Article September 10, 1927 Issue

The "compelling rod"

MABEL CONE BUSHNELL

Sometimes the question comes to the student of Christian Science: Why do I not make as good demonstrations now as I made in the beginning of my study? This argument of the carnal mind would claim that when one begins the study of Christian Science the demonstrations are more quickly accomplished than in the later years of study. On page 80 of "Retrospection and Introspection" Mrs. Eddy writes, "The kindly shepherd of the East carries his lambs in his arms to the sheepcot, but the older sheep pass into the fold under his compelling rod."

Do not we all appreciate the tender thought expressed in Isaiah, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom"? The gentleness which folds the child in the arms of Love appeals unspeakably to burdened human sense; and here we should like to dwell, oblivious to the world's strife—but there is work to be done. The individual advancing from one stage to another of his progress heavenward may look back longingly to his childhood days, when no personal responsibility rested upon him; but the foundation of confident trust in the good Father-Mother which he gained then must be carried into his later life's work for the purposes of right accomplishment. One's childhood days are days of education, wherein one learns to know those things which he will need later on. During this time the difficulties which may appear often seem quickly dispelled by the expectancy of the child-thought, unfettered by human laws and opinions. Then, as manhood approaches, he must go forth amidst the tumult of the world and prove that he can stand. The "compelling rod" of eternal justice tests the ability of thought to hold steadfastly to right in the midst of the ignorance and grossness of materiality.

The child beginning his study of arithmetic does not expect to solve the problems of geometry that his high-school days will require. And in like manner the older student of Christian Science deals with deeper problems than he solved in the beginning. This is no cause to look back with yearning; instead, it is an opportunity for rejoicing that the Father has placed in our hands larger activities, more responsible trusts, and a greater field of labor. In mathematics, we begin with the simple problems of addition and subtraction; but as we grow into algebra and geometry we must get at the root of the problem before we can solve it.

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