THE wise man said, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings." Christian Science not only heals the ills of the flesh, but it will lift every curse that was ever (said to be) put upon man. Every day, from the countless masses of workers who, sick and suffering, drag through their machine-like toil, together with their employers, who may be slaves to the greed of fortune or to extravagant living,—from these goes up the cry for deliverance from conditions which have been endured until they have come to be looked on as inevitable. What then will save mankind from the sordid drudgery and knavery of business? What the lever that will lift the curse pronounced upon Adam and his offspring? "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Christian Science may not make one a better business man than his neighbor, but it will make him a better one than he was before he accepted its truth. The neophyte in Christian Science reads in the Scriptures, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," and straightway he begins with pleasure to make his figures better and to do everything as nearly perfect as he can. The details of his work are no longer distasteful, but take on the nature of recreation, and he ceases to be a clock watcher. Having done his best during the day, he has no worries at night. He loses his fear for the future and lives in the present. Events and men cease to anger or perturb him in proportion to his sincerity and advancement. He works less for money and more for true success, knowing that his treasure is where it cannot be lost. The domineering fail to gain advantage over those who are timid, and we find that as we are straightforward others will be so to us. The tricky or dishonest will be just with us, or the wrong intention will be discovered and exposed. As the Christian Scientist wishes all men well, he tries to understand and take an interest in those with whom he comes in contact. Thus he knows their motives and aims, and when it comes to choosing a man to carry out his plans, he is the best judge. Add to this that he has better morals, consequently better health, and you have a good ground-plan for success.
It surprised many that the enlarged Mother Church in Boston was free from debt when dedicated. Such is the case with all of the numerous Christian Science churches throughout the country, so that many ask, "Is it, then, a religion for the rich?" Yes, but not more so than for the poor. Christian Scientists do not drink, use tobacco, have drug and doctor bills, or spend their money in frivolous ways or amusements. Much of their recreation is obtained at the weekly meetings and from their study of the Bible and Science and Health. From their lessened expenses alone Scientists might without difficulty build other churches like The Mother Church in Boston, whose cost approximated two million dollars.
