Article March 22, 1924 Issue

Our Young People

FRANCIS MACK MANN

Every one is interested, either directly or indirectly, in our young people, who leave our Sunday school when twenty years old. Not all of them can be said to have finished their education; nevertheless, almost without exception, each one has an object in life, or knows of something he wants to do. This choosing of a life-work is a most important incident in his experience. It is here that he needs wise counsel; and the ambition of parents should not force a naturally inclined mechanic into the legal profession; neither should the natural ability of the dressmaker be lost in the furtile attempt to produce a musician. Blessed indeed is the child who has been allowed ample freedom of decision, and who has lived sufficiently in the presence of God to be able to turn unreservedly to the one Mind for divine guidance, that he may be shown the work by which he may accomplish the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

The transitional stage in any experience is not a pleasing one, for it brings with it the necessity of adjustment. The radical changes since the World War in social, political, and moral standards are like a mighty tidal wave in the human consciousness. They are manifesting themselves with our young people in many instances in extremes of dress, manners, customs, and conversation. The young people are swayed this way and that, hardly knowing why, unless they are grounded in Christian Science. 'We weep because others weep," writes Mrs. Eddy in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 153), "we yawn because they yawn, and we have smallpox because others have it." It might be said to-day of some of our young friends who bedeck themselves according to every passing folly, "It is the fashion; they do it because others do it." This tidal wave of suggestive thought acts, reacts, brings impurities to the surface, and finally, after leaving its debris on the shore, returns to its normal condition. Our Leader says in Science and Health (p. 68): "At present mortals progress slowly for fear of being thought ridiculous. They are slaves to fashion, pride, and sense."

Mrs. Eddy has considered the subject of marriage of sufficient importance to give a whole chapter in our textbook to its consideration. Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? ...And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" The directions given by God to Moses were imperative on this subject: and for many generations they were obeyed, keeping the Jewish religion pure from the pagan religions of surrounding tribes.

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