Editorial October 10, 1931 Issue

Poise and Invariableness

Violet Ker Seymer

Mankind in general needs stability, poise, equableness, liberation from temperamental disturbances. In private and in public life, and in all international negotiations and adjustments, these peace-promoting and unifying qualities are essential. One cannot picture Jesus as unwise, variable, or giving in to mortal moods; and we may assume that his poise was traceable to divine Mind's steadfast control of all his thoughts and feelings.

Mrs. Eddy discloses the source of poise when writing on page 14 of "Unity of Good," "God is not the shifting vane on the spire, but the corner-stone of living rock, firmer than everlasting hills." As everyone knows, the weather vane responds to every puff of wind because it is without volition or power of resistance. Oftentimes adverse mental influences attempt to blow us off the straight course of health, integrity, wisdom, and happiness; but we are not helpless as is the weather vane. Provided Christian Scientists show discernment and watchfulness in obeying the By-Law in the Manual (Art. VIII, Sect. 1) regarding deliverance from erroneous influences, they will be led of God and not misled by error.

A mortal trait which threatens poise and invariableness is sometimes flatteringly known as temperament or "artistic temperament." This form of vanity and self-indulgence masquerades as an excuse, it seems, for fickleness and self-will, amounting almost to tyranny. Temperament, with all its foibles, is often regarded as the accompaniment of talent or genius, and as such it is liable to be condoned. It would indeed be lamentable if talents were necessarily tied to tyrannous tendencies, but fortunately this theory is without foundation. God attaches no handicap to any of His gifts, and their manifold expressions should increase the happiness of those about us and should bring to the drabness of material existence the beauty of inspiration and serenity. Artists find in Christian Science that their talents are both protected and enhanced.

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