Article June 29, 1918 Issue

"Speak gently"

FRANCES BAINES

The good which may be done by a few lovingly spoken words, commonplace in themselves perhaps, was forcibly brought home to the writer in the following way. When leaving home to keep an appointment, she heard a voice upstairs calling, "Oh, do come here a minute!" The tone indicated that the speaker was in some difficulty, but personal sense at once whispered, "You have not time; call some one else; this will make you late." The objection was immediately silenced by recalling our Leader's injunction found on page 116 of "Miscellaneous Writings," to be "never off guard, never ill-humoured, never unready to work for God," and in an instant the answer rang out, "Yes, dear, I'll come." Truth, however, was already there, and in less time than it takes to tell, a cheerful voice called back, "Don't trouble, it's all right now; your gentle answer helped me."

The Christian Scientist then went on her way, rejoicing in this fresh proof of the ever presence and availability of Love. She did not even know what the trouble had been, but she gave thanks that the words given to her had healed it. "Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy," Emerson tells us; but have we not many times forgotten this, and also that to "speak gently" takes no longer than to speak impatiently or curtly? This is pointed out by Mrs. Eddy on page 127 of "Miscellaneous Writings" where she says: "Wise sayings and garrulous talk may fall to the ground, rather than on the ear or heart of the hearer; but a tender sentiment felt, or a kind word spoken, at the right moment, is never wasted." Surely the hasty and ungracious words that may formerly have risen to our lips on slight provocation, are amongst some of the first things which ought to be controlled when we become students of Christian Science.

Who is there that has not felt the blessing of a kindly "Good morning," or the help of a simple "Thank you," or the uplift from a few pleasant words, it may be from a stranger, their cheer and benediction going with us sometimes throughout the day and lifting our thoughts to the One who is always loving and kind? A verse of a beautiful hymn reads:—

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