THE TYRO AND TACT

W. FERGUSON

Many students of Christian Science have doubtless passed through that stage wherein, with hearts filled with gratitude to God for healing, and with wonder at the clear, forceful logic of Christian Science, they have found themselves, in the exuberance of their joy, casting about for a convenient hill-top from which to proclaim the glad tidings to the world; have felt, too, the disappointment which comes when one's message is received with incredulous smiles, if not open antagonism, by those whom they most desire to interest in this new-found truth which has done so much for themselves. Few more trying experiences come to the beginner in Science than this, and yet it is only through experience and enlightened understanding that he is led to temper his efforts with less of material ecstasy and more of consecrated thought and wiser intent.

The writer had occasion to study this situation when, in his business relations as a traveling salesman, he met, after his healing in Christian Science, so many people who, having known his previous desperate condition, were astounded at the remarkable change. Being at that time in the "hilltop" stage, he was led into many discussions of Christian Science which it were better to have avoided, although in some instances seed was sown that in due season brought forth good fruit. In looking over the ground, the writer has come to see wherein the Christian Scientist may take many helpful lessons from the business experiences of the salesman, the missionary of commerce, as he has been aptly called, and it may be profitable to consider briefly a few of these experiences and note their application.

The commercial traveler who is a Christian Scientist may also to a certain extent be a courier for Truth, and the first essential for usefulness is a right concept of God, which leads to right human relations. He will find it an advantage to be familiar with current events and leading topics of the day, and the perusal of a single copy of The Christian Science Monitor will prove to him that for this purpose no better source of information can be found than that splendid paper, which may well be considered indispensable, not only by the traveling fraternity, but by all who desire a clean, interesting, and thoroughly reliable newspaper. The salesman should be familiar with the goods which he handles, as this will enable him to place them before the trade intelligently and with confidence. In like manner, he will better represent the cause of Christian Science as he attains an understanding of its teachings through earnest and intelligent study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy.

Strict adherence to the truth must ever be the salesman's motto, and the avoidance of random or exaggerated statements will save him from pitfalls which might trip him later on. It is generally conceded that the greatest nuisance on the road is the man who, not content with the legitimate exercise of his vocation, insists upon "talking shop" to his customers out of business hours, and the interest of the best firm and the best goods on the market is likely to be jeopardized by such methods. Is not this mistaken zeal somewhat typical of the student of Christian Science who is in the hill-top stage referred to above?

Do we not often meet the man of the world, satisfied with himself and his position in life, or the theologian, satisfied with his religion, sincere in his belief and striving to live consistently therewith? While the Christian Scientist may have demonstrated in his own life and by "signs following" that he has found the "better way," and is ever ready to give a reason for the hope that is in him,—eager to tell of the peace, joy, and "wholeness" he has found in the Christ Science,—should he not be equally considerate with those of other faiths over the good they have found in their beliefs? It is in the indiscriminate discussion of Christian Science with the utterly indifferent or with those who antagonize it through ignorance or misconception, that the too ardent, or rather the unwisely ardent, student finds the ever-protruding edges rubbed from his ecstatic enthusiasm, and learns that it is only the thirsty who appreciate the "cup of cold water" given in Christ's name.

Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health (p. 201) that "the best sermon ever preached is Truth practised and demonstrated by the destruction of sin, sickness, and death." If our own life is ordered in accordance with this declaration, and the truth is presented to those about us with a due regard to the amenities which should govern all our relations with others, then will our efforts for the advancement of the kingdom of heaven on earth be blessed of the Father.

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