"Sound in sentiment"

In Article XXVI, Section 2, of our Church Manual we read that Christian Scientists are expected to prove "sound in sentiment." A modern dictionary gives a definition of the word "sound" as, "Founded on truth or right," and of the word "sentiment" as, "A thought prompted by passion or feeling." Viewed in this light, it is recognized that when one is stirred by deep feeling one's sentiments usually are brought out. And how necessary it is that we should at such a time be governed by right thinking!

It is easy, we believe, to think right when everything goes along smoothly; but, maybe, in an hour when we least expect it, we find that we have stumbled. It is this stumbling that we must overcome, in order to demonstrate Christian Science more completely in our lives. We seem sometimes to stumble over the same thing again and again; but if we are sincere in our efforts, we shall stop, analyze the situation, dismiss self-pity and all excuses, and seek for the cause of this stumbling, in the same way as an accountant seeks for an erroneous entry that prevents his securing his trail balance.

Those of us who recognize that personal attachment is preventing our progress, have to learn that human affection can bless; and then strive to make it a blessing. On page 397 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we read: "By not perceiving vital metaphysical points, not seeing how mortal mind affects the body,—acting beneficially or injuriously on the health, as well as on the morals and the happiness of mortals,—we are misled in our conclusions and methods. We throw the mental influence on the wrong side, thereby actually injuring those whom wemean to bless." With this rule written on our hearts we are armed against this common foe; and the next time we meet personal attachment we shall pause, pray for God's unerring directing, study the situation, and then, as we have perceived the vital spiritual points, our method of procedure will cause neither our loved ones nor ourselves to stumble. We thus become "sound in sentiment," and pass a milestone on the road that we are traveling.

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