Article September 20, 1930 Issue

Enlistment

HARRIET S. HOKE

Two dictionary definitions of the word "enlist" are, "To enter voluntarily the military or naval service;" and "to engage heartily in something." "Enlistment" is defined as "voluntary enrolment." Much is expected of those who enlist in such service. They must prove equal to the demands made upon them; must manifest courage, self-sacrifice, obedience, and endurance, and, above all, steadfast allegiance to the flag under which they have been enrolled.

If these splendid qualities are regarded as so largely indispensable by the so-called human mind, how much more clearly should their importance be recognized by those who voluntarily enroll as Christians to aid in bringing the kingdom of God on earth, that government of good which must ultimate in the extermination of all evil, including war itself — all sin, disease, and death! On page 450 of the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy has written, "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good."

On one occasion a student of this Science for many days seemed enmeshed in a tangled web of trying experiences. Finally, after a period of cloudiness, when she was more earnestly reaching beyond self to God for help, something of the import of enlistment was realized with startling clearness. Plainly, work had been done half-heartedly, and the student saw that she had not been wholly courageous, self-sacrificing, or obedient. With the error thus uncovered by the truth, the clouds quickly dispersed, and sincere gratitude was felt for the discipline and consequent advancement in understanding.

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