Article August 18, 1923 Issue

Memory

RUTH INGRAHAM

It may be helpful to any one struggling with the confusing belief of poor memory to hear how one student of Science was enabled to overcome this false belief. At the time the demonstration took place, the student was serving on a committee appointed for the special purpose of seeing that strangers were given a welcome at the services, and that they were called upon at their homes and the loving word of fellowship extended to them. As the church was in a university town, the population was to a considerable extent transient; while at certain times of the year there would be an influx of newcomers.

The student of Christian Science found it easy to recall faces, but to remember new names seemed increasingly difficult. Unmindful of the instruction to be found on page 407 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, "If delusion says, 'I have lost my memory,' contradict it. No faculty of Mind is lost," she complicated the problem by falling into the habit of apologizing for this error instead of correcting it. It often became her duty to introduce church members to these newcomers, and embarrassing situations repeatedly arose. This went on to the point of causing her acute chagrin. There were occasions when the matter could not be carried off lightly; occasions when some shy or formal stranger would be thrust into an extremely awkward position; occasions when some friend whose name was as familiar to the would-be introducer as her own was decidedly astonished or even momentarily provoked at this inexplicable lapse of memory. It finally came to the pass where something had to be done. Constantly reiterated affirmation of the error had induced a state of self-mesmerism.

One day this student found herself having to work the problem to a finish while on her way to call upon some one who was just beginning to be interested in Christian Science, and who had come once to church. The address given had been insufficient, so there was a possibility that some inquiries might have to be made before she could be located. Even though the right house were found, the problem would not be entirely solved. "If she comes to the door herself," soliloquized the unhappy calling member of the committee, "I'll be safe, for I can say 'Good afternoon' without having to speak her name. But if any one else comes, whom shall I ask for? What shall I do?" Perhaps for the first time it was seen that the error was not a thing to be neglected as a mere trifle, for to do so never does master the smallest error. There ascended a very sincere and urgent prayer for help; and the answer came, unfolding wonderfully, unhurriedly, step by step, as the Scientist went on her way.

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