NOTHING better illustrates the vacillating tendencies of human nature than its readiness to make good resolutions and its pitiable failure to keep them. One of the reasons for this lack of stability is the disposition on the part of the individual to congratulate himself upon his high purpose, oftentimes to the extent of shouting it from the housetops, instead of quietly availing himself of the means which God places at his disposal for making the purpose an accomplished fact.
In making his audible proclamation, perhaps he is moved to a greater extent than he suspects by the mistaken supposition that the good impulse springs from himself; that the ability to put it into effect is his; and that the glory of accomplishment will be personal,—all of which leaves God out of the enterprise, practically insuring defeat from the outset. Any unnecessary stir or manifestation, moreover, has the effect of arousing the adversary and inciting him to throw obstacles in the way. Men who accomplish things worth while have little to say about what they are going to do. They address themselves intelligently and industriously to the performance of the undertaking, and bring it to a successful consummation before would-be opposing forces discover that the proposition is under way.
The making of resolutions, in times gone by, has been confined largely to the domain of morals; but now that Christian Science reveals that the individual, through intelligent reliance upon divine power, is the master of his destiny, not only in the realm of morals but in the matter of health also, the high resolve and steadfast purpose are seen to have an undeniably important part to play in the overcoming of disease. Almost invariably the beginner in Christian Science soon sees an improvement in his physical condition. Minor ailments disappear, and chronic disorders are ameliorated if not entirely cured, as the result of his desultory reading of Christian Science literature, supplemented, perhaps, by the help of a more experienced Scientist. Naturally, he is delighted with results and enthusiastic in his study and estimate of Science. Months and even years may elapse, however, before he discovers the significance of the situation. Then, it may be at a time of quiet meditation or in a crisis of acute suffering, comes this question demanding an unequivocal answer: Will you from now on rely upon Truth as your physician to the exclusion of material remedies?
