In one of his wonderful sermons Jesus pointed out to the people who flocked to hear him, the price that they must pay if they intended to do more than passively listen to his words. He said: "Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? . . . So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Many, when they have first tasted of the blessings which Christian Science brings to all who receive it, feel that they have indeed entered the heaven which they have longed for through the years. The glimpse of the light of revelation which is gained on the first reading of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," seems almost sufficient to meet every need. Our first healings fill us with joy unspeakable. But as we continue in our study of the textbook and try to put its teaching into practice daily, we soon begin to understand more of the meaning of Jesus' words as given above. We may then recall the parable of the merchant who, desiring above all things the "pearl of great price," went and sold all that he had in order to purchase it.
A story is told of a minister of the gospel who had such a happy outlook on things that those who came in contact with him noticed his radiant faith and joy. One day a very wealthy friend met him and, in the course of conversation, said to him that he would give anything, all he had, to have this outlook of joyful faith and confidence in God. The minister replied that that indeed was the price of it.
