Editorial February 18, 1939 Issue

The Straight and Narrow Way

Violet Ker Seymer

The straight and narrow way referred to in Scripture is the way of undeviating mental, moral, and spiritual rectitude, the divinely intelligent way in which there is no backsliding, no discouragement, no failure to stand for and achieve what is right. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 167), "There is but one way—namely, God and His idea—which leads to spiritual being." In the calm consistency of "God and His idea" there is no mental quandary, no choice of opposites. "Let thine eyes look right on."

Faith in material methods of healing lapses into fear when these methods fail. The more material the line of inquiry, the farther it leads us from the straight and narrow way of spiritual understanding and dominion. Hence, in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 268) our revered Leader holds up this standard: "The Christian Scientist keeps straight to the course. His whole inquiry and demonstration lie in the line of Truth."

To consult material sense as to one's status and prospects is disheartening and may be degrading. But to inquire eagerly concerning the nature of God and our own nature in God's image is, in every case, encouraging and exalting. In steadfastly following the spiritual line of inquiry we are impelled to give up materialistic, prodigal thoughts and adopt in their place the one standpoint of "God and His idea." Through pursuing this purely spiritual, joyous, emancipating line of inquiry, we perceive our God-bestowed identity and find the way of health, righteousness, happiness, lovingkindness, measureless spiritual progress.

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