Article April 5, 1924 Issue

Accepting Rebuke

LOUEMMA EVANS

On page 224 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says, "It is our pride that makes another's criticism rankle, our self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our egotism that feels hurt by another's self-assertion." And in the Church Manual (p. 40) we find the following statement: "A Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness."

To rebuke is to check by reproof. If one attempts to board a wrong train does he resent the check of reproof which saves him from the mistake? If one's footing becomes insecure and he begins to slip, does he resent the hand which upholds him? If one leaves his purse behind when he is leaving his seat in a street car, does he feel resentful, or is he grateful to the one who points out his neglect? We have seen a person hastily or thoughtlessly gather up his packages, leaving one package, or even his purse behind; and in such a case, any one who sees the mistake must call attention to it.

If in like manner we should try to move forward without taking with us gentleness, compassion, love, truth, self-immolation, or purity of thought, how should we receive the good Samaritan who stops to help us? Is not his rebuke an effort to save us from the suffering which must inevitably follow such neglect?

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