MOST of the men or women who have accomplished much in any era have had enthusiasm. They have had intense interest in what they were doing. They have not allowed themselves to become apathetic or indifferent. Probably, the saying of the boy Jesus, which his parents did not understand and which has been construed in many ways, "I must be about my Father's business" (Luke 2:49), denoted enthusiasm for what he had discerned as his mission or work. There were long years during which the beginning and the continuance of Christian Science, as a movement in the present time, depended on Mrs. Eddy's enthusiasm for her mission. Likewise, the immediate future of this movement depends largely on the keen interest for its success to be evinced by Christian Scientists.
Naturally, any enthusiasm, to last well, must have a lasting motive. So, also, an enthusiasm is most likely to be sustained when its motives are both affirmative and large—are both positive and productive of broadly desirable results. To an extent, devotion or piety may be impelled by fear; it may be urged by nothing better than belief in evil or hell. Of course, such a motive is a poor one; it produces narrow and questionable results, even when it can be credited with devotion to a form of worship.
Ardor for Christian Science is different; it is based on dependable motives. It is impelled by such reasons as appreciation of spiritual Truth, desire to be pure and wholesome, discernment of the factors which contribute to human welfare, gratitude for benefits received, hope to bring good into the experience of other people, love for God or divine good, and keen desire that divine Principle may direct and govern the lives of more and more people until no contrary influence is felt or seen.
