Article May 27, 1939 Issue

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.

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