In the parable of the talents, the faithful stewards were those who put to good use the treasure which had been intrusted to them. They had utilized it to such good purpose that when the master returned from a far journey and received report of their transaction, he commended them with, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."

The parable was so effectually utilized by Christ Jesus that it has become an outstanding illustration of the sure reward which follows faithful service, in whatever capacity one may be engaged. He who performs faithfully the good task which confronts him, by his enterprise and his devotion to duty prepares himself for higher service. He has gained something from the experience which equips him to take hold of more important tasks.

As Christian Scientists we are awake to the importance of the truth illustrated by this parable and undertake to do with joy and gratitude whatever divine Principle has provided for us to do, knowing that progress is made step by step. If the task to which we are set seems humble, even menial, there is always before us the shining example of the Master washing the feet of the disciples; if it be hard, there is always the example of the Apostle to the Gentiles, who, in the face of hardships which seemed all but insurmountable, carried on to a career of everlasting glory; if it seem wearisome, there is the inspiring career of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, who, in the face of opposition almost overwhelming at times, rose to the heights of understanding which enabled her to establish the Christian Science movement, by far the most significant Christian activity of modern times. There servants of good, faithful over the work they were set to accomplish, won gratitude beyond the possibility of estimation from those whose lives have been opened to the way of freedom and salvation.

The task which is before mankind is nothing less than the overcoming of the false beliefs which so commonly throng the human mentality. Whatever is unlike good must be cast out through gaining the Mind of Christ. Thought must be freed from envy, jealously, hatred, greed, resentment—from all that has a source other than the divine. The faithfulness with which this work is accomplished will determine the character of the reward which comes from well-doing. Surely, none have engaged in a more important task, and none ever undertook one which was fraught with greater possibilities of reward. Of the character of the task to be accomplished Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 43, 44): "Love must triumph over hate. Truth and Life must seal the victory over error and death, before the thorns can be laid aside for a crown, the benediction follow, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant,' and the supremacy of Spirit be demonstrated."

We are often tempted to accept the suggestion that we could do better if we were in another's place; if we were more favorably situated; if we were something other than we are. We forget that where we are God is; that divine Love may be invoked just as effectually in one place as another; that all depends upon our faithfulness in supplanting in our own thought whatever is unlike good. Are we discontented with our lot, believing it to be less conducive to spiritual growth than that enjoyed by another? Then let us be sure that when we have grasped the truth of being, the fact of God's unchanging love for all His offspring, and of our relationship to Him, we shall be led to take those steps most conducive to our growth. How perfectly has Mrs. Eddy expressed this! In writing of the uses of adversity in compelling progress, she says (Science and Health, p. 266), "When this hour of development comes, even if you cling to a sense of personal joys, spiritual Love will force you to accept what best promotes your growth."

No personal motive, aim, or desire can stand in the way of the progress which is the outgrowth of divine impulsion. Nothing can resist the onward march of divine Love in the purification of consciousness. The success of the task depends not a little on the spirit in which it is undertaken. Do we go joyfully about the work of transforming consciousness; or do we reluctantly turn our gaze backward, still longing for the old ways? In the light of the new day, the day of spiritual understanding, we should welcome with heartfelt joy every opportunity to prove the power of good over evil, of love over hate. Let us rejoice over every opportunity for spiritual progress. What if opportunity never presented itself! How dark would be the road ahead but for the effulgence of divine Love which always illumines it! There are no shadows there, for divine Love is omnipresent, leaving no unillumined places.

Of the perennial joy which springs from faithfulness our revered Leader has written on page 343 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "Among the manifold soft chimes that will fill the haunted chambers of memory, this is the sweetest: 'Thou hast been faithful!'" If we are faithful to the demands of divine Love, only good can prevail in our lives; for Love knows only good, which is perfection.

Albert F. Gilmore