THROUGHOUT the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy the importance of understanding God's ever-presence is emphasized. God, being All-in-all, is everywhere. Hence He is at hand, and can be found by those who turn to Him in trust and obedience. It logically follows that all the good for which people long is available to each one immediately.

What is it, then, which seems to prevent our realization and demonstration of the truth? Why does good so often seem absent, and evil present? Mrs. Eddy answers these questions on page 198 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "All suffering is the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of both good and evil; of adherence to the 'doubleminded' senses." The Apostle James gives us the recipe for the overcoming of this double-mindedness, saying: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

Everyone wishes to gain what he believes to be good, and to maintain it; but do we earnestly ponder and follow the advice of James? Do we purify our hearts of evil beliefs and gain instead singleness of mind? Do we strive to overcome the apathy, inertia, and resistance of the carnal mind, using our God-given dominion over them? Do we really accept God's promises, in which the Bible abounds? Whatever we admit into our consciousness as real externalizes itself to some extent. Do we always remember that we are free to accept good only—the ever-present truth?

When Moses was in doubt as to his ability to accomplish the task of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, God directed him to obey God's will and to demonstrate His power. Moses accepted the promise of God to be with him. In Christian Science it is made plain that God's name "I AM THAT I AM," as revealed to Moses, signifies the only One—the one and only Being, who expresses Himself through His idea, man, His perfect reflection.

The acceptance of God's allness and the recognition that He is at hand are what we all need. God gives all good incessantly and impartially. Then good is, so to speak, at our disposal, through spiritual understanding. Should we not gratefully, joyously accept it, conscious only of our oneness with the infinite Giver? How could man be separate from God—outside of Him—when God is All-in-all? God's presence excludes the possibility of the presence or reality of evil. Our task is to be receptive of the good which God has prepared and provided for all His creation.

In II Kings we read the story of Naaman the leper. He came from Syria to the prophet Elisha, having heard of his power to heal. He made a long journey, and brought silver, gold, and raiment as an offering to the prophet. In fact, he was expecting the prophet to do some great thing. When the prophet told him to do a simple thing—to wash in Jordan seven times—he resisted and resented it. Being convinced of his own importance and of the reality of the disease from which he was suffering, he expected the prophet to come out to him, and to invoke God's power in a more solemn and impressive way. However, it was only when Naaman listened to the counsel of his servants and, overcoming pride, humbly obeyed the prophet's command that his health was restored.

Are we, who profess to know somewhat of the Christ, Truth, today any different? Do we not sometimes desire a striking miracle, instead of humbly obeying the commands of God and accepting only the presence and reality of good? It seems, at times, as though because of the very simplicity of Truth we hesitate to accept it.

In order to regain health by medical means, men are willing to sacrifice time and money, undergo painful operations and long courses of treatment—in short, do all that is required of them. But materialists neglect to listen to the commands of God, to obey the requirements of Truth, change their point of view and let go evil thoughts—those very thoughts which are the cause of their unhappiness and discord, their fears, sorrows, and diseases. God's demand is that we trust in Him, acknowledge His omnipresence and omnipotence, accept good and reject evil. Love is always at hand, always ready to deliver men out of their distresses. Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 227): "Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right." Why do we delay our acceptance of God's precious gifts?

Some time ago the writer heard the story of a minister who tried to explain to some boys that God constantly imparts good to His children. To illustrate this, he took out his watch and said to the boy at his side, "Take it—I give it to you." The boy looked at the beautiful watch, shifted uneasily in his place, but did not dare to take it, believing it could not really be meant for him. Neither did the other boys, to whom the minister offered the watch, accept it. When he approached the last one, however, the boy took the watch, thanking the minister with joy.

How often is our attitude towards God's loving gifts similar to that of the boys who declined the kind offer! We talk theoretically of God's goodness and love, but do not accept it because we do not believe that it is meant for us now and here.

Let us not only longingly look at God's bounteous table, which is spread for all in the wilderness of material beliefs, but let us partake of it gratefully and humbly, praising God joyously for His ever-available goodness and love. God is at hand!