While one was being instructed in the art of driving an automobile, the instructor laid emphasis on one point, saying, "Claim your road." His words made an impression on the writer, and while driving he has many times since found it necessary to claim his place against oncoming automobiles, the drivers of which were bent on occupying more than their share of the road. A dictionary definition of "road" as "any way of advancing or progressing" makes it plain that each one has the right to lay claim to his share of the road, so long as he has a right to be there.

In the light of Christian Science, gained through the study of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and the other writings of Mary Baker Eddy, together with the Holy Bible, every right thinker is privileged to lay claim to the road to health, joy, happiness, harmony, freedom, peace, and plenty, free and unmolested from the vague suggestions of the carnal mind or the five physical senses, which are but counterfeits of the real and eternal spiritual senses, which govern man in God's likeness.

The patriarch Abraham laid claim to the road to peace and plenty when, in obedience to God's command, he went out of Ur of the Chaldees and entered into the land of Canaan. And, although his path was beset with trials, he followed the leadings of the divine Mind and endeavored to maintain a straight course. He stood steadfast in the truth and did not permit his advance to be obstructed by the mesmeric suggestions of the carnal mind. As a result, Abraham experienced the blessings of God, achieving glorious victories for the Christ, Truth.

Many instances of God's protecting care and guidance could be cited of prophet and apostle and their followers, who, by laying claim to the road to righteousness, reaped rich rewards. The master Christian, Jesus of Nazareth, laid claim to the road to sonship with God as none other has ever done. From early boyhood he acquainted himself with the books of the law, and perceiving their spiritual import he demonstrated his understanding of the Christ. So he gave to the people of his day and of all time the remedy for every ill, whether physical, mental, moral, or financial. He healed the sick, cleansed the leper, reformed the sinner, stilled the tempest, walked over the waves, fed the multitudes, raised the dead, pointed the way to life and happiness, and in his resurrection and ascension completed his earthly mission. In the face of opposition he claimed the road for the truth, and as a result he triumphed victoriously. Not once did he follow in the path of the schools of his day; he placed absolute reliance on God, Spirit. Our Leader writes definitely on this point on page 260 of "Miscellaneous Writings," in an article entitled "Truth-healing."

In the course of her life-work for mankind Mrs. Eddy established her church, The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and provided a Church Manual for the guidance of its members. Under the heading "Discipline" (Art. VIII, Sect. 1), she has given us "A Rule for Motives and Acts." This rule, obeyed, guarantees to all of her followers the right to lay claim to the road to peace, joy, and freedom, and gives them the ability to resist the temptation to accept lies about spiritual man, whether directed at them or at their neighbors. Admitting into consciousness only thoughts of love, good will, kindness, compassion, and tolerance, and desisting from criticizing and judging erroneously, they find themselves on the road to peace with themselves and with all mankind.

Let no one, finding himself apparently pushed off the highroad to freedom, despair or yield to discouragement. Let us ever be valiant soldiers of the cross! If, as a Christian Scientist, one does not quickly find himself regaining the highroad to peace, and is unable to work out his own problem, let him follow the admonition of his Leader (Science and Health, p. 420): "If students do not readily heal themselves, they should early call an experienced Christian Scientist to aid them. If they are unwilling to do this for themselves, they need only to know that error cannot produce this unnatural reluctance." Had one student adhered to this admonition, instead of apparently making no headway with the problem in hand, much suffering would have been avoided. When he did awake to his opportunity of gaining help, he engaged the services of a faithful Christian Science practitioner and was healed.

Christian Science deals a swift and fearless blow to fear, timidity, and distrust. This triad would ever keep us from claiming the road to freedom, but their nothingness is laid bare by the searchlight of Trust. On God's highway there can be no accident or obstruction. The way of Truth is free from all obstructions, so that all may walk there in safety. Let us lay claim to this road to freedom!

A recent experience was found helpful. A group of friends planned a trip by motor car. Prior to leaving, one of the party, a Christian Scientist, experienced a sense of impending danger. Instantly he recognized it as a temptation to believe that there is a power opposed to God. Had he entertained the lie, he would have foregone the pleasure of the journey. On the contrary, he vehemently opposed the lie and laid claim to the road to freedom, knowing that the law of God is ever present to protect, guard, and guide. Homeward bound, the party suddenly came to a railroad crossing. Instantly the Christian Scientist was impelled to look to the right, and from out a seeming nowhere a passenger train came thundering along at apparently full speed. The man at the wheel was commanded to stop the car, and he obeyed without a moment's hesitation. Then was heard for the first time the engine's whistle. This had taken place in the twinkling of an eye, and all were safe. He had claimed the right road for this group of people.

Through understanding and demonstrating the teachings of Christian Science, all who will may claim the road to freedom under every circumstance and condition. This has been proved by an innumerable host of its followers, who bear witness to the truth on the highways, in offices, in the shop, in business, in their homes, in Christian Science churches; in fact, wherever a hearing is accorded them.