Article October 12, 1907 Issue

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND THE SALESMAN

CARL H. PIERCE

Obedience to Principle is the recognized need of every Christian Science salesman, but since Christian Science demands demonstration, not profession, as Mrs. Eddy says, the question is ever presenting itself as to how to make his understanding of Principle practical and operative. Starting out to sell goods, the salesman seems beset with a multitude of arguments, fears, doubts, discouragements, almost fulfilling the Scripture that no one, without the number of the beast, can sell; but following St. Paul's injunction,—to stand, having done all,—he affirms the truth, declares for the right, puts to flight one's worst enemies, his own thoughts. The Scientist little by little emerges gently into the sunshine of God's presence, where business conducted in the true way becomes a joy.

In his early days in Science, perhaps the salesman prayed for deliverance from mortal mind conditions: looked forward to the time of his emergence from Wall Street to the healing of the sick; little knowing that the conditions which found him in the selling line necessitated his demonstration, not merely his profession of the truth. Later, instead of worrying whether or not a sale will go through, the Christian Scientist realizes that he must remember the command, "Be still, and know that I am God;" and he is delivered from worry, fear, doubt, anxiety, greed, and the besetting sins common to salesmen. With these shackles well thrown off, the salesman in Science advances with freer step. Sunshine abounds. If he seemingly loses a sale to a competitor he greets it with, "Good, it was his sale." In a case that came to notice recently, the scientific salesman declared, "Good, I'm glad for the other fellow," with the result that he was offered a far finer opportunity. Love is reflected in love, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Christian Science settles a man's thought as to his competitors in such a way as to make its teachings most desirable for all men. Perhaps a half dozen men are waiting for orders. The salesmanager, who is a Christian Scientist, explains to his man, "Do not criticise, do not condemn, do not counsel erroneously, do not influence; present your goods fairly, squarely, honestly; do not misrepresent; do not argue; act the Golden Rule." Armed with our Leader's Christlike teachings, this modern David prepares for the conflict. Instead of a personal Goliath, the Scientist meets only his own material opposing thoughts. These conquered, the outcome is in God's hands. Stand still, "for the battle is not yours but God's."

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