Article January 30, 1904 Issue

Conversation as Becometh the Gospel

C. L. E.

Perhaps it is possible for only a small percentage of the students of Christian Science to associate exclusively with those whose leading interest in life is Christian Science, and to the many therefore the question is often presented, as to how they shall fashion their intercourse so that those with whom they are brought in contact may be uplifted and blessed.

We read in our Leader's "Miscellaneous Writings," p. 59, "The only benefit in speaking often one to another, arises from the success that one individual has with another in leading his thoughts away from the human mind or body, and guiding them with Truth." Love is the keynote of practice in Christian Science. If, then, love is the mainspring of thought, word, and deed in the thought of the Christian Scientist, whosoever is brought into contact with that thought cannot fail to receive a degree of benefit. Not infrequently does it occur that our consciousness has been greatly uplifted by the study of the Bible, of Science and Health, and of our periodicals, or by silent communion with divine Mind. Then perhaps we meet with those who are seemingly indifferent or even antagonistic to Christian Science, and Truth soon unveils to us the error of considering this a tiresome duty; reveals the selfishness of such a thought; and the serpent becomes a rod whereon to lean.

As we reflect our uplifted sense upon another, greater light dawns upon our consciousness, and we have a glimpse of the meaning of these words in Science and Health: "The condemnation of mortals to till the ground means this,—that they should so improve material belief as to destroy it, by thought-germs tending spiritually upward" (p. 545). If we cannot converse from a like spiritual view-point, we can and may, through unselfed love, lift, with the power of Truth, the whole tone of conversation, and our mentality need receive no impress of error. Where it does not seem wise to make a sweeping declaration of truth, we can at least give an improved belief. "Christ changes a belief of sin or of sickness into a better belief, that melts into spiritual understanding wherein sin, disease, and death disappear" (Science and Health, p. 442). Maybe it will not be our privilege to bring to the individual the Truth of being, but the soil can be prepared, and no honest, loving thought is lost. As we strive to raise and purify our intercourse with others Christ will aid us and God's presence and purity will be felt. "Lo, I am with you alway."

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