One often hears the popular saying, "Consistency, thou art a jewel." Consistency is defined in part as "firmness of constitution or character." These are clearly qualities of thought; hence one must acquire the habit of consistently correct thinking in order to show forth these qualities in his daily acts and conversations.

It is generally acknowledged that the person who attains the greatest measure of success in any legitimate endeavor is one who expresses a high degree of consistency. Such a person is not vacillating or unsteady. He is found to be accurate and dependable in his statements and actions.

That this state of thought is of the utmost importance in seeking a knowledge of the teachings of Christian Science may be gleaned from the words of Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 242), "The divine Science of man is woven into one web of consistency without seam or rent." This concise, positive, unequivocal statement of the absolute truth of man permits of no misunderstanding or misconstruction. It shows clearly that the student who attains that degree of spiritual consciousness which will enable him consistently and instantly to detect and reject every suggestion of false thinking will grasp and understand "the divine Science of man" in sufficient measure to apply and demonstrate it successfully.

Here it may be asked how it is possible to reach this height of spiritual consciousness. In gaining this mental altitude, the student's first step must be a sincere and conscientious desire to know God and a willingness to become obedient to His law. With this foundation securely laid in his consciousness, he is ready for the next and succeeding steps. These consist of the daily systematic study of the Bible, together with the Christian Science textbook and the other writings of our Leader. If he is faithful and consecrated in this study and in applying what he learns, he will find himself in the atmosphere of Truth and Love. He will then realize somewhat the meaning of the words in Jesus' parable of the talents, "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."

Arriving at this point in his progress, and holding unreservedly to God as the source of all real being, the student begins to manifest that spiritual consciousness which is requisite in the demonstration of health and happiness. Thus he reaches the place in his journey from material sense to spiritual understanding, where he is equipped to make practical application of this plain statement in Science and Health (p. 458), "The Christian Scientist wisely shapes his course, and is honest and consistent in following the leadings of divine Mind." He can honestly and consistently follow "the leadings of divine Mind" only as he realizes that there is but one Mind, God, and therefore no other source from which true thoughts can emanate. In proportion, then, as Mind governs and guides his thinking, all beliefs of another so-called mind or power are excluded from his consciousness, everything "that defileth ... or maketh a lie" is eliminated therefrom, and his activities are divinely directed.

As the student attains and retains this spiritually mental consistency, he will be found progressively expressing the love, compassion, patience, gentleness, kindness, meekness, joy, and forgiveness which characterized the humble Nazarene. He commended these qualities not to his immediate followers only, but to all those who should believe on him through their word. Armed with Christlike qualities, the student can go forth in the discharge of his daily duties. When the temptations of so-called mortal mind appear, he will be found with armor on, ever alert, never off guard or listening to the whisperings of envy, jealousy, criticism, gossip, and the myriad phases of false belief that present themselves to him. If accepted and entertained, these wolves in sheep's clothing would deceive even those who are longing to follow the teachings of Christian Science.

Whether one is a beginner in the study of Science or an advanced student, his success in the application of his understanding of its teaching will be in proportion to his willingness and ability to think and act in obedience to the rules laid down in his textbooks. The Christian Scientist must be ever conscious of the all-presence and all-power of Love. This achievement keeps his thought so clear and pure that when the call comes to help his brother, like the wise virgins he is ready, having oil in his lamp and his lamp burning. He is instant with the positive realization of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, which heals and saves.

In this manner does the student let his light shine and show forth to a sick and sin-laden world the truth contained in the statement in Science and Health (p. 354), "Consistency is seen in example more than in precept." These examples are made manifest in the practical demonstration of Christian Science; in healing the sick, reclaiming the sinner, overcoming the belief of lack and limitation; in short, in meeting every human need. The degree of success with which this is accomplished will always be equal to the student's spiritually mental consistency. Truly, indeed, is consistency a "pearl of great price."