Thus saith the Lord, "The labor of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine." In the ninth chapter of First Corinthians Paul says, "If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?" According to the rule of Christian Science, the price of heavenly riches is the sacrifice of our sense of value in material treasures; for, even while the Scripture abides firm that "The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof," doth not Jesus say, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"? The present demands of us every hour, in which to adjust our vision to the perception of Truth. The Science of Christianity makes no compromise with the material senses, but says to mortals: "These senses deceive you; they would belittle Omnipotence, by presenting false views of all that represents Reality." At the root of every tree yielding not the peaceable fruits of justice and Love, has been laid the axe that shall hew it down that it may be cast into the fire.
The Christian Scientist cannot follow Christ (Truth), and at the same time give heed either to the worldling's methods, his theories or his advice nor should he be dependent upon the charity of the world for his support. Solomon asked for an understanding heart, and God said unto him: "Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life," in the senses, "neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor." (1 Kings iii. 11.) Carefully following the history of Solomon in the fulfilment of this Word, we discover that he obtained honor through serving his people wisely and peaceably, while riches without measure came to him through his demanding stipulated dues from those who were being benefitted through his wise government.
Our Master once said when sending his disciples out, "Freely ye have received, freely give"; referring, of course, to the divine message, Grace or Christian Science. A careful study of this Scripture will show that while teaching them to preach the Gospel freely, he also informs them that their healing art should be their sole channel for temporal supply. They were commanded to take one coat only; not for the reason that they would be regarded with more favor as God's messengers, by those to whom they went, nor that they might be looked upon more charitably and thus obtain donations. Not so! It was for the far better purpose of showing the disciples themselves, that while making the most successful demonstration of Truth's all-healing power, they must, at all times and in all surroundings, rely wholly upon the spiritual potency of divine Mind to supply every human need. They were not to look to the outgrown beliefs, from which they were to depart, for so much as a change of raiment; for the stated reason that the workman is worthy of his hire.
