The daily recurrence of human needs is a perplexing problem to the beginner in Christian Science, and past experience often leaves a doubt as to whether it is wise or safe to rely, for its solution, on the teaching of Jesus. This question is fundamental to the understanding of the relation of God and man, and if ignored will lead to confusion and fear in the thought of the student. That Jesus met the issue fairly and directly cannot be gainsaid, for he repeatedly proved that true work and true supply alike emanate from the divine Mind, as the active expression of Principle.
A survey of his daily experience reveals his earthly activity as having been almost entirely among what would be called to-day the working people. His friends, with few exceptions, were farmers and fishermen, and his audiences were frequently beggars and outcasts. His attention was often occupied with men and women who needed positive information and reliable instruction regarding clothing, food, and shelter. Certainly he could not hope to maintain the fealty of his followers without fully and faithfully meeting the issue, and thereby proving Principle in the scientific and Christian management of affairs relating to work, wages, expense, and investment.
In a marvelously sweet farewell message as recorded by John, Jesus promised not to leave his followers comfortless; but to have left them without adequate instruction in caring for themselves after his departure would have been little comfort indeed. It must be that he meant his teaching to be of practical and simple value when he assured those earnest listeners that his Father, their acknowledged God, knew their needs and would supply them, according to their consistent reliance on Him.
