Article January 8, 1916 Issue

"Shut thy door"

EMMELINE HASKELL

Mrs. Eddy's admonition, "Stand porter at the door of thought," found on page 392 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," is known to all readers of the Christian Science text-book, but many do not seem to remember that a wise porter guards not only what comes in at the door, but also that which "cometh out." They do not consider the great need of applying the proverb, "He that refraineth his lips is wise." It is well to bear this constantly in mind, because to send forth the unripe fruit of the lips is a temptation which besets nearly all beginners in Christian Science, and this habit may bring about serious results. Sometimes members of other Christian churches mention to friends that they think of trying Christian Science, or are about to take treatment; and thus before the quest is more than begun public thought is called to their attempt to apply that truth which is "hidden in sacred secrecy from the visible world" (Science and Health, p. 118), and to which our Master referred when he said not to cast "your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Because of this rending, the beginner in Christian Science is sometimes turned aside, not knowing what has caused his deflection.

Others who know something of what has brought them rich blessings greatly desire to give it forth; but not remembering the Master's admonition, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high," they follow in the course of Hezekiah, king of Judah, who most unwisely showed his treasures to a heathen king, confessing afterward to Isaiah the prophet that there was nothing among all his treasures which he had not showed, an indiscretion that beginners sometimes have occasion to recall when experiencing the added labor which their own unguarded conversation has entailed. The prophet said to Hezekiah: "Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house . . . shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord."

The study of Christ Jesus' public ministry indicates that the shutting of the closet door which he commended was for the safeguarding of his students, as well as to provide against imparting to dull ears the spiritual teachings for which they were unprepared. When Jesus spoke publicly it was frequently in parables. After he had revealed himself to three of his chosen disciples on the mount of transfiguration, he charged them not to tell it abroad at that time. Again, after Simon Peter had discerned that Christ Jesus' life and work was the fulfilment of prophecy respecting the Messiah, the disciples were enjoined not to speak of it, and even to those whom he had healed our Lord often said, "Tell no man." In view of these facts it may naturally be inquired, What then is the purpose of our testimony meetings?

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