Article November 8, 1930 Issue

Joyous Mountain Climbing

HARRIETTE WARREN

Anyone who has done mountain climbing realizes the wearisome, depressing effect of counting one's steps as one proceeds. To believe that the climbing is hard, the ascent steep and rugged, with the attending fear that perhaps one may not reach the desired goal, cuts off spontaneity and joy, and may hinder the attaining of the grander view ahead. To keep one's gaze on the ascending steps of others, who may be climbing faster, will take attention away from definite, determined climbing, and may cause one to stumble over stones and rocks in the way. However, appreciation of the wonderful beauties along the pathway and a gaze lifted to the higher peak ahead refresh one, and make one's steps more buoyant and free. It is stimulating and encouraging, too, to observe the progress of others, as one realizes that their accomplishment is the result of earnest, persistent, obedient effort to climb in an orderly, right way.

Students of Christian Science are indeed climbers. The mountain they are ascending is that of the pure revelation of Christian Science, and the glorious goal ahead is the demonstration of perfect being, even through the Christ-consciousness which knows no sin, disease, or death. In this connection Mrs. Eddy, our beloved Leader, writes on page 426 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps in endeavoring to reach it." What an inspiration and help these words are to all faithful students of Christian Science; for they know that no opposing opinion, no persecution for righteousness' sake, no lying argument of personal sense, kept their brave Leader from climbing this mount of revelation and giving her inspired vision to a waiting world!

The footsteps in this joyous journey from sense to Soul are so clearly stated and defined in the Christian Science textbook that thousands of receptive ones have found the pathway of Life; and through obedience to the truth given in this book many of them have been healed of sin and disease. The landmarks along the way of ascent are many: hearts chastened, pride and egotism rebuked, by divine Love; self-will giving place to humility and true receptivity; love overcoming fear, resentment, and hate; joy replacing discouragement and ingratitude—in short, the false sense of self as material and mortal yielding to the true, spiritual understanding of self as spiritual and eternal.

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