Article May 1, 1920 Issue

Obstacles in the Way

MATTIE E. COTTRELL RHOADS

To the beginner in Christian Science there may seem to be many obstacles, and at times he may feel that it is almost impossible to continue his search for light. Although he may have already tasted of the sweetness and joy of true healing and been loosed from the iron bands of some so-called incurable physical, mental, or moral disease, yet he may feel that to obey the First Commandment and to trust God in all His ways is more than he is yet able to do. On the other hand, he may be do mesmerized by zeal without knowledge, over his new-found health and freedom, that he is sure his salvation is already worked out and that he has nothing more to do but to rejoice and tell of it. One thing, however, is certain; that each one at some time must not only be "a hearer of the word" but he must also be a doer of it, and take up his cross and help in some measure to life and bear it, both for himself and for suffering humanity. The honest investigation of, and gratitude for what Christian Science is, what it has done for us, will go far toward eliminating the seeming shadows and obstructions that may loom up in the way; but to prove by practical demonstration and by daily living and loving that this Science is all that has been claimed for it by its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, will indeed go still further, and is the only way.

One who had been quickly healed by Christian Science, but who had failed to grasp fully the import of that healing by keeping up with its requirements, said to a practitioner, "I am confused and I do not understand it; I thought that after I had been healed as I was, and had seen the truth as clearly as I did, that I would naturally progress without so much effort or struggle. I do not seem to be anywhere near the point of my first observation; it has been a continual struggle of ups and downs and I have not got anywhere; I am completely worn out and discoutaged; the way seems so rough and unexplored."

In answer the practitioner pointed to a snow covered mountain in the distance, and asked him if he could see it. He answered that he could; and then he was asked if he was at its summit. He admitted that he was not. It was then shown him that he could always see far in advance of his present position, and that if he would reach the summit of his vision it would require many steps, and these steps would have to be taken in the right direction. It was also made plain to him that if he should start out to reach the top of that mountain but should disregard and disobey all advice and information as to how to get there, and if he did not keep the path which had been made and pointed out by those who had made the ascent, he would soon find himself traveling a rough way of ups and downs. Moreover, if he did not retrace his wrong, zigzag course, find the right way, and diligently keep that way, he would keep on struggling with adversities, stumbling over fallen logs and sharp stones, and wallowing through dense thickets of underbrush. Thus this struggle would be repeated again and again and without much if any real progress, until he would surely become disheartened and discouraged. On the other hand, if, before starting out on his journey, he would find the right path, then keep up his effort with an honest heart, he would, after patient and sometimes hard climbing, reach the desired summit; he would undoubtedly have as many ups and downs on this route as on the other, but he could rejoice that he was at least on the way, and that he was making real progress.

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