Editorial September 16, 1905 Issue

Watching vs. Watching Out*

John B. Willis

EVERY CHRISTIAN Scientist who through practical experience has become familiar with the variety and abundance of error's seductions, appreciates the significance of the Master's injunction which our Leader has chosen for the motto of the Sentinel, "What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch." He very soon realizes that not only growth and success, but safety and peace are dependent upon the constancy and intelligence with which he fulfils its behest. He also learns eventually that he alone is prepared to watch wisely and well who has acquainted himself with the nature of the disabilities he is likely to encounter, and who with adequate equipment maintains that spiritual alertness through which he is able promptly to ward off or destroy any foe that may appear.

Study and practical work in Christian Science speedily brings error to the surface and gives a new and more correct apprehension of its nature and pretences, its asserted laws and modus operandi. It is necessary that evil's progeny be thus recognized before they can be destroyed, and it is equally important that they be destroyed as soon as recognized; otherwise the enlarged acquaintance with the seeming multiplicity of their forms and the subtlety of their disguise will have the effect of an increase of their number, and as a result fear is nurtured rather than dispelled.

If we fail to know the claims of evil for what they are—the nothingness of illusion—and enlarge upon the incidents of their seeming, we are likely to exhibit that frightened and frightening bewareness which can but lead others to think that, despite our declaration "There is no evil," we are very decidedly and very old-fashionedly fearful lest this "nothingness" unexpectedly smite us.

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