Holding Fast

Archibald McLellan

There is no better, no easier way to acquire what might be termed a working knowledge of Christian Science, than is briefly outlined by Mrs. Eddy on page 495 of Science and Health: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." Surely these directions are simple enough, yet here we have in substance the theory of all Christian Science practice, either for one's self or for a patient. That it is practical, demonstrable, and ever available, has been proven times without number.

Christian Science does not demand of those who turn to it for aid that they become adherents of its teachings, but it does point out to them the open door to that glorious liberty of the children of God which is man's heritage, even while it binds up their wounds and soothes their sorrows. There are those who like the lepers of old accept their healing and go their way unmindful of the boon they have received, content to accept though giving nothing in exchange. Nevertheless, that all mankind shall know and exercise their privilege of salvation, till sin, disease, and death have ceased to be, is the goal toward which every loyal student is striving.

Such was the underlying purpose of Paul's command, "Work out your own salvation," and the more earnestly each one who has gained an understanding of this Science, however slight it may be, puts that understanding to the test, the sooner will the mission of redemption and regeneration to which the cause is committed reach fulfilment. This does not mean that one is never to ask aid from a practitioner, never to turn to his teacher for help and counsel but it does mean that he should first make a tremendous and persistent effort to stand on his own feet instead of always being bolstered up by some one else. By daily study and unceasing prayer he can so fortify himself against the illusions of sickness and sin that when temptation assails him, when the hour of trial of his faith comes, he will instinctively turn to the source of all wisdom, even to infinite Mind, for help and guidance.

This is the wisdom, or knowledge of God, which Christ Jesus declared is eternal life to him that hath it. The best of it all is that this understanding increases with use; the more on gives it out, the more he has. His confidence in the omnipotence and ever-presence of Truth and Love is enhanced with each new proof of God's unchanging goodness, and he finds, as the apostle declared, that "whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, . . . this man shall be blessed in his deed." It is the parable of the talents over again: "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance."

So long as there are sick and needy ones, so long there will be work for the practitioner; but it is part of his responsibility, when the immediate occasion for help has been met, so to encourage his patient's faltering footsteps in the new way, so to strengthen his reliance upon Principle rather than upon any human personality, that he will neither lack confidence to plead his own case in the court of Truth, nor become so mentally asleep or mesmerized by error that he relies on the practitioner to pull him out of the difficulties into which his own inactivity has betrayed him, just as he formerly depended on the family physician. Such a relationship, needless to say, is incongruous with the consistent practice of Christian Science.

To the stanchest Christian Scientist, however, there may come an hour of trial, an hour of anguish of mind or body when, struggle as he may, his usual clear sense of the allness of God and the nothingness of error is momentarily dimmed and the loving Father seems afar off. That is the hour to bring up reenforcements, and having fought the good fight, he will not hesitate to ask for the needed assistance to hold his ground. It is a serious mistake, in fact, to let pride stand in the way when one's most earnest efforts have seemingly failed. Christian Science faithfully practised is an effectual preventive of inharmony of mind, body, or estate, but this is accomplished only by holding fast to the truth of being, by unflagging obedience to the greatest of all the commandments,—love to God and to our fellow man. Thus and thus only are the palms of victory won.

Archibald McLellan.

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Gladness and Gain

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