Watchfulness

ONE of the first things that the student of Christian Science finds is the necessity for watchfulness. Having once definitely decided to stand for Truth, and having glimpsed something of the perfect man of God's creating, a man begins to see the imperative need for watchfulness, and to learn how he can be about the Father's business in watching his thoughts, and in ruthlessly rejecting all the illusions of mortal mind that suggest themselves as his consciousness. There is nothing morbid in this work, nor does it imply or involve acknowledging the reality of evil suggestions. Mrs. Eddy makes it abundantly clear throughout all her writings that there is but one source of intelligence, one Mind, divine Principle, and that the belief that mortal man has a mind of his own is necessarily an illusion. The whole trend of educated belief which may have governed us up to the time of our acceptance of Christian Science is of course the very reverse of this; but just as it is impossible to believe that two plus two equals four and also five at the same time, so it becomes impossible for us to believe in the reality both of the one divine Mind and of a mere human mind of our own at the same time.

All that man can be conscious of is that which Mind, Principle, knows, and since Principle is wholly and necessarily good, it follows that man can only really experience good. Our work therefore lies in knowing that consciousness is truly filled with the ideas of good, so that erroneous beliefs in sin, discord, strife, disease, and death can find no lodgment therein. This mental state of clear spiritual understanding may not be won in a day, it unfolds as a result of putting into daily practice the teachings of Christian Science. As Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" beginning on page 322: "It is easier to desire Truth than to rid one's self of error. Mortals may seek the understanding of Christian Science, but they will not be able to glean from Christian Science the facts of being without striving for them. This strife consists in the endeavor to forsake error of every kind and to possess no other consciousness but good." By lifting one's own thinking above the belief in the reality and desirability of matter, one gains spiritual freedom, and this victory is certain in exact proportion to one's consecration and singleness of purpose. There is no other study or occupation to which a man may apply himself which will give such certain, unerring results when faithfully applied.

As a result of the uncovering of evil's hidden mental methods through the foundation of Christian Science, the world to-day seems to be in a state of upheaval, chaos, and distress, and terrified mortals are looking vainly to material methods of salvation. It is plain, however, to all who have seen what a grain of Christian Science will do, that the only permanent solution of the world's problems lies in the universal acceptance of the rule of Principle, and that the only real way to help the world is by steadfast consecration to and demonstration of Principle in each individual case. Every wrong thought overcome, every sinful habit conquered, every disease banished into its native nothingness through the healing power of Principle is so much more of the world's problem solved, and is as a beacon light pointing to Spirit and away from matter. The call to-day is surely found on page 110 of "Miscellaneous Writings," where Mrs. Eddy says: "Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminatedlives. You need also to watch, and pray that you preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through contact with the world. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!"