When Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven unto the leaven, the grain of mustard seed, and the pearl of great price, he was using in each case the figure of speech which we call a simile. This is one of the very simplest methods by which the abstract can be paralleled with the concrete, the theoretical with the practical. By its use it is possible to give the individual a glimpse of the subject in terms which he is easily able to grasp, and which enable him to apply the illustration to his own experience. In this article we shall consider the subject of progress, the progress in understanding, of the student of Christian Science. We can assume that the objective of the student of this wonderful subject is to reach a point in spiritual experience where he can take up the sacred healing work. This process of attaining some degree of spiritual understanding we will liken unto a course in school—as indeed it is—with many lessons to learn.
A student of Christian Science at one time found himself in a most trying situation. Different ways of dodging or evading the problem were temptingly presented. In the end however, it had to be worked out by the rule of Principle, and the correct answer found. Months afterwards, when he had been lifted above that unpleasant experience, he could look back and realize that he was only kept there until he had learned the lesson—had applied the rule of Principle honestly to the situation. At times it would seem as though he were about to be sent back. One day when considering this disagreeable possibility, the thought came: Why should you fear it? When you were in school you did not fear that the teacher would put you back in the first grade after you had worked up to the fourth; that is you did not fear it if, as you went along, you had honestly learned the lessons in each grade. The thought proved most helpful . Many times afterwards when the temptation would come to evade an issue, he would undertake the necessary mental work with zest. He knew that when the problem had been solved correctly he would be lifted higher: and if it were not worked out correctly he could never expect to go higher or do the advanced work in the experiences beyond. Thus he learned, as did Jacob, not to cease his mental work until he had received the blessing of work well done.
The subject of orderly progression is one of interest and of the utmost importance to every student of Christian Science. So often we are tempted into short cuts and bypaths. We think that if we can get away from this person or that position we will find ourselves in greater harmony and in an advanced state of understanding. It is not getting away from the work, but getting at it and getting it done that increases our abilities along spiritual lines. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 486) refers to "earth's preparatory school," and she frequently urges the importance of learning the lessons of our human experiences—for they are the lessons our Father teaches.
