Everyone at some time or other has had the experience of halting in front of a new building operation and with keen interest observing the artisans plying their various trades. It has been noticed that they made use of the measuring line, rod, gauge, or other instruments when laying a foundation or sidewalk, building up brick or stone work, or setting a window frame. This was necessary to insure that the work should progress in an orderly manner. It is quite apparent that persistent thought and application by the artisan of the rules governing mechanics were required if he was to perform his part in the rearing of the material structure, since disobedience to these rules would result in confusion and structural collapse.
If a material structure can be brought to a right completion only through the workman's obedience to governing rules, does it not follow that the student of Christian Science, who is building for eternity, should much more earnestly abide by the rules laid down by the Discoverer and Founder of this Science, Mary Baker Eddy, and to be found in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"? On pages 459 and 460 she writes, "The Christian Scientist should understand and adhere strictly to the rules of divine metaphysics as laid down in this work, and rest his demonstration on this sure basis." The path mapped out by our Way-shower, Jesus of Nazareth, and in this age traversed again in humble obedience by Mrs. Eddy, is so plain, though withal so straight and narrow, that it becomes obligatory upon every sincere student of Christian Science to adhere strictly to the rules laid down for his progress, if he be really desirous of reaching the high goal.
The opening lines of Science and Health (Pref., p. vii) read, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings." Words fraught with such clarity that a little child may understand them! And how thoroughly in accord they are with the wise man's admonition: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
