Article September 13, 1919 Issue

The Transgressor

ALEX L. WALKER

The statement is often made by some of those who are studying Christian Science, that the straight and narrow path as pointed out and demonstrated by Christ Jesus and later made possible and practical in this age through the untiring efforts of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, is a long and hard road to travel. If we will but make a conscientious analysis of this state of thought, we shall no doubt arrive at the conclusion that it is not the ruggedness of the pathway of truth which causes us to stumble and sometimes fall, but that the burdensome things—false beliefs, which we are trying to take with us—are the cause of all of our seeming trials.

Oftentimes error will prompt us to seek a shorter and more convenient way where the carrying along of these often unrecognized burdens is not prohibited. We may find ourselves arguing thus: If my environment were different, or if the rest of my family or dear friends were interested, or if I had more time for study, I would progress more quickly. But these are only subtle suggestions of error and must be met with the realization that there is no real opposition to Truth, and no place or condition that can keep us from progressing if we are honestly following the light as it is revealed to us. It is our indulging in these false beliefs which, either ignorantly or otherwise, we think are beneficial to us, an indulgence which seems to bring us a sense of satisfaction or pleasure for the time being, that causes the pilgrim to believe, in some instances, that they are necessary accompaniments on our journey Spiritward. As we progress, however, we shall find that these things which we thought so needful are very burdensome; yet it is oftentimes seemingly with great reluctance that we begin to part with some of these cherished beliefs. Very often that which seemed to give the most satisfaction is the first we are required by progress to give up. Sometimes we obey willingly, but often we continue to stagger on, complaining how hard and heavy is our load, yet not willing to be unburdened. In fact, most of us can recall instances when we even resented being helped. For instance, if some one came to us and told us we were indulging in error, or tried to correct us in some way, when we thought we were right, we would either retaliate or make some excuse, either mentally or audibly, thereby binding the already heavy burden with tighter bands.

Hereby it will be seen that our journey is just what we make it. If we insist on taking with us self-will, self-justification, self-love, and a host of other erroneous beliefs, including a belief in the necessity of sickness and sin, our progress will be slow, attended by many trials and hardships. If, instead, we keep our thoughts filled with Truth, error cannot find an abiding place therein, for it is only through indulgence in idle thinking that error can possibly gain admission. The Bible teaching on the subject is very clear, for in it we are told that "the way of transgressors is hard," not the way of the righteous. "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light," said our Master; but he also said, "I am meek and lowly in heart." Herein, then, must be our remedy if our way seems long and wearisome. We must learn to be meek and lowly in heart. We must learn to be humble, not to humble ourselves to certain persons, not to caste or creed, but to Principle, and we must not expect or want the way changed to meet our personal whims. Not until we are willing to "leave all for Christ" (Science and Health, p. 192) and to say with Jesus, "Not my will, but thine, be done,"—to be guided by Principle and not person,—can we expect our progress to be rapid.

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