Article August 7, 1920 Issue

The Valley of Decision

FANNY DE GROOT HASTINGS

THOSE uninstructed by Christian Science may spend most of their seemingly perplexed existence in the "valley of decision," so named by the prophet Joel in his exclamation: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Even if one is sincere in his desire to follow the right course, he often strays and reaps the consequent misery, or fails to act at all, for he has no positive knowledge of Principle with which to work. The Christian Scientist, on the other hand, though he may find himself in the valley of decision many times a day in his journey out of materiality, has an unfailing guide. He is learning through precept and practice to lift his thought above error, the conflicting arguments of mortal mind that would suggest confusion, and in the rarefied atmosphere of spiritual consciousness to listen and hear the divine commands. He no longer seeks personal opinions and advice, for he rejoices in the knowledge that, as Mrs. Eddy writes (Message for 1901, p. 20), "the Christian Scientist is alone with his own being and with the reality of things," and that in the blessed solitude of his own uplifted consciousness the angels of God's presence will come and minister to his needs.

When the light of Christian Science dawns, there comes to man realization that he does not have to take the long road, the steep and stony road, the prodigal's road; in proportion to the wholeness of his heart, the cleanness of his hands, and the sureness of his understanding he can walk the broad highway of Spirit. Obedience, the willingness to lay down the baggage of materiality that one may be free to follow where Truth leads, is the signpost in the valley of decision that points the way to heaven. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 117) Mrs. Eddy gives this admonition to students of Christian Science: "Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance."

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