Because of the remarkable adaptability of Christian Science to the most varied circumstances of life, we need no grand and inspiring opportunities to become fruitful, to afford exercise in full of the Love-Strength accompanying its Light. Having gained some of its truths, an hour cannot pass, in a practical life, in which opportunity does not occur for their direct application. Are we anxiously concerned about the day's business? Affirm and stand by the reigning Truth that the only real good is spiritual; that no mundane, adverse circumstance is able to lessen that good by one iota. Indeed, in its tendency eventually to replace physical, material effort—to gain the ungainable—by receptivity of the Principle of Life, "adverse circumstance" may expand the sense of Infinite Good. This is Love indeed, and therefore blessed. Is employment uncongenial, irksome? In the understanding bestowed by Christian Science, "employment" unfolds into the new and glorious purpose of enlarging the consciousness of Love's dwelling. Love suffereth long, and this is patience; so, the seemingly mean occupation thus acceptably dedicated becomes hallowed—becomes a new work offering direct opportunity for gaining the Kingdom, Love, in the doing of good to others; and it affords that opportunity amply as could the most "brilliant opening" in the world's possession. Love's work is never lost, it invariably fulfils its mission; and its success, in low or high estate, is in direct proportion to its measure. The widow s mite, estimated by the love that called it forth, was enhanced both in value and usefulness far beyond princely sums bestowed by loveless opulence. In this find we boundless encouragement; since, whatever our circumstance, we all may love. Knowing its reward of accomplishment to be sure, we may press on to gain a devotion untiring, even in affliction. This practical application further reveals the wondrous good achieved by some leader in life's activity, to have been the ripened fruit of purpose long maturing through self-denial in obscurity, or in small beginnings at truly living in love; conditions most favorable to its symmetrical, vigorous development in our consciousness. In Love's infinite justice, we gain what we work out; and no power in the universe proves able to pluck what we have wrought from out the hand of Real Being.
In Christian Science, if we really desire it, we may enter at once upon successful living; for naught but wilful sin can prevent our realizing and exercising Love Divine; no circumstance can prevent our blessing all with Love infinitely superior to the indulgent, short-sighted manifestation so often taking in vain its potent name. Love that is Love,—even though for a brief season it should seem a rod of vengeance, can exist for no other purpose than to heal and bless.
Love, in Christian Science, is satisfying. In any station, at any work, there is no difficulty in being satisfied with Love's incomparable reward, if so be we rely upon its reality and completeness before we come into its realization. This is the step out of sense into Soul that tries our faith, which needs be like Abraham's; and it surely leads to that later realization wherein we know immeasurable Good that removes from consciousness all pride, all reliance upon finite self. Trials and perplexities are certain indicators of a reliance upon mortality that is quite adverse to true living— a reliance that is sole perpetuator of these trials. 'Tis simply personality's true self being realized and demonstrated; its evil consequences brought to light to manifest the fulness of personality's nothingness. We therefore shall find in these experiences occasion for great joy. Paul says: "I take pleasure in distresses ... for when I am weak" (conscious of mortal weakness) "then am I strong." Placing no dependence upon the finite self, we experience no disappointment at its invariable failure to fulfil, and we also become strong. Troubles that assail, rightly understood, prove a battle-ax in hand to slay the enemy still luring us to cling to mortal expectations. Herein is genuine source of satisfaction. Always to know that mortal sense can never bless at all, but that Spiritual sense invariably and immeasurably does bless, is to be altogether free from tribulation; is to have all power in healing; is to be the perfect Christian Scientist—the perfect Man, the perfect Woman. In this mental attitude we anticipate a growth wherein threatening troubles shall appear what they truly are, "blessings in disguise." To be really ready for them as such, is to metamorphose them in advance, by destroying altogether our sense of them as troubles. Herein is wondrous satisfaction!
