There is a little plant, found in some of the western and southern states, which is called the compass plant, because no matter what the weather may be, it always turns the edges of its leaves toward the north and south. Day after day, they never swerve from these fixed directions. When the writer first heard of this plant she thought of these qualities: steadfastness, faithfulness, and constancy.

The student of Christian Science will do well to ask himself if he is always faithful in keeping his thought toward the goal he wishes to reach; or does he permit himself at times to lean in some other direction? It is well often to ask ourselves this question: Do we turn wholeheartedly to divine Mind for guidance each hour of the day, or do we occasionally turn aside and follow the so-called human mind's confusing suggestions? One's aim should be to acquire the individuality or true selfhood which God has bestowed on man. This can be brought to human realization through Christian Science. The earnest student of this Science soon learns that there is only one way to reach and to stay on the path to health and harmony, and he knows that he cannot swerve from this one positive way, but must maintain a steadfast adherence to Truth.

When, in an athletic event, one is running a race over a straight course, one does not turn aside or go back, but continues straight ahead. How, otherwise, could one expect to win the race? The runners are obedient to the rules of the contest.

It was obedience to God, divine Principle, which brought the revelation of Christian Science to its Discoverer, Mrs. Eddy, and she was steadfast and firm in her purpose to share her discovery with and help mankind. The fulfilling of the purpose we have set before us is accomplished by clear, straightforward, constructive thinking, thinking which is entirely along spiritual lines, for this will indeed purify the human character. We are blessed in having a true compass to show us how to do this: the Bible, and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The faithful study of these precious books, and also of our Leader's other writings, together with the practice of the rules given therein, is the most gainful occupation we can have. We soon learn that these are the only guidebooks mankind needs. We also learn what availing prayer is; and when we pray for wisdom and guidance we receive the answer to that desire. Then, when we know God's will, we must constantly remember to do God's will, that is, to love.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 268) Mrs. Eddy writes: "The Christian Scientist keeps straight to the course. His whole inquiry and demonstration lie in the line of Truth; hence he suffers no shipwreck in a starless night on the shoals of vainglory." Through all our Leader's writings we learn that only by willing, joyful, steadfast obedience to Truth can we gain spiritual understanding. In order to make progress, systematic study is essential. Concordances to Mrs. Eddy's writings and the Bible are needed, so that we may be guided in seeking to increase our knowledge of Christian Science. Then by allegiance to the divine Principle of Mrs. Eddy's teachings we shall reach the goal of spiritual understanding.

Because the alert student wishes to progress rapidly, he lets his conduct be governed by divine Mind. He does not allow himself for a moment to turn aside from the course he has so wisely chosen, and step by step he proves that man is the child of God, the complete reflection of divine Mind.

Christian Science teaches that God is the only Life, and we are truly living when we are expressing Godlike qualities. We must silence self-will; be patient, forgiving; and above all be loving, for only thus do we reflect divine Love and rise in consciousness to the true understanding of God and of man in His image and likeness. Each day let us choose the right way, holding thought to the spiritual and real. When we allow ourselves to be governed by God, good, in all we say and do, we shall become worthy to be called "Christian Scientist." It is keeping "straight to the course" and letting God's will be ours that brings joy and peace, and this is the only way to gain the true understanding of God as Spirit and of man as spiritual.

The mariner uses the compass to direct his ship and bring it safely into port. However, it is dependable only when certain rules concerning its use are followed. In mathematics, rules must be faithfully followed, in order to obtain the correct answer to a problem. In Christian Science, which reveals the truth about God and man, given rules must be obeyed if the problems which present themselves to mankind are to be solved. We can take no halfway, halfhearted position. It is essential to guard our mental home constantly. Jesus promised us many blessings, and we can bring them into our experience as we reflect the Mind which governed him. In Proverbs it is written: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." What a rich reward, to know that God will at all times direct us, if we turn to Him for guidance!

So we should always actively strive to shut out all thoughts which are not Godlike. Surely every Christian Scientist who "has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death" (Science and Health, p. 450) knows that when divine Love fills thought, God's hand will lead him gently on. Divine Mind will always direct us when we humbly ask this help. We know that Mind is infinite and ever present, and that we need only to listen and obey. A verse from a hymn beautifullly expressed this confidence in God:

Never swerving from adherence to Principle, let us be firm and press on, facing the light of Truth, and let us ever express that fidelity to divine Love which makes us worthy followers of our beloved Leader. Thus do we keep "straight to the course." It is comforting to recall these words of Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 21): "If the disciple is advancing spiritually, he is striving to enter in;" and her further assurance, "If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy."