In his epistle to the Romans, Paul writes, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." A Christian Scientist recently was grateful for beginning to understand the import of this admonition, as well as of that to the Galatians, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." One should, therefore, never allow thoughts of discouragement or dismay, of anything unlike divine Love, to occupy even the least space in one's mental realm. Instead, he should be sure that his thinking is filled with good; for by good is belief of evil, in all its many phases, overcome.

A Christian Scientist should never be weary of doing his Father's work; for at the right time and in the right way he will receive his reward according to his well-doing. It is always to be remembered that God's promises are sure and unalterable; so, yield not to discouragement, the entering wedge of error through which are admitted a host of evils. If work performed unselfishly and almost unceasingly be not recognized or appreciated by those you attempt to bless, remember that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Mrs. Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 22), "When the smoke of battle clears away, you will discern the good you have done, and receive according to your deserving."

One's prayer should be for a more enlarged and correct understanding of Truth that he may be better able to meet and master every erroneous phase of thought, rather than that his problems be made easier. However dark and dreary material seeming may be, divine Love is ever present and omnipotent, and therefore always available. If we press faithfully on, in obedience and trust, the knowledge of Christian Science gained through our efforts will reveal the light which dispels the darkness and gloom, and whose effulgence shows us peace and harmony.

So-called mortal mind frequently prompts one to think that another's problems are not so difficult of solution as one's own, and to imagine that if his were as easy he could work better and attain so much more wonderful results. Perhaps our friend's pathway is not so smooth as might be conjectured; and his problems may be just as complicated as ours. It is wise to remember that God, Love, is impartial. Moreover, if our friend is a genuine Christian Scientist, he will have in some form the same lessons to learn; for, as Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 26), "Jesus spares us not one individual experience, if we follow his commands faithfully; and all have the cup of sorrowful effort to drink in proportion to their demonstration of his love, till all are redeemed through divine Love." The wise seeker after Truth will not expect or desire to have problems eliminated from his experience. His fervent prayer is not only to have the appellation of Christian Scientist, but to be one, in deed and in truth. Every temptation and trial overcome, every demonstration made, is a step taken toward a more spiritual apprehension of Life; and as each step is taken the next is rendered easier. As each obstacle is overcome, we know that thus far our work is complete; for that error is obliterated from our consciousness.

No one should entertain the thought that Christian Science work is a task to be perfunctorily observed. Rather, it should be considered not only as a duty, but as a glorious privilege which omnipotent Love has bestowed upon us. We should seek the realization of the truth that God's work is done, completed; and that we are happy partakers, sharing bountifully in the fruition of our Father's love. Let us be up and doing, proving ourselves Christian Scientists, qualified to obey Isaiah's injunction, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." If this privilege is put into execution aright, even if the way seems to grow dark, the vision of the Christ will appear to us, as to the five wise virgins who at midnight were ready, and when the cry came, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," could arise with so much of good lodged in their mentalities that they were able to trim their lamps, banishing the claim of midnight, and could enter in with Christ, Truth, unto the at-one-ment with eternal Life. Alas, for those foolish ones who had not used their knowledge! They had ignored or despised their talent; and had yielded to error's subtle argument, procrastination. Then, when they would have partaken of or shared the labor of others, when they would have entered, the door was closed; and wisdom could neither recognize them nor permit them entrance.

It is impossible to grow or attain to harmony, heaven, on the fruits of another's labor. Erroneously to claim another's demonstrations is foolishness. To become so mentally lazy and indolent as even to desire entering into the fruition of some one else's effort, or to be so covetous and jealous as to become blinded and falsely claim work which is not rightly ours, is to yield to evil's demands. May all who have come within reach of the healing garment of Truth become so imbued with the desire for righteousness that they shall endeavor to become living ensamples of the truth. Should their spiritual vision, during their journey from unreality to reality, become obscured or blurred by sense-testimony, and their pathway appear to grow rough and stony, may they always be able to rise in the strength of spiritual understanding, gained through righteous endeavor, to resist all that is unlike divine Love, and thus prove the protecting power of omnipotent good, God.

The Revelator writes in the twenty-first chapter of the Apocalypse, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." This is a marvelous heritage, into the possession of which Christian Scientists may come. Then they will have departed from the untrue material sense of life, will have proved its worthlessness, and will have attained more spiritual altitudes, a higher life, and have gone with the Christ into the marriage feast of Life, eternal harmony, heaven. It shall indeed then be known that they have fought a good fight, have kept the faith; hence, have overcome the world. In that perfect day of understanding it shall be seen that they are of those "which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."