had taught was lost, and that he himself were an impostor; yet since that day, the submission to and victory over that very crucifixion is become recognized as the grandest triumph the world has ever witnessed. This is the “Word of the Lord” hidden from all engrossed by the pleasures and cares of the world, but revealed to those earnestly desirous of Truth and Love. 65, XLVII.

In Daniel’s prophesy of the leagues and conflicts of the kings of the South and North, is found a portrayal of the non-success of deceit and hypocrisy. 66, XLVIII. Again, in Proverbs, adversity is shown to come from hiding sin and not exposing it. 67, XLIX.

The downfall of the church, as also the cause of that downfall, is pictured by Jeremiah. 68. In order to have Truth manifested by the church, with unity prevailing among its members, its pastors or leaders must be right. L, LI. To preach and teach successfully, a good understanding is requisite; which also is required in leadership of any kind. Zedekiah, leaning upon his own understanding which was less than that of Jeremiah, was ignominiously defeated by the Chaldeans. 69. LII, LIII.

Another illustration of success is contained in Abraham’s sending his servant for a wife for his son. After praying to be guided aright, the servant follows the intuition which comes to him, though the ignorance of Rebekah’s family would have detained him. 70, LIV. Those appointed through the leadings of Truth, are therefore prospered; again shown in the history of Solomon. 71.

Doubt of the successful issue of an undertaking often arises through indulgence of the appetites and passions of mortal mind; a belief in the reality of matter and consequent pleasure or pain to be derived therefrom. 72. LV. This violates the command not to seek worldly prosperity so-called. 73. LVI.

Another way in which man is prospered, is by discerning and destroying error; as done by Asa, king of Judah. 74. The ability to discern error comes through strict adherence to our highest idea of right. This is shown in the history of Daniel, especially when, for the sake of Truth, he violated the decree of the Medes and Persians in regard to worship of the king. To this faithfulness he owed his preservation in the den of lions. 75; LVII. Again, instance of the victory of Truth over error, is found in the Israelites’ finishing the building of the temple; as related by Ezra. The fearless declaration of right by these men at the very time when the governors would have defeated their purpose, and the subsequent restoration of the temple, indicates that success is achieved by the declaration of Truth by one or more; that, in spite of the effort to make it appear otherwise, those who would deny its supreme Power are eventually forced to acknowledge it. 76, 77. LVIII, LIX.

David instructed his young men in regard to asking recompense of any who had prospered, to do so in a kindly way; not to require it as though they must be forced to give. 78. LX, LXI. Though this method seemed at first not to bring the looked for supply, still the kindly intent was rewarded,—though not exactly in the way expected. By the senses, a large amount of material goods is considered a mark of prosperity; this we find exemplified in the visit paid Solomon by the Queen of Sheba. 79. However, we find that this sense is temporal, and that caring less for the material and more for the spiritual brings that success which is unlimited. LXII, LXIII.

Assurance comes through prosperity, since the latter dispels all doubt and anxiety; though this sense of certainty of right may not be immediately perceived. 80, LXIV.

David’s desire that his enemies should be punished was simply a prayer against evil in general; not a personal desire as might appear at first glance. Also the joy he expresses is not over persons, but over the manifestation of good revealed by those at work in the line of Truth. 81. LXV.

An exhortation to be joyful in prosperity is given by “the preacher”; but note, also, that sadness is not recommended in adversity. 82. True prosperity, which brings lasting joy, is described in Science and Health . LXVI. Forgetting the good, and holding grief in thought, or lamenting over mishaps, brings adversity, because it is making a reality of that which should be to us unreal. 83. LXVII. This kind of fasting is deprecated by the prophet, 84, but if patience be manifested, the reward for well-doing is sure to come. 85. LXVIII, LXIX.

In conclusion, the seed of Truth, though seemingly hidden for a time, is not lost; but becomes fruitful, or prosperous, through the care given by Love which is Truth, 86. LXX.

Note : The cardinal numbers refer to the Bible ; Roman numerals to Science and Health , new edition. As in the Quarterly Bible Lessons, the line indicated in the latter volume denotes simply the beginning of reference, which may extend over one or more paragraphs, as the thought seems to indicate.

1. Gen. 24:40.
2. Deut. 29:9.
3. Josh. 1:7.
4. 1 Kings 2:3.
5. Job 36:11.
6. Gen. 24:42.
7. 1 Sam. 18:11.
8. 1 Sam. 19:10-18.
9. 1 Sam. 20:1-13 & 24.
10. 1 Sam. 21:10 & 12.
11. Deut. 28:29.
12. Jer. 22:30.
13. Lam. 1:5.
14. Gen. 39:1-6.
15. I Sam. 17:32-54.
16. 2 Chron. 13:12-20.  
17. Dan. 3:19-30.
18. Is. 48:15.
19. Josh. 1:8. 
20. Judg. 18:5.
21. Job 8:6.
22. Rom. 1:10.
23. 2 Chron. 7:11.
24. Jer. 33:9.
25. Zech. 1:17.
26. 2 Chron. 26:5.
27. Neh. 1:11.
28. Dan. 11:36.
29. Job 15:20 & 21.
30. Dan. 8:21-25.
31. Prov. 1:32.
32. Ps. 118:25-29.
33. Ps. 122:6 & 7.
34. Gen. 39:23.
35. Prov. 17:8.
36. Job. 12:6.
37. Ps. 73:12.
38. Jer. 5:25-29.
39. Ps. 73:2 & 3.  
40. Jer.12:1.
41. Ps. 92:7.
42. Ps. 37:7.
43. Num. 14:1-5, 40-45.
44. 1 Kings, 22:12-15 , & 29-35.
45. 2 Chron. 18:11-17 , & 28-34.
46. 1 Chron. 22:11-13.
47. 2 Chron. 20:20-22.
48. Judg. 4:34.
49. 1 Sam. 18:5 & 14.
50. 2 Kings 18:7.
51. 2 Chron. 31:20 & 21.
52. 2 Chron. 32:30.
53. 2 Chron. 24:20.
54. Ezek. 15:4.
55. Ezek. 17: 9, 10 & 15.
56. Neh. 2:20.
57. Ps. 1:1-3.
58. Jer. 20:11.
59. Ps. 46:4.  
60. Eccl. 11:6.
61. Is. 52:17.
62. Is. 63:10.
63. Jer. 23:5.
64. Is. 54:17.
65. Is. 55:11.
66. Dan. 11:27.
67. Prov. 28:13.
68. Jer. 10:21.
69. Jer. 32:5.
70. Gen. 24:56.
71. 1 Chron. 29:23.
72. 2 Sam. 11:7.
73. Deut. 23:6.
74. 2 Chron. 14:7.
75. Dan. 6:28.
76. Ezra 5 & 6 chap.
77. Job 9:4
78. 1 Sam. 25:6.
79. 1 Kings 10:7.
80. Ps. 30:6.
81. Ps. 35:27.
82. Eccl. 7:14.  
83. Lam. 3:17.
84. Zech. 7:7.
85. Gen. 24:21.

I. p. 6,1. 5.
II. p. 99,1. 21.
III. p. 210,1. 6.
IV. p. 210, 1.15.
V. p. 169,1. 1 and 25.
VI. p. 457, 1. 22.
VII. p. 23, 1. 2.
VIII. p. 520, 1. 16.
IX. p. 528, 1. 15.
X. p. 293,1. 23.
XI. p. 131,1. 15.
XII. p. 483, 1. 1.
XIII. p. 427,1. 28.
XIV. p. 103,1.18.
XV. p. 499, 1. 21
XVI. p. 481, 1. 22.
XVII. p. 480. 1. 1.
XVIII. p. 60, 1. 19.
XIX. p. 221, 1. 18.
XX. p. 221,1. 25.
XXI. p. 487,1. 27.
XXII. 206,1. 31.
XXIII. p. 443, 1. 10.
XXIV. p. 438,1. 20.
XXV. p. 204, 1. 21.
XXVI. p. 217, 1. 22.
XXVII. p. 272, 1. 26.
XXVIII. p. 414, 1. 15.
XXIX. p. 313, 1. 5.
XXX. p. 404, 1. 10.
XXXI. p. 221, 1. 25.
XXXII. p. 205, 1. 13.
XXXIII. p. 302, 1. 25.
XXXIV. p. 488, 1. 12.
XXXV. p. 292, 1. 8.
XXXVI. p. 250, 1. 22.
XXXVII. p. 302, 1. 28.
XXXVIII. p. 530. 1. 10.
XXXIX. p. 199, 1. 14.
XL. p. 415, 1. 16.
XLI. p. 199. 1. 10.
XLII. p. 443, 1. 7.
XLIII. p. 184, 1. 11.
XLIV. p. 100. 1. 24.
XLV. p. 501, 1. 10.
XLVI. p. 171, 1. 30.
XLVII. p. 184,1. 1.
XLVIII. p. 494, 1. 14.
XLIX. p. 100, 1. 6.
L. p. 340,1. 31.
LI. p. 100, 1. 24.
LII. p. 202, 1. 5.
LIII. p. 417, 1. 19.
LIV. p. 128,1. 28.
LV. p. 200, 1. 16.
LVI. p. 60, 1. 1.
LVII. p. 521, 1. 1.
LVIII. last paragraph p. 494.
LIX. p. 296, 1. 10.
LX. p. 142, 1. 28.
LXI. p. 143,1. 1.
LXII. p. 271, 1. 29.
LXIII. p. 272, 1. 4.
LXIV. p. 274, 1. 4.
LXV. p. 208, 1. 7.
LXVI. p. 206,1. 29.
LXVII. p. 484, 1. 26.
LXVIII. p. 254, 1. 11.
LXIX. p. 499, 1. 8.
LXX. p. 239, 1. 24.