THAT humanity is ever vainly seeking for satisfaction is apparent to the most casual observer. Temporary happiness is not sufficient, for to be satisfied necessitates a sense of completeness that leaves nothing further to be desired; and the failure to reach this goal is a constant source of disappointment. The restlessness and feverish excitement of the world, the incessant craving for amusement, the weary drudgery, and the struggle for earthly existence, appear a "perpetual motion" in the whirl that knows no rest. In the faces one meets may be read the story of suffering and discouragement, while often enslavement to sin has seemed to crush out the evidences of true manhood.
Into this swirl of discontent Christian Science comes with outstretched hand and radiant smile, proffering aid to all who will accept it. That a more ready acceptance is not given it is largely due to a misconception of what Christian Science has to offer; while, not infrequently, observers draw hasty conclusions from the actions or statements of the adherents of this religion, many of whom have but just commenced its study or have only studied it superficially. Recently a critic was heard to say: "My greatest objection to Christian Scientists is, that they have such a self-satisfied expression." This criticism fell short of its aim because the outward manifestation of what Peter denominated "a lively hope" was misinterpreted.
Nowhere in the teachings of Christian Science is there any warrant for the manifestation of arrogance, pride, conceit, or self-righteousness, for these are obstacles to an understanding of God, who alone is complete in Himself. Until we have reached a state of perfection, no one has any right to be entirely satisfied; but it is possible, however, to realize in a slight degree some of that satisfaction which should be ours by way of inheritance as children of a perfect Father. When God created man in His own likeness it must have been, as Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 519), that "Deity was satisfied with His work. How could He be otherwise, since the spiritual creation was the outgrowth, the emanation, of His infinite self-containment and immortal wisdom?"
Inasmuch, then, as the divine idea only can be wholly satisfactory, no student of Christian Science can consistently give out the impression that a state of complete and perfect satisfaction has been reached until the last demonstration shall have been made and the last enemy overcome. It is, however, a great privilege to experience the joy that comes as a result of an endeavor to realize God's presence with its consequent healing power; and all true Christian Scientists show this joy in their countenances. They know full well the task set before them; and in proportion as they fully apprehend its magnitude they strive daily, in accordance with the tenets of Christian Science (Science and Health, p. 497), "to be merciful, just, and pure." No one who strives to emulate these traits can be satisfied with self, but the cultivation of them is sure to be reflected in the faces and actions of Christ's followers.
Whenever we find ourselves becoming self-complacent, we may know that we are losing sight of the real purpose of our existence and of the fact that man is the work of Deity, for it is only as we reflect the wisdom of God more perfectly that we can realize more complete satisfaction. Those who seek divine healing should never be satisfied until every demonstration has been made; but it is incumbent upon all Christian Scientists to advance joyously toward the goal of perfection. Certainly we can strive to eliminate everything within us that would hide the evidences of God's spiritual creation.
The sense of spiritual perfection comes gradually, and we are sometimes tempted to be too easily satisfied. Occasionally patients who have been partially healed, boast of what seems to them a complete cure. It is probable that a vast amount of criticism against Christian Scientists has been justly occasioned by this failure to recognize what constitutes perfection, physically as well as morally. Many observers are misled because sometimes in our testimonies we fail to emphasize the fact that we comprehend the necessity for greater endeavor before we can reflect God fully, which reflection must be the perfect spiritual man, evident in perfect health, wisdom, and goodness. Grateful acknowledgment for benefits received is requisite to spiritual growth; and it holds out encouragement and promise to those who are suffering from sin and sickness. Christian Scientists are therefore in a position to assist humanity in finding the better way, especially when the proffered help is accompanied with joy and humility.
Selfish gratification which impels a Christian Scientist to seek seclusion and to enjoy alone the sweetness of spiritual meditation without an effort to impart it to others is not satisfying, although it may seem to be so for a time. Seclusion for a season to prepare for a greater work is often necessary, but to rest content with a feeling of ecstasy and to remain dreamily unconscious of the errors of daily life, instead of meeting and overcoming them, is little short of greediness or self-complacent Pharisaism. Many of the followers of Christian Science have turned to it for one of two reasons: either they have been dissatisfied with their religious life, or their physical condition has been unsatisfactory. With both classes the study of Christian Science has been most satisfying.
Throughout all history there have been evidences of a desire on the part of human beings to worship something, but the more enlightened mankind has become, the less satisfying has been an undemonstrable religion. Theology, dogma, and ritualism were not sufficient. There was a craving to know our Father, God. Theoretical doctrines and creeds about Him no longer sufficed. When Christian Science taught that the divine presence could be demonstrated now, as surely as in the days when Christ Jesus healed the sick, the weary theologian ceased his search for a doctrinal atonement and found the possibility of his present demonstrable at-one-ment with God presented in the chapter entitled "Atonement and Eucharist," in Science and Health. To those who had tried every remedy known to the medical profession and been given over to hopelessness, Christian Science came with healing in its wings. What wonder if the seeker after Truth should wear an expression of peace? What wonder if the helpless invalid who has left his bed and walked, should shout for joy?
It is stated that in some recent excavations of the catacombs at Rome, a most noticeable fact was that nowhere were there any inscriptions in the vaults of the Christians that referred to death or sorrow. The gospel of their Master was peace and joy; and illustrations are not lacking where their faces shone, as did the face of Stephen in the midst of martyrdom. The expression of happiness, which is the result of spiritual understanding and the consequent ability to demonstrate Truth's healing power, is justifiable; but every true Christian Scientist knows also that he must be ready to sacrifice self for Principle and to continue to do so. Crushing under foot all temptation to self-aggrandizement and accepting with meekness and love the gratitude of the healed, the Christian Scientist will aim to follow the example of the psalmist, when he says, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
