Article May 6, 1905 Issue

Listening and Following

MARGARET MAC L. EAGER.

WHILE our Leader's beautiful hymn, "O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind," was being sung at the Sunday morning service a few weeks ago, I suddenly realized that I was not singing in time or tune with those around me. Stopping to listen, I discovered that from a musical standpoint the effect as a whole was not that of unity or harmony. My seat was well forward, and turning, I faced the great body of singers behind me. As I looked into their earnest faces I realized that each person was singing out of the depths of his heart all that the dear hymn had meant to him in his individual experience. He was singing of the times when Christ had whispered the "peace, be still," to the troubled waters of his human consciousness; of the joy of knowing that we are grounded upon the Rock gainst which wind and wave beat in vain; of the desire to help God's little ones, and of all the consecration the last verse of the hymn expresses; and I thought, How beautiful is the work going on in the individual consciousness of this great chorus, and when each shall have reached the glorious realization of the true rhythm of Soul, what harmony there will be! It is surely possible, however, for us to give a better expression of it to-day, but how?

Turning, I faced the organ, and found my answer. Clear and true its round, full tones stood forth, and some were listening for and following its leadings. Most of us, however, were content to know it was there and that the organist was doing his duty, quite forgetful of the fact that in order to secure a true sense of rhythm, in so great a chorus, each individual in it must be responsive to the leader. Then I thought, How like it is to our work in Christian Science. Each has his own work that no one can do for him, the daily study of our text-book, the putting of its counsels into practice, in the home, the counting room,— everywhere; the constant seeking, and knowing, and proving of the truth, that he may grow into all the fulness of the stature of Christ. There is also our work as members of the church and of the Christian community, the great chorus work, the listening and following together which gives momentum and efficiency to our Cause, and to all united undertakings. The individual work is most essential — the singing with abandon, out of the heart as though there were none other to sing—and at the same time it is equally essential that we sing all together. It demands thoughtful effort to realize both these ideals, but it can be done if, while loyal to individual responsibility and work, we are careful to keep in obedient touch with the thought of our Leader, — study the Manual, and seek in the expression of humility, unselfishness, and love, to preserve intact that common bond and united activity which shall make all our organized endeavor and influence mighty before God and in the sight of all men. Then our strong choral note shall be as the voice of one great singer, uplifting and inspiring men.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Listening and Following

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access