IN his early experience in Christian Science the seeker after Truth may find it difficult to gain sufficient understanding to work out his problems. This difficulty is often caused by the effort to apprehend at once the law of God in its entirety, without taking the intermediate steps. Among the numerous helpful statements provided by Mrs. Eddy for the student's aid in proving the truth of this teaching is the short sentence on page 453 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Honesty is spiritual power." Here in four words is indicated the goal which we wish to attain, as well as the means by which we may arrive at it.
Honesty is a common virtue, known in some measure by every one. The little child voices honesty in the simple terms of truthful speech; and the average man defines it eloquently in a just transaction. It is innate in the heart of every one; and, though sometimes but a very small seed to begin with, it takes root and spreads its branches according to the cultivation of the soil and the pruning and watering it receives. As one digs around the natural roots of honesty, the soil is softened, permitting the moisture of human kindness to penetrate and promote a sturdy growth by which the many branches of rectitude may be nourished. The symmetrical whole must be maintained, and vigorous and frequent pruning should be exercised to keep a proper balance.
Honesty in the aggregate has many degrees, is composed of many qualities. This we find by considering it more generally. It consists in being absolutely faithful in thought and deed to one's highest ideal of Truth. Therefore, to make honesty our constant companion, the first essential is to guard our thoughts at all times. A deceptive or evasive thought, if arrested at the source, cannot lead us to the commission of an overt act of dishonesty.
