Excerpts from Success LAWRENCE THOMPSON          ...In the history of the world, selfishness, duplicity, and subtlety have been prominent in international relations, the result being wars and commotions. It is a matter for rejoicing, however, that there are now unmistakable signs that the futility of relying on anything but Principle is being more and more recognized. Principle demands an honest desire to observe the admonition of Jesus, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." This admonition is regarded as impractical by the carnal mind, but the fact remains that it is the only safe method to adopt. On page 313 of Science and Health we are told that "Jesus of Nazareth was the most scientific man that ever trod the globe. He plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause." Being the most scientific, it follows of course that Jesus was also the most successful man, and this is appreciated when his achievements are reviewed. He overcame the three great enemies of mankind; namely, sin, disease, and death, and all real success lies along the same lines.          A man's success, therefore, is measured by the degree in which he approximates the achievements of Jesus the Christ. There are, of course, many points of divergence between the methods used to secure what is regarded as worldly success, and the means employed by Jesus to win true success; but perhaps the most prominent is the absolute reliance of Jesus on his Father, divine Principle. Even in the supreme hour of trial in the garden of Gethsemane he was able to say, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."          One meaning of the word success is found to be, "That which comes after; hence consequence; issue, outcome, or result of an undertaking." This points to the scientific fact that to be really successful one's aims and motives must be in harmony with Truth, and it also emphasizes the Scriptural injunction, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Any standard of success which falls short of that introduced by Jesus the Christ is of no real value, for its achievements are short-lived, and permanence is an essential characteristic of all true success.   Excerpts from "Success" by Lawrence Thompson Christian Science Sentinel, November 15, 1919

 

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