Editorial May 4, 1929 Issue

Continuous Advance

Violet Ker Seymer

Throughout the ages materiality has dogged the footsteps of the spiritually-minded, advancing plausible reasons why the pursuit of the ideal should be surrendered, or else threatening disaster, always in the attempt to deter the progress of one who has taken his stand for the good and the true. Undismayed and undeceived, Christian Scientists rejoice in proving that the practical way of present-day salvation has been revealed to them. They have proofs innumerable that what our Master referred to as the straight and narrow way is the way of true thinking, true loving, the way of holiness, health, and happiness.

Before taking up the study of Christian Science many a one may have believed that he had reached the end of his earthly road; that he must either endure suffering and remain a helpless invalid or else that he must succumb to "the last enemy," abandoning his loved ones to want and sorrow. Then, when he had almost closed his eyes in resignation, Christian Science has gently lifted his gaze to the redemptive love of God and has set his feet in the way, not of resignation, but of health and freedom, through spiritual regeneration.

Sometimes moral cowardice, fear of ridicule from the worldly-minded or from the medically-inclined, seeks to turn back one who has but newly entered the pathway of Spirit, causing him to believe that he is missing the way of health and happiness. What causes the one thus tempted to pause before yielding to the temptation to turn back to materiality? Christian Science makes it clear that it is a sacred pause, a spiritual pause, due to the dawning recognition of his real identity as a child of God. It is divine protection in the hour of temptation. Mrs. Eddy writes (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 185), "Self-renunciation of all that constitutes a so-called material man, and the acknowledgment and achievement of his spiritual identity as the child of God, is Science that opens the very flood-gates of heaven; whence good flows into every avenue of being, cleansing mortals of all uncleanness, destroying all suffering, and demonstrating the true image and likeness." With such a goal before him, who would not gladly exchange temporal and selfish interests for unselfish and substantial interests? Even though the obstacles along his upward pathway may at times seem almost insurmountable, is not this pathway also beautified by the triumphs of Soul over sense, Mind over matter, joy over sorrow, Truth over error, moral courage over cowardice?

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