In Science and Health we read Mrs. Eddy's words: "In the figurative transmission from the divine thought to the human, diligence, promptness, and perseverance are likened to 'the cattle upon a thousand hills.' They carry the baggage of stern resolve, and keep pace with highest purpose." ^{Science and Health, p. 514;}

When we desire to see immediate fruitage from our efforts to accomplish worthwhile results, or when a problem does not yield at once to our earnest affirmations of truth and denials of error, it is helpful to remember that many notable people of Bible times in the face of serious opposition and even danger had to develop "stern resolve" and the hardy qualities that "keep pace with highest purpose." Doing this enabled them to triumph. Studying Biblical accounts of their experiences teaches us that the more self-discipline one demonstrates, the more God's government becomes apparent in every aspect of his life.

All four Gospels show that when Christ Jesus chose his twelve disciples they promptly accepted the opportunity for spiritual growth. After difficult testing times made evident that much remained for them to prove, eleven of them diligently persevered in following Jesus' teachings and example. The New Testament tells us that after the Master's ascension some of them were sufficiently steadfast to continue preaching the gospel and accomplish healing. Their histories, as well as the life of Mrs. Eddy, teach us not to give up because we have not made every demonstration we shall ultimately make. Persevering in doing what we can to the best of our present ability prepares us to do more as our understanding progresses. Step by step we learn to obey Bible requirements diligently and perseveringly, as well as to claim its promises promptly.

Sometimes a beginner in the study of Christian Science may enjoy the thoughts he learns from the Bible and from Mrs. Eddy's writings but may not immediately realize how many ways he can apply these thoughts practically in his daily life. As he diligently and persistently continues his study and promptly proceeds to practice as much as he understands how to do, he will feel the healing power of the Christ. Further study and practice will increasingly enable him to prevent illness and discord by prompt acknowledgment of God's omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniaction and by persistent calm rejection of every form of error that presents itself to his consciousness for acceptance. Such vigorous mental work will rout errors that have been unwittingly accepted.

Meanwhile, character refinements will become evident. Such traits as overaggressiveness or excessive timidity fade, perhaps gradually, in the light of the student's growing recognition that man is God's reflection—not able to act of himself, but completely unlimited as the child of infinite divine Mind.

Mounting gratitude for the bountiful good pouring into his experience brings him a desire to share the fruits of his growth. He allows nothing to hinder his achievement of this God-inspired desire, regardless of the effort required. He finds that the much-used Bible clause "Wait on the Lord" ^{Ps. 27:14;} means actively serving God by obeying His commandments and expressing His qualities, not passively letting time pass until good comes to him.

About fourteen years ago, after friends had expressed appreciation for the writer's testimonies given at Wednesday evening meetings, she sent a testimony to the editorial department of the Christian Science periodicals. After it was published, she felt impelled to contribute an article. When it and other articles were returned for revision, the temptation to give up was great. But she received encouragement from the fourth chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which indicates that to progress we must continuously prove as much of man's God-given dominion and ability as we can, "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." ^{Eph. 4:13;}

Consequently, several years later, the student contributed another testimony. Its acceptance inspired her to continue writing, until, finally, after a number of years of diligence and perseverance in this right endeavor and promptness in dismissing hopelessness and in claiming man's ability to reflect God's quality of intelligence, her inspiration and desire to share were rewarded in the publication of an article. Mrs. Eddy assures us, "Be active, and, however slow, thy success is sure: toil is triumph; and—thou hast been faithful over a few things." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 340.}