Article June 3, 1939 Issue

The Path of Progress

STEPHEN J. SAMETZ

How simple are the words, "Go forward!" and yet how difficult it seems at times to obey them! Unsteady footsteps result from entertaining thoughts of doubt, fear, or other cramping errors of belief. Nevertheless, to the one who desires to advance, there quickly come helpful and positive thoughts which light the way and ensure progress. The fictitious nature of the obstacles to be overcome is revealed as these are seen to be but illusions of the so-called mortal or carnal mind, which is "enmity against God" and His true manifestation.

Courage, surety, steadfastness, perseverance, and other qualities such as these, point out the way for him who is learning the nature of God, the one Mind, and progressively demonstrating what he understands. Once the light of Truth begins to dawn on one's thought, the great need is to obey the divine behest and go forward, step by step, until the goal is reached. The pilgrim may need to learn how to avoid obstructive criticism, personal opinion, condemnation, and such like, vaunting themselves as superior knowledge and ability gained perhaps through longer experience. Other hindrances, such as social, racial, or political influence, may seem to impede the way for a time. False messengers may appear on the highway, bringing suggestions of pessimism, partiality, immature judgment, inability, or insufficient perception. Even the claims of conservatism or the experience of age may appear along the road, with suggestions of disability or caution.

The hand of God, however, is always stretched forth to meet the need, whatever it be. The saving truth gives guidance and protection to the alert listener. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 174) Mary Baker Eddy says, "The angels of His presence—the spiritual intuitions that tell us when 'the night is far spent, the day is at hand'—are our guardians in the gloom." These are recognized as all-powerful and available, and applicable to the situation confronting one. Intelligence, favorable expectation, impartiality, good judgment, and vision then appear to mark out the path clearly and definitely.

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The Touch of Angels
June 3, 1939
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