THE harmony of our mental journey Truthward is determined by the degree in which our efforts to gain the truth are really scientific. Our Leader exhorts us to harmonious progress with these striking words (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 362): "Truth is won through Science or suffering: 0 vain mortals! which shall it be?"
In any problem the experience of winning the truth through Science is that of following God's direction, of accurately discerning and unreservedly relying upon the spiritual idea or ideas applicable to the case. Then the spiritual idea unfolds in consciousness and blossoms in healing, as harmoniously as a rosebud expands in beauty. It eliminates the seeming error as painlessly as autumn foliage drops away from the bush. Jesus reassures us, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
On the other hand, the experience of winning the truth through suffering is that of having misery and defeat apparently pursue one until, convinced that his method of seeking Truth is in some way a mistaken one, the student relinquishes it, turns to God alone, finds the scientific way, and attains the demonstration of harmony. Looking back over his thorny path in the light of his clearer understanding, he will realize that, had he but earnestly sought and followed this understanding, instead of unduly dwelling on the error to be overcome, from the beginning, he could have avoided much of the suffering. "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river."
