Patience ELLA W. HOAG, CSD          There are few qualities which have a profounder meaning to the human heart than that of patience. What mortal has not fretted against the necessity of exercising it, and at other times longed for the peace its use would bring? While its demands are constantly knocking at everyone's door, its promises always urge on to its practice. There is no virtue which is more perpetually in demand. All through the varied experiences of life it must be called into service, for nothing worthwhile can be won without it. It stands for so much that one wonders how best to approach the consideration of it.          Nevertheless, its beauties have been sung by poets, and its desirability has been preached in sermon and story through all time. The Bible has many references to it and many admonitions to prove its wonderful advantages. It is quiet and unobtrusive in its nature, and yet is irresistible in its strength. Accepted and cherished, it continually unfolds with greater glory; disregarded and neglected, it still waits undaunted, ready for instant action. Great men through their accomplishments have shown its power to be good; weak men through their very weakness have proclaimed its need. No act is so small that the presence of patience will not ennoble it, and no duty so large that it is not required as an accompaniment. All that is exquisite and lovely tells of its presence and beckons one on to partake of its satisfactions.          Christian Science shows it to us as one of the infinite qualities of infinite Deity, and awakens us to a yet greater longing to encompass its possibilities. Christian Science also uncovers the opposite tendencies of human belief which would prevent, if possible, its every expression. The beliefs of hurry and anxiety, of lethargy and stupidity, all argue for the impatience which would hinder the unfoldment of God's orderly law of patience. From "the tireless worm, creeping over lofty summits, persevering in its intent," to which Mrs. Eddy refers in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 515), to the marvelous rhythm of the stars circling in the heavens, all nature declares for the fulfillment of this law.          Patience makes a joy of every task and never yields to discouragement. With it for a companion every trial is transformed into a blessing, and every struggle after righteousness is crowned with victory. It clings to all that is pure and holy and refuses to know aught that is evil. Patiently to persevere in the affirmations of divine Science, thus patiently obeying our patient God, brings the unfolding of the power of spiritual thinking and insures success to every right effort. Mrs. Eddy extols it, telling us in her Message for 1902 (p. 17) that "patience and resignation are the pillars of peace that, like the sun beneath the horizon, cheer the heart susceptible of light with promised joy."          Patience knows where to speak and where to keep silent. It knows when to endure, and it also understands when to take and maintain a valiant stand for all that is true and right. It is always modest and meek, never demanding anything for itself except that it be permitted to perform its own work. It is never weary, but continues to the completion of every endeavor. Paul urges all men to run with patience the race that is set before them, having proved in his own living that patience alone is sufficient to the winning of the goal of spirituality.          Jesus' entire life was a revelation of the beauty and might of patience demonstrated; and it was made manifest in his unfailing tenderness, strength, wisdom and intelligence. Because patience is a quality of divine Mind and partakes of its infinitude, it is eternal, is always available, and is united to every other divine attribute. It is through the exercise of patience that we come into the possession of the promises of God. The world is in need of patience; it needs it to calm its distresses, to smooth its rough corners. Christian Scientists know how best to keep the leaven of patience at work, by never failing to express it in its unending, unvarying perfection. Let them, therefore, allow patience to have "her perfect work," that they "may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."   "Patience" by Ella W. Hoag, CSD Christian Science Sentinel, March 11, 1922

 

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