Priceless guidance in the affairs of everyday life is given, either directly or inferentially, in the Bible. Down the ages has come the Word, pointing the way to spiritual achievement. It is not surprising that the student finds in the Scriptures a deeper meaning than he enjoyed before the light of Christian Science shone upon them. Nor is it surprising that he finds the Bible commentaries, written before the discovery of Christian Science, insufficient as aids to the practical understanding of the text. The facts of greatest value to him in the Holy Word are those concerning God and the real man, facts which call for the searching of his own mentality to find in what respects he obeys, and in what respects he transgresses, the divine order.

An illustration of the value of making individual application of the teaching of the Bible is found in the Master's parable of the mustard seed. Often that parable is regarded as setting forth the certainty of the ultimate universal spread of Christianity. There is, however, in addition, a more intimate, more vital, use of the instruction found therein. As the seeker asks, What of evangelizing import is there in this parable for me? he can find a wealth of joy in the encouragement it brings.

The mustard seed, "when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth," but when it grows up it becomes "greater than all herbs." Thus is offered the Master's lesson that even the smallest right beginning contains the power to advance. How that conviction banishes clouds of discouragement! Rather than focusing attention on the insignificant seed, or on the impediments in the way of progress, the learner is strengthened by the thought that the mustard seed "groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs," and even "shooteth out great branches." Nor does the parable end there. The sure prospect of finally being able to render acceptable service is an important point, for the parable concludes, "The fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." What greater incentive to Christian effort than the hope of reaching the vantage ground of ability to serve?

That there is urgent need for the entertaining and the expressing of encouraging thoughts is at present apparent. Apprehensive views of the future of Christianity, of freedom, of individual security, so frequently voiced, require the strong counteracting influence of a demonstrable understanding of the Christ, Truth. No superficial thinking, in terms of a philosophy that results in habitual cheeriness and stops there, is adequate to meet what needs to be destroyed. Something far more powerful is required. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has said (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 83): "Science only can explain the incredible good and evil elements now coming to the surface. Mortals must find refuge in Truth in order to escape the error of these latter days."

An understanding of Truth gives true encouragement. Revealing the infinitude of divine Love, Christian Science gives an immovable foundation on which to build. There is no greater reassurance than the conviction that, because divine Love is infinite, there is no room for discouragement. To be thus convinced of the allness of good is to be freed from fear, to be unharassed by self-condemnation, and to be undefeated by what appears to be failure. To be genuinely convinced of the allness of good gives clearness of view, awareness of opportunity at hand, the enlivened sense that blazes new trails, and the wisdom to follow to a right conclusion legitimate undertakings.

Fortunate, indeed, is the one who so understands the infinitude of divine Love that his thought is permeated with encouragement before there appears the visible circumstance corroborating his spiritual perception of universal well-being. Such a one is enabled to shed the light of divine reflection into the gloom of disheartened associates. By his refusal to accept the shadows of misfortune for himself, as having any reality, he invites the thoughts of his associates to rise to higher concepts, even as the outspreading branches springing from the mustard plant invite the fowls of the air to find lodgment there.

Humble, perhaps unnoticed, though such ministry may be, it is well to remember that the great Teacher thought it of sufficient importance to bring it to the attention of his disciples; and the parable of the mustard seed is one of the parables considered sufficiently valuable to be recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

How deep should be our thankfulness for the Christian Science movement in keeping courage high among its adherents! Even a cursory survey of its history exhibits a great sustaining divine power mapping the path and holding the movement to the Christlike standard. How that view gives impetus to further consecration! How it makes plain Paul's assurance, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"!

The closer one's study of Mrs. Eddy's life and work, the farther one departs from disheartening thoughts. She knew God aright, and she utilized her understanding of infinite Love in exemplifying the impelling declaration of Jesus, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." In Science and Health, in one brief sentence, she throws light on the way of true achievement: "Goodness attains the demonstration of Truth." What courage this gives us to press on!