WHEREVER one travels, even through beautiful and cultivated districts, one invariably finds here and there plots of what is termed "waste ground"; and, though one of the dictionary definitions for this type of land is unproductive soil, the fact remains that it usually brings forth one product, namely, weeds. This ground, by reason of its not being usefully employed, harbors the debris that reaches it, and common weeds, such as nettles and thistles, often flourish there in abundance.
Human consciousness, unenlightened by the teachings of Christian Science, may be said to include plots of waste ground. Mortal mind, so called, offers to it for acceptance the seeds of sickness, sin, poverty—discord of every kind. These it sometimes accepts, allowing them to establish themselves in thought and to find nourishment in their constant contemplation, inspection, and discussion. In this way these destructive weeds flourish apace; and when at length an individual turns to Truth, seeking freedom from these errors of belief, he may find that much mental work has to be done before his consciousness can be cleared of them. Sometimes the task may even seem difficult and distressing; but this should not discourage the earnest seeker for Truth, because the rules for the demonstration of health and harmony are plainly set forth in the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy; and the student who obeys these rules cannot possibly fail to succeed. What is needed for rapid progress is an accurate, positive state of consciousness.
Suppose one clears a plot of waste ground of all weeds and encumbrances in order to cultivate it, and then delays taking the next step, the work of filling the empty space with seeds which will bear fruit in beauty and harmony. What then happens? In an incredibly short time a fresh growth of weeds appears, and the whole ground must be gone over again. It is a fact that this land, though not properly and usefully employed, cannot be passive. If it is not producing beauty and fruitfulness, it must perforce produce weeds. So is it with human consciousness. Whether we will or not, we are being active in one direction or another; and if thought is not actively employed spiritually, it is assuredly being active materially, and will bring forth its crop of error in some form or other.
