Steadfastness is the quality of being constant and unswerving. It carries with it a sense of foundational firmness. It should not be confused with stubbornness, in the sense of obstinate human will. Steadfastness is the quality which destroys indecision and variableness. It is the weapon that defeats discouragement and has been used in every undertaking that has been successfully brought to fruition. When Cyrus W. Field was laying the Atlantic cable he was met with one obstacle after another. Three times the cable snapped, but with firm faith in his idea he persistently tried again and again, until success crowned his efforts.
On page 547 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, appears the following statement: "You can prove for yourself, dear reader, the Science of healing, and so ascertain if the author has given you the correct interpretation of Scripture." Here is the way to solve any difficulty: by using the teachings of the Bible in the light of the "key" to the Scriptures, and so by proof determining its truth. It is not enough to believe in the way; it has to be tried and proved. This is in accord with Paul's advice to the Thessalonians (I Thess. 5:21), "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
In the study of arithmetic we first of all learn the rules and then use them in proving the principle involved in each example. In Christian Science we start where we are and apply the truths we have assimilated in our study of the Bible and of Science and Health to daily problems. Generally the answers to arithmetic problems are to be found in the back of the exercise book. Our work is merely to prove that we understand the rules. So it is in Christian Science. The answer exists before our search for it begins.
