Article February 22, 1930 Issue

The Narrow Way

IDA MARIA HANSON

CHRIST JESUS said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: . . . because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life." The protection obtained through obedience to this loving admonition of our Master was strongly impressed upon a student of Christian Science by the following incident. A little house had been prepared for a wren, and was place in a bush under a sheltering oak. This loving provision was accepted and the task of building commenced. The work progressed steadily until one day a raucous twittering indicated that the little home was being attacked by several would-be marauders. However, it was observed that every attempt to disturb or destroy proved unavailing because the entrance was so narrow that it would admit none but the rightful occupant. The bush was therefore soon deserted by the intruders and peace reigned.

During the attack the little bird waited on a high branch of the oak and poured forth such strains of melody that the air was filled with song. What cause was there for anxiety or fear? It did not need to fight. Was not its song a paean of thanksgiving and praise for the house which held its treasures and the narrow way which kept them safe from harm?

On page 324 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "The way is straight and narrow, which leads to the understanding that God is the only Life. It is a warfare with the flesh, in which we must conquer sin, sickness, and death, either here or hereafter, — certainly before we can reach the goal of Spirit, or life in God." It must always be remembered that it is only to so-called mortal mind that the way seems narrow. The child of God knows no limitation but, contrariwise, joyous freedom, protection, and peace.

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