THE first revelation of Truth contained in the teachings of Christian Science may burst upon human consciousness with a glowing promise. As we strive, however, for a more enlightened understanding of the rules given us in our textbooks, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, that we may successfully solve our human problems, we may find that we have a cross to bear. But this is the experience that prepares us to wear the promised crown. During this period of growth the student's faith is tried by experiences which, without the little knowledge gained of the allness of God, would seem hardships that could not be endured. But; having caught the first faint view of the crown, as the Wisemen of old saw the Star of Bethlehem in the distance, we cannot cease the quest until every obstacle is laid low. Are not the Bible promises given "to him that overcometh"?
It is by fixing our gaze upon the crown that we gain courage to work out our problems. We see then that there is no suppositional power that can hinder our march towards freedom; indeed, that the crown is ours by right now. The inheritance becomes ours when we have proved the nothingness of error, when we have proved, through persistent effort to think rightly, that the prison walls of material sense cannot deprive God's child of his birthright. The transformation of himself is nomystery to the one who remembers that the outward appearance and environment are often indications of the inward thought.
Perhaps it does not always seem clear to us how we can know God's plan. But if we are faithful to the teachings of Christian Science, that plan will surely be revealed through spiritual sense; and it can be known in no other way. We shall then be enabled to put these teachings into practice; and then our right thinking will be made manifest. Our lives must be shaped according to God's will; and His will is sweetest to us after the battle with self has been waged and won. All this time it may seem as if we were carrying a cross; but we may also hear the voices of angels cheering us on the way. Thought then soars, even as birds take their flight; and we lose sight of our cross-bearing.
