A Small steamer was pushing its way against the swift rapids of the Columbia river. So strong was the current that the little craft with its burden of passengers was many times almost swept backward; yet it bravely, though slowly, pushed ahead in its tumultuous course, until it entered the quiet waters of a small canal. The sudden change from foaming to peaceful waters drew a sigh of relief from some of the passengers, while others exclaimed, "Oh, but that was a grand pull!"
As the steamer entered the first lock, it came to a complete standstill. The closing gates shut it off from the possibility of return, while those in front, not yet opened, prevented any advance. Some of the passengers became impatient under the hot sun and wondered why it took so long for the gates to open. Complaint and dissatisfaction marred the pleasure of the travelers, and yet the great volume of water pouring into the locks was plainly discernible to all. It was apparent also that though the boat was not moving forward, it was steadily being lifted to the level of the higher lock, whereupon the great iron gates would swing open and allow it to move forward again. Three times it was thus advanced by being gently lifted, while the gates were temporarily closed against its further advance. At length the last gateway was passed and the steamer moved swiftly toward its desired haven.
This experience illustrates somewhat the transitional stages through which many of us as Christian Scientists pass in our efforts to gain a higher spiritual level. Through hours of prayer, or in an instant of spiritual illumination, some new idea of Truth finds its way into consciousness. Its majesty and beauty awaken us to the infinite possibilities of man, until, animated with hope and strength of purpose, we long to bring about its outward expression. Possibly at first we make rapid headway through seething currents of opposition, and the harder the struggle the more active we become; but later, if called upon quietly to wait in still waters, and patiently maintain hope through the dull monotony of uneventful experience, how often have we bitterly complained and become inert and impatient with ourselves and others! We thus forget God, and, to carry out our purpose, we lean upon human will with all its erroneous ways and means.
