THERE is an old adage to the effect that there is no royal road to learning. He who would gain other than a superficial knowledge of any subject must, be he of high or low degree from the worldly standpoint, work out his own salvation, must acquire a demonstrable knowledge of its fundamental truths, and then proceed to put them to the test, prove by his fruits the genuineness of his growth. Yet in every line of accomplishment we find those who would exempt themselves if possible from the finality of the above truism. They are ever looking for a shorter and easier road to the goal, wasting in fruitless efforts to bring this about, the energy that would have taken them far on the true path of earnest endeavor. But things that are worth while are worth working for, and no one ever yet obtained proficiency in any given pursuit vicariously. The ability to do great things comes through faithful performance of the lesser; diligent use of the one talent begets a fitness for wider spheres of activity, and he who would master the Science of Christianity must begin, Mrs. Eddy tells us, "with the more simple demonstrations of control" (Science and Health, p. 429), advancing step by step to the final demonstration, his ears fast closed to the beguiling voice which whispers of "an easier way."
In those latter days with his disciples Jesus made this specific declaration: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me;" and he was emphatic in his condemnation of those who would fain obtain an entrance in some other than the established and legitimate way. By precept and practise he had made plain what was expected of his followers, had promised that those who were faithful to their trust should go on to even "greater works" than he himself had wrought in healing the sick and casting out the evils which would hold mortals in bondage, and the ages have proved that, as Paul declared, "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Christian Science, as discovered and taught by our revered Leader, is demonstrating the present-day accomplishment of the healing works as wrought by the Master, and throughout her writings Mrs. Eddy makes it clear that only as we walk in the divinely appointed way shall we reach the heavenly goal and win the "Well done" accorded to the faithful servant of Truth. Nor has she failed to outline the course to be followed and to equip us for the journey, for in the Bible, as opened up to us by the study of our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," we have, in diligent observance of its teachings, a sure defense against all the asserted power of evil.
