Article April 5, 1941 Issue

"Yea, yea; Nay, nay"

[Written Especially for Young People]

ELOISE PATTILLO HENDRICK

THE famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "Learn to say 'no' and it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin." If one has through his understanding of Christian Science learned to say "No" to every argument and temptation of mortal mind, as well as to be ready with a "Yes" to every call of Truth, he is indeed making great gains in the right direction. Does not true culture consist of the cultivation of Godlike qualities? Valuable as are intellectual gifts and training, it is primarily the fact that an individual is fortified with strength of character and spiritual discernment of the real and unreal values that ensures true success and happiness. The great leaders of mankind, such as Abraham Lincoln and our own beloved Leader. Mary Baker Eddy, have been distinguished by their resolute adherence to right and their ability to choose wisely in little as well as big decisions, such as we are all called upon to make throughout the day.

The need for the practical worth of character is becoming more universally recognized. In referring to the circumstances attending the appointment of Dwight Morrow to a firm of international importance, Calvin Coolidge wrote, "They wanted him not merely because of his talent, for talent was plentiful and easy to buy, but they wanted him for his character, which was priceless." Further evidence of the recognition given to ideals is indicated by the custom of universities in conferring honorary degrees upon certain public men and women on the grounds of service rather than material prominence or merely scholastic excellence.

When our Way-shower declared, "Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay," he set forth a very apt rule for Christian Scientists. Young students of Christian Science are blessed in having obtained a firm foundation of spiritual understanding which enables them to decide quickly what thoughts to admit and what thoughts to challenge. They do not have to learn through suffering, nor do they need to be swayed by false arguments because of their youth and inexperience. It is possible to avoid many unnecessary pitfalls of disappointment, mistakes, loss, and regret when we are instant in rejecting temptation and in clinging to our understanding of Truth.

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