Article March 7, 1931 Issue

The Art of Appeal

J. LILIAN VANDEVERE

To one who is asked to work in a Christian Science Sunday School there may come a sense of responsibility and an overeagerness which defeats its own ends. Christian Science far transcends all sense-impressions, and must be taught from a purely spiritual basis. This fact so holds the thought that one may forget the example of him—Christ Jesus—who turned to the wayside lilies and the waiting harvest fields to illustrate spiritual themes.

Neither eloquence nor sharp command drew the multitudes out upon the wilderness roads, away from supplies and comforts, or sent them skirting the Sea of Galilee in the hope of hearing another word. Instead, it was a gentle voice, telling them of the beauty of meekness, and beseeching them that they love one another. The secret of appeal is found in Jesus' own words, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." When this assurance is borne in mind, all effort may be directed to the lifting up of the Christ-idea, leaving Truth to draw the unfolding thought by its own indubitable and irresistible winsomeness.

A constant endeavor to elevate one's own consciousness results in an increased ability to read human thought, to discern and meet its need with wise and direct sympathy such as Jesus expressed. Thus divinely led, we may implant, surely and plenteously, those seeds of Truth whose steady growth shall leave less and less room for tares.

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