Article December 15, 1923 Issue

Walking in the Right Way

HELEN MAGDALEN STANES

Ashort time ago, in a large and crowded city, it was thought advisable by the authorities that a rule of the road applying to pedestrians should be altered. So, in walking along the crowded thoroughfares the public found themselves confronted with the sign "Walk on the left," placed above their heads and on the pavement, to serve as reminders of the alteration. The majority, however, failed to adopt the new rule. Consequently, those who endeavored to follow the instruction found their progress impeded by those coming against them. Finally, it resulted in all reverting to the old method of procedure.

This little incident provided food for thought. Considered from the standpoint that all is Mind, it was seen that looking at existence from a merely material standpoint, mortal belief learns to follow the path of life as existent in matter, the only way it knows. Then, either because of suffering, or through an understanding of Christian Science, mortals are led to look above the material to follow the sign which points to God—the one divine Principle—as the only true Life, and to man as His image and likeness. They are told that in order to follow the new rule of walking in accordance with spiritual understanding, they must study and ponder diligently the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and prove the teaching of these to be correct by demonstrating peace, joy, and harmony in their lives, through greater love for God and God's man. Very often the way appears hard to follow, and consciousness is flooded with thoughts of impatience, resentment, annoyance, and even lack of desire to obey. Also, there may appear unkind thoughts toward Mrs. Eddy, who, speaking as one divinely inspired and therefore with authority, has laid down such clear and definite rules for true guidance and learning.

These thoughts buffet and endeavor to prevent the seeker for Truth from sticking to the path; and sometimes they even succeed, for a time, in turning him back to the old way. But, truly, one can rejoice to know that, in Truth, the spiritual idea can never turn to anything unlike itself. Those, therefore, who are truly seeking for "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," will meet with those who are able to point out the right way; and gradually they will see more of the light that, in reality, has been there all the time.

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