Article September 5, 1925 Issue

Thinking, Feeling, Acting

OTIS D. REED

In human experience the proper guidance of the young seems to be a necessary precaution. It is a subject which calls forth all the resources of parents and teachers. In Bible times it was a problem, for in Psalms we read: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." The Psalmist was awake to a necessity which confronts parents of to-day. He found the sufficient answer in strict obedience to God's Word. Parents who are Christian Scientists are able to comprehend something of the real depth of his advice. According to their understanding they may direct the thoughts of their offspring into intelligent relationship with the creator. How much of waywardness and suffering would be avoided if those for whom loving admonition is provided could realize the spiritual immunity from sin which might be theirs by accepting unquestioningly the instructions of this king in Israel, this man after God's own heart. Could they but realize at the beginning, as experience will enable them later to realize, that God's way is the only way to happiness, how much of useless searching and disappointment they would be saved!

Mrs. Eddy provided in part for the proper guidance of youth in the ranks of the Cause when she instituted the Sunday school in connection with the activities of her church. There direct teaching of the Lesson-Sermons is possible, as well as the study of the Scriptures, the first lessons being the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Beatitudes. In the Sunday school pupils are given opportunity to ask questions and to be enlightened, often out of their own answers, upon points which pertain to their daily problems. It is a wonderful privilege to have a part in this work. It is like working in a garden where the process of growth is ever manifesting itself in the unfoldment of the true idea of purity. Faithful labor in a loving way will remove trespassing weeds and give spiritual ideas room to grow. This process of weeding is no respecter of persons. The true teacher is just as glad to have error in his own thought uncovered and destroyed as he is to help in this process for the benefit of a pupil.

Our Leader was recognized as an authority on the proper training of the young. Her exposure of the workings of so-called mortal mind through the five physical senses, and her insistence upon the fact that only as the testimony of these senses is subjugated to the facts of divine Mind can true harmony be realized, set her in the forefront of every effort for the reform of the human race. Her stand was upon the fact that God, divine Mind, is all. She discarded matter in the process of reform. She did not, however, indulge in any impractical suggestions, impossible of execution here and now; rather did she so adapt her statement of spiritual ideas to the everyday needs of mankind as to make these ideas intensely practical.

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