HUMANLY perceived, truth appears to be an attribute; metaphysically understood, it is a concrete fact, perfect, complete, infinite. The comprehension of this is a comparatively simple matter; the application of it necessitates a profound understanding of Christian Science, an understanding at which we can arrive only by constantly testing our thoughts in regard to the smallest details as well as to the most important affairs of our daily life.
Students of Christian Science, one and all, go through certain stages of progression, and whether the advance be rapid or slow, all have to work out of the beliefs of mortal mind before they can actively demonstrate the power of immortal Mind. The affirmation of the presence, power, and glory of God as the source of all love, beauty, and purity, is logical and simple,—it is a declaration of the positive; but the work to be done from the negative side is more difficult, and is the point at which, in some phase or other, the student is most likely to be retarded. Of course from the very outset this negative view is presented to some extent, and partly understood, but not in its entirety. In the treatment of sickness or sin, there must be a clear spiritual perception of good as the only reality, if the healing is to be accomplished. The eagerness of the student to help, his desire to be a channel for Truth, the importance of the work to be done,—these blot out temporarily all thought of self and leave the field clear for the operation of divine Love. It is in less important matters that the snares and pitfalls laid by mortal mind cause the feet of the unwary to trip.
Black and white are easily distinguishable, but it requires a trained eye to distinguish between the colors which form the various neutral tints. Our work is evidently to remember always that good alone is the source of all that is real, and that evil has no substance, presence, or power. In our thought of those with whom we come in contact we are either affirming or denying the Christ; it is on this point that many may fail in their work. It is imperative for us to strive to see God's children as He sees them, and this is more difficult to do in our secret judgment of the ordinary people with whom we meet. The mediocre thought needs to be stirred out of its stagnation, and there is a large field in this direction for Christian Scientists to work in.
