A homely parable may serve to illustrate a thought which has been given me. I have been interested, at various times, to watch the "breaking in" of a new motorman on an electric car. The recruit is put in charge of an experienced operator and starts out. For the first few trips he stands and watches. He is tole what to do, what not to do. He is cautioned in detail, and warned in general. When he has had sufficient verbal instruction, he is put in charge of the car, with the older man at his side, to correct and explain and criticise. Finally, he is thrown on his own responsibility, and travels alone; but ever keeping in mind the instructions he has received, and obeying the rules of the road.
How simply, yet beautifully typical this is of every Christian Scientist's experience on the road from sense to Soul. Our beloved Mother has been over the line before us. She knows every treacherous curve; to her keen vision, every fatal switch which might side-track us from the main line which leads us to Harmony is apparent. She instructs us how to avoid every jolt and jar; how to keep a steady current of divine Love forever operating us. We must guide our car as she has taught us, never losing sight of her precepts and teachings, and ever on the alert to hear and understand each new command. The beginner might hear how to run the car, and watch the expert for years, and if he did not put his lessons to some practical use, he would still be helpless and ignorant. He must at some time take the brake in his own hands.
So we all must learn our lessons. Knowledge applied, and individual effort, are the rules in Christian Science. If we cling to the understanding of others, how can we expect to learn the unspeakable things of God? Sooner or later we must rely on divine Principle, who will meet every need through the proper manifestations. We must demonstrate Science, operate our own car, conscious always of the guidance of the spiritual idea. To work out our own salvation, is an ever-present command.
