Article December 5, 1931 Issue

On Guard

ARTHUR CROOKENDEN

In the ceremony which soldiers carry out when mounting guard, the casual observer may see nothing more than a mere spectacle, consisting of a series of drill movements which, however impressive, appear to him rather complicated, and possibly meaningless. But a very different picture presents itself to the watcher who has learned the meaning of the ceremony. To such a one, instead of a sequence of orders and movements, a pageant of helpful and interesting symbolism is unfolded. Each succeeding phase of the ceremony either tests or inspires one or another of the virtues and qualities necessary in a guard, such as sobriety, obedience, watchfulness, alertness, and loyalty. As a result, every man of the guard is roused to a high realization of the responsible nature of the duties before him.

There is no difficulty in applying the lessons of the soldier on guard to the life of the Christian. All the qualities which "guard mounting" tests and inspires are requisite in the Christian life, and would be readily admitted by all Christian sects.

But there are one or two deeper aspects of the subject which may interest Christian Scientists. Mrs. Eddy uses the metaphor of the guard on several occasions in her writings. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 48) she speaks of Jesus as holding "uncomplaining guard over a world;" and on the next page she calls him "this faithful sentinel of God at the highest post of power." The sentry is usually posted alone; he may not leave his post; he must not allow his attention to be distracted; he must remain at the highest pitch of watchfulness. So we are led to think of our Master in his hour of trial as the faithful sentry, guarding not only his unalert comrades, but the whole world.

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