Footsteps

Ella W. Hoag

From the earliest steps of a child to the more assured ones of the adult, men have recognized more or less that all footsteps are in a way mental ones. They have talked of light steps and heavy steps, of joyful steps and mournful ones. There are the steps which are "swift in running into mischief" and the "steps of a good man," which "are ordered by the Lord." Because of these and similar characterizations the term "footsteps" has come to be used figuratively as implying the degrees and their nature which mark progress in any undertaking.

To the Christian Scientist the footsteps in his journey from sense to Soul are of vital importance. All are most desirous of taking each one properly, that they may avoid the pitfalls and byways which they soon learn are but so many hindrances and obstacles in their progress heavenward—are but so many wanderings which must inevitably be retraced before right advancement can be made. They very quickly discover that steps in a wrong direction land in places all undesirable, and resulting difficulties often require strenuous struggle before extrication from them is accomplished.

Early in the Christian Scientist's journey out of the falsities of matter into the realities of Spirit, he becomes aware of the wisdom of watching that each and every step be wisely taken and firmly planted, in order that he may neither falter nor fail in reaching the ultimate goal of divine perfection in all things. In the very first place he learns to say with the prophet, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." On the contrary, he well knows that he must trust God, divine Mind, to guide all his way. Indeed, no step can be taken properly which is not accompanied with the humility which recognizes that unless it be taken under the absolute guidance of Mind it will be neither correct nor secure.

It is also well to remember that every one must finally take all the steps from the belief of existence in matter to the understanding of life in Spirit. All must traverse the path which Jesus walked, and which Mrs. Eddy has defined so plainly that no one need ever make a single misstep if he will but obey the inspired instructions she has given. In "The People's Idea of God" (p. 1) she tells us, "Every step of progress is a step more spiritual;" and in "Christian Healing" (pp. 16, 17): "Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me,'—through the footsteps of Truth. Not by the senses—the lusts of the flesh, the pride of life, envy, hypocrisy, or malice, the pleasures or the pains of the personal senses—does man get nearer his divine nature and present the image and likeness of God."

In such clear manner as the above does the beloved Leader of Christian Science show that no one is really taking forward steps unless he is advancing spiritually. This leaves no question as to the nature of all necessary footsteps. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 253, 254) Mrs. Eddy also writes, "The divine demand, 'Be ye therefore perfect,' is scientific, and the human footsteps leading to perfection are indispensable."

"Human footsteps" must therefore always be out of matter if they are to be steps "more spiritual." They must each and every one leave behind some error of material belief and go forward into some clearer, brighter vision of spiritual good. Each must be attended by humility and unselfishness, as well as by the love that never fails. Each must prove the triumphant nature of a holy purpose. In such progress there can be no room for compromises with error—no place for loitering or indulgence of personal desires and inclinations.

Though perfection may seem to be won ever so slowly, each step "more spiritual" must evidence some advancement out of matter into Spirit, out of sin into holiness, out of sickness into health, out of falsity into reality, out of evil into good. Thus, and thus only, shall each Christian Scientist walk in the footsteps of "the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth,"—because thus will their own footsteps be God-inspired, God-directed, God-governed.

Ella W. Hoag

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