Of interest to all students of Christian Science is the statement on page 254 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, "Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement."
As this passage indicates, the ways of mortals in their progress toward better things are not equal. Few persons view their problems from quite the same standpoint of experience. Nor have they the same nature, constitution, temperament, or education. Therefore, it is not wise or helpful to make comparisons between them, either to the praise of one or to the disparagement of another. We have not the infallible discernment with which to gauge the differences between individuals in order to determine their comparative progress, even if we believed it our business to do so. Hence, the Christian attitude is to leave all judgment to God.
Those who "gain good rapidly" and those who "attain slowly" may be equally sincere, and equally diligent according to their individual capacity; and at the final consummation of their work the reward will be the same. In the meantime, the necessity for one to hold his gains against reverses may prove as trying to him as that of another in resisting the temptation to give up in discouragement.
