Spiritual Triumph

MYRTIE V. GREGORY

In the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth chapters of the book of Acts may be found an account of Paul's journey to Rome. A careful study of this narrative, so fraught with proofs of God's governing care, is indeed an inspiration to the student who is striving to overcome error's arguments of material power and destruction.

Paul, because of his preaching of the Word, was being taken a prisoner to appear before Cæsar; but nowhere do we read that he yielded to suggestions of self-pity or resentment because of the treatment. He was doing all to the glory of God; and we cannot doubt that love and gratitude filled his consciousness at this time of testing. And does not gratitude portend a sure victory over self?

Fear, discouragement, resentment, and other arguments of so-called mortal mind disappear when the heart rejoices in the certainty of God's power and presence. During this voyage, we are told, a great storm arose, causing deep anxiety and fear to all aboard the ship, Paul excepted. He had no fear of disaster, because he was in close communion with God. Noting the great fear manifested by those about him, he spoke to them wonderful words of comfort and assurance. The spiritual vision of safety had come to Paul through an unfaltering trust in God; and even though the wind and waves beat in fury about him, above their din and roar came the message of Christ, Truth.

"The angel of God," the spiritual influence of the truth, had whispered to Paul the "Peace, be still" which the thought attuned to God can ever hear and understand. Calm and undisturbed he could confidently assure those who were with him that their lives, one and all, were safe in the protecting care of divine Love. No claims of error could instill fear into his consciousness at this time, for he was relying wholly upon Truth, as he understood it. Not only did he realize his own protection, but he knew that the same protection was available to all in the ship.

Already Paul had learned that to abide in safety is to abide in the consciousness of divine Love. To doubt or fear could only lead into a sense of danger. Had not the angel said, "God hath given thee all them that sail with thee"? Paul believed this. He knew that this promise would be fulfilled; but the lesson of reliance had not yet been learned by those about him. Therefore, with love and compassion he counseled with them; and they too must have assimilated a measure of the wondrous peace and trustfulness which was sustaining Paul. In grateful acknowledgment of God's supreme power, thanks was offered to Him "in presence of them all."

It is a glorious thing to be able to thank God "in presence of them all." Does not error sometimes argue that one should wait until he sees the manifestation before offering thanks? If we can thank God at the moment when, even as with Paul, the waters seem about to cover us, there comes to consciousness a benediction of peace unspeakable; and a step out of materiality has been taken.

Paul was not dismayed or discouraged even when the ship was wrecked. Were not they all safe? Nothing could absolve that promise given by God. The ship must have seemed a very necessary thing to them all; yet through the very experience of losing the ship an opportunity was offered for a great healing work on the island of Melita.

Many times the student of Christian Science finds himself confronted with some experience which, to sense, seems real and oftentimes severe; but should not one strive to be grateful for every experience which awakens thought to opportunities for loving service all about him, which otherwise might remain unrecognized? The earnest student of Christian Science strives constantly to glean from his experiences the beautiful unfoldments of Truth which are the steps in progress. In this way every kind act, every thought of unselfed love given in service to another, becomes a stepping-stone for the giver; for Christian Science teaches that "in the scientific relation of God to man," as Mrs. Eddy declares (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 206), "whatever blesses one blesses all."

In the concluding verses of the account of Paul's journey we learn that he remained in Rome spreading the gospel of love. What a marvelous demonstration was this! Through living close to God day by day and doing the work of the moment as it unfolded to him, Paul at last learned that his chief business in Rome was to do the works of the Master: to preach the word; to heal the sick. Great was his devotion to Truth and marvelous his loving service to others along the way.

Day by day the devout student of Christian Science is striving to attain true understanding—to know God. Is not this goal reached through loving, consecrated service? And when, in our journey from sense to Soul, we complete our demonstration of the truth, the fulfillment of the promise given by our Leader (ibid., p. 391), awaits us: "Then, when thou art delivered to the judgment of Truth, Christ, the judge will say, 'Thou art whole!' "

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