The Joyous Way

[Written Especially for Young People]

DOROTHY W. LA BARRE

The way in Christian Science is a joyous and happy one, for as Mary Baker Eddy tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 60), "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul."

However, mortal mind suggests a different way, which oftentimes seems very alluring. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that we shall miss something good or be deprived of gay company if we do not fall into line with the enticements of mortal mind. This so-called mind argues that certain of its ways are harmless; and the student of Christian Science who is not alert to error's insidious arguments, might allow himself to be temporarily off guard. Often one hears the suggestion put forth that one or two drinks do not appear to affect one's mental equilibrium, so why should it be necessary to be a total abstainer? Our Leader, with her usual insight, very aptly takes care of this question in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 289), where she writes, "Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot be used temperately: its slightest use is abuse; hence the only temperance is total abstinence."

A young college student, who was a Christian Scientist, was faced with the argument in favor of smoking and drinking. Those who were following such practices seemed to be having a very easy time, and self-pity would argue that though she was trying to do right, she was beset by many problems. There were times when the way seemed dark and foreboding, and yet she really had no desire to yield to these temptations, for she was beginning to understand more clearly Mrs. Eddy's use of the term Principle as a synonym for God. She was reminded of an illustration in a story which never failed to bring comfort and cheer.

In this story, the way of life was likened to a stream. To go downstream is to row with the current of mortal mind. If one goes with the current, the rowing is comparatively easy, as there is little to resist one's efforts. However, when one takes up the study and practice of Christian Science, he turns his boat around and rows against the current of mortal mind. This seems to be much harder, and sometimes his craft is beset by the debris of self-pity, discouragement, fear, unhappiness, and so forth, which flows with the current, and it seems, momentarily at least, as if the boat were about to be upset. However, God is always at the helm when one is endeavoring to practice Christian Science; and so the Christian Scientist rows on, eventually finding an enlarged sense of peace and joy.

The lesson this brought home sustained the student and gave her the needed moral courage, and subsequent experience showed her that she had gained much.

When one is standing for Principle, moral courage is required. The Christian Scientist knows that sin confers no pleasure. Concerning this subject, our Leader writes (Science and Health, p. 404): "This conviction, that there is no real pleasure in sin, is one of the most important points in the theology of Christian Science. Arouse the sinner to this new and true view of sin, show him that sin confers no pleasure, and this knowledge strengthens his moral courage and increases his ability to master evil and to love good." Standing for that which is right, regardless of mortal mind's derision, never fails to bring, in abundant measure, the joy and peace which come with dominion. "For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." This improved spiritual thinking inevitably is expressed in our human affairs.

Great joy have they who follow the teachings of Christian Science; for it is the truth which was revealed to Mrs. Eddy, and which she presented to the world in this age.

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