The wanting and wishing of mortals are twins that go hand in hand, stirring up trouble and discontent wherever they go. The desire of immortal man is the direct opposite of the cravings of mankind, in that the immortal creation of God is complete and perfect, while mortality always lacks perfection.
Mankind as a creator is a belief and illusion. The cause, or beginning of man is not mortal, hence the immortal standard for both God and man is the only standard. Immortal man is always the expression of God, and this expression always demonstrates its desire, since the desire originates in God. Mrs. Eddy, on page 15 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" tells us how desire is realized. "We must 'pray without ceasing,'" she states. "Such prayer is answered, in so far as we put our desires into practice." Later in the same book (p.410), there is an explanatory statement as to why desire is not more often fulfilled. "The Scriptures say, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,' showing that Truth is the actual life of man; but mankind objects to making this teaching practical."
Whether a man is famished, for bread or for affection, the same rule holds good. If he objects to and refuses to practice what he knows to be true, he apparently receives no benefit from his desire or prayer. He has prayed amiss, It seems to the mortal sense of things so much easier to satisfy food hunger than heart hunger. One learns, either by the very circuitous route of suffering or through making practical the teaching of a true God and man, that affection to be lasting must rest on the firm and unshakable foundation of the purity of God.
