WHAT joy familiar landmarks bring to the traveler returning home as happy memories surge into his thought! The homeward-bound mariner nearing port with his precious cargo-laden ship is happy when he sights a well-known object, because that welcome view means journey's end of a successful mission.
Our inspired Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," cites the real and progress-making landmarks of Science. On page 323 we read, "Through the wholesome chastisements of Love, we are helped onward in the march towards righteousness, peace, and purity, which are the landmarks of Science." Farther on she indicates the false and deceiving landmarks, which must be destroyed, where she says, "When the sick or the sinning awake to realize their need of what they have not, they will be receptive of divine Science, which gravitates towards Soul and away from material sense, removes thought from the body, and elevates even mortal mind to the contemplation of something better than disease or sin." And again we read (ibid., pp. 323, 324): "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, —this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."
"Righteousness, peace, and purity" are unfailing guides to our goal, even though sometimes we may encounter the resistance of the unillumined human mind. God's perfect plan for His children is certain of fulfillment, and we have but to wait patiently for Him to show us the way. Human planning or outlining only tends to hinder or prolong the demonstration. God needs no help in order to carry out His purpose to bless and reward His faithful children. Mankind's struggle for place and power often ends in disappointment and failure. Personal charm, social standing, fame, in fact all the temptations that mortal mind offers, are only "false landmarks," having no part in God's perfect plan.
