Article June 25, 1927 Issue

The Way out of the Valley

CONSTANCE CHOISY

There can be no greater joy for the student of Christian Science than to experience the wonderful inspiration that comes to him when he has gained a spiritual mountain top in his thinking; for there he can glory in the exalted vision and unfettered view of beauteous reality, which he had never realized until he had risen to such a height. While the mists may still appear in the valley below, he can go on his way rejoicing in the sunshine and clear atmosphere on the summit of the mountain.

Yet, in pondering these joyous mental ascents, one becomes conscious that the valley experiences are also something to be grateful for. In the Glossary of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 596), Mrs. Eddy defines "valley" as "depression; meekness; darkness." To human sense darkness and depression are terrifying; for, seemingly, the night has fallen, the mists surround, and no dwelling place is visible. If, however, we read the last paragraph under this definition, we find the never failing illumination of her inspired thought lifting the gloom. It reads: "Though the way is dark in mortal sense, divine Life and Love illumine it, destroy the unrest of mortal thought, the fear of death, and the supposed reality of error. Christian Science, contradicting sense, maketh the valley to bud and blossom as the rose." It is the truth of Christian Science dawning on the consciousness of the seemingly sorrowful, sick, and sinning that can indeed make the valley "to bud and blossom as the rose."

Anyone not knowing of Christian Science may ask how it is possible for one who is placed amidst care and sorrow and difficulties that appear insurmountable to lift his gaze with gratitude to the mountain top, looking forward with confident joy to the moment when he can rise up untrammeled and free from the darkness of the valley below. The answer comes in the simple words used by John, the beloved disciple, "God is love." Divine Love is not like so-called human love, which is apt to be changeable, unreliable, and which can often be cruel as well as kind. Jesus tells us that God is Spirit; and Love which is Spirit knows nothing of the false, unsatisfying desires that are experienced in the so-called love which is based on material reasoning.

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