Article March 24, 1923 Issue

On Climbing

GEORGE DIXON

A tourist party had gone to considerable effort in preparing for a much anticipated climb to the summit of one of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Switzerland. But the day was becoming dismal, as heavy clouds arose, obscuring the sun. At the same time, disappointment hovered over the group. One asked, "Is the climb worth attempting on such a gloomy day?" Another said, "Will it not be even darker by the time we reach the summit?" These thoughts were followed by the temptaion to spend the day as best they could in the murky village below, where they now reluctantly waited. But the guide, who knew the conditions better, persuaded them to make the attempt, notwithstanding the seeming dullness; "for," he explained, "you may see the sun as you reach the heights." After his hopeful words the ascent commenced.

It was well the climbers refused to be kept back, for before they had proceeded far, they had passed completely through the low-lying clouds,—an experience not uncommon on such occasions,—and then all was radiant as the sun shone on the purest of white snow. What had threatened to be a day of failure proved to be one of great happiness for all. The gloomy atmospheric conditions did not pass away; but the mountaineers proved the powerlessness of the clouds to defeat their happiness, by literally rising above them.

So is it with the one who is victorious in a Christian Science demonstration. He who does not falter, but rises above every cloud of error that would claim to hide the light of harmony, gains the victory. Many times in our upward journey from sense to Soul we are harassed by error's suggestions telling us not to attempt any good thing, but rather be willing to stay where we are, perhaps in the depths of despair. As we read the Bible story of David, we realize how easy it would have been for him to have postponed his attack on the giant of Gath. Like a true soldier of Christ, however, he promptly worked out his problem to overcome Goliath so completely that he would not have to ask, "Can that problem ever gain confront me?" We should do well to take on this David attitude, and, facing the lie of error called "our problem," go right up to where it seems to be, and vanquish it then and there by knowing its nothingness. Under the oppression of sickness and sin some have asked: "Is the climb worth while? Shall I ever reach the place of health and peace?" At this point of despair many have had the joyful message of Christian Science explained to them, and soon there has been instilled a confidence that the bright rays of God's healing truth were actually shining for them.

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