In the Direction of Light

JESSIE ARMSTRONG HELMAN

In the home where a student of Christian Science lived, "locators" were introduced. These mere sparks of light were placed on the electric drops, in rooms not provided with wall switches, to direct toward the light those entering in the dark. In her own room the student welcomed the little guide, but found to her amazement some weeks later that she was not making use of it. She would enter her room in the darkness, fumbling blindly for the light as before, without thinking to look up. Groping uncertainly had become a habit so strong, that even after a direct and positive means was offered she did not avail herself of it at once.

In this observation the student found a striking comparison to her past experience in metaphysics. It recalled how after she had been healed by Christian Science many years before, the study of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," was taken up and pursued assiduously for several years. Considering her progress at this point, she saw that although believed in implicitly, and to a certain extent understood, the rules of this teaching were not being used. She had been so long groping in the dark, so long fumbling with uncertain material methods, false reasoning, and human will power, that it was found seemingly very difficult to look up and be guided certainly and in the right direction.

Throughout all of Mrs. Eddy's writings we find that she lovingly urges her students to utilize their understanding, however small. Only by using what we know, are we fitted to receive more; until, in the full might of the perception of God's law, we can put the very wave underfoot. If there seems to be no urgent reason for calling for help from a practitioner in working out a problem, it is frequently allowed to lurk in our thought until the next day, or the next, or until we think we have sufficient understanding to grapple with it; although the smallest conception that we can possibly have of spiritual reality, is more powerful than the sum total of material testimony.

Christian Science teaches us that "light is a symbol of Mind" (Science and Health, p. 510). In striving to bring all things into their true light and significance, we must constantly use our understanding of Principle. We must apply it in our present environment and to every circumstance, remembering always to look up and find the true place for all in the light of God's creation. This is beautifully expressed on page 55 of the "Christian Science Hymnal":—

Oh! ever on our earthly path
Some gleam of glory lies;
And heav'n is all around us now,
If we but lift our eyes.

In further study of this symbol, we find a most helpful lesson in Jesus' reply to his disciples when, because the Jews sought to stone him, they warned him not to venture out in the light of day. In this reply he tells them that the hours of daylight are the light of this world, representing protection only to those depending on the things of this world for protection. "If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world," he said. "But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him."

In that enlightening chapter of Science and Health entitled "Creation," Mrs. Eddy declares (p. 263) that "when mortal man blends his thoughts of existence with the spiritual and works only as God works, he will no longer grope in the dark and cling to earth because he has not tasted heaven." Thus as we honestly do our work in God's way, will we avail ourselves of the practical, demonstrable good resulting from right thinking. Step by step, proof upon proof, will all utilized ideas bring unfoldment and light, and supply us with the courage to look hopefully toward the Jerusalem of John's vision, having "no night there."

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