SUCCESS is often supposed to mean the amassing of money, the increasing of profits, the piling up of the things which can be seen with the eyes or touched by the hands. The desire for, or love of, material possessions carries with it the wish to have one's wealth seen and admired by others. This is one of the traits of the carnal mind, which Paul said was "enmity against God," and is not the offspring of wisdom.
Solomon, king of Israel nearly three thousand years ago, a king noted both for his wisdom and for his magnificent court, left the record of his life-experience in these words: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." Since this was the conclusion of so wise a king, should we not try to profit by his experience? And if we desire so to profit, where are we to look for a betterment of our conditions? Today, uncounted numbers are turning to the truth taught in the Scriptures, as illumined by Christian Science, and are finding the source of true wisdom; and they are also finding the true sense of health, happiness, and prosperity through correct spiritual thinking.
Christian Science is teaching men how to correct material beliefs by right reasoning. It is teaching them how to replace false teachings with the eternal, unchanging truths about God and man, thus restoring the normal and natural state of happiness. Solomon said, "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing;" and about a thousand years later Paul restated this same truth in the words, "The things which are seen are temporal." Sound judgment has never tried to build a permanent structure upon a temporary foundation; and history does not furnish an instance where material possessions gave permanent satisfaction; for mankind is not vain enough to believe that wealth can buy the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of health, happiness, and eternal life.
