On one occasion a student of Christian Science and some friends had the privilege of visiting a certain national park. Easily and steadily they ascended the mountain road in their automobile, pausing from time to time to view waterfalls and mountain streams. Eventually, at the end of the road they came out on a plateau, where a beautiful panorama of mountain scenery was unfolded. How clear and pure the air at this altitude! How radiant and good the warm sunshine!
Soon it was noticed that some climbers were starting out to scale the summit of the mountain, and it was observed how businesslike was their equipment. They were carrying everything required for a successful ascent, but nothing useless or unnecessary. Doubtless they realized the arduous task ahead of them, but there surely was also joyous anticipation of achievement, of conquering the snow-covered slopes, so that they might stand at last upon the peak of the mountain.
Pondering this situation, the student realized how like our experience in Christian Science was this episode. Perhaps our first healing in Christian Science has lifted us up easily to where we get our first glimpse of spiritual vision, and, filled with joy thereat, we would be content to stay there in our new-found sense of freedom and peace. But anon there comes a call for progress, a call to higher tasks.
