"We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied," is a statement which our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, makes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 201). Speaking further of the operation of spirituality on human consciousness, she says (ibid.), "The way to extract error from mortal mind is to pour in truth through flood-tides of Love."

A student of Christian Science once stood in an extensive formal garden, where, placed about the grass plots and shrubbery, were urns and waterpots of stone, imitative of the oil jars of the ancients. It was autumn, and these receptacles were clotted with rain-soaked leaves. The force of the statement regarding empty vessels was borne home at the sight of the urns filled with débris.

On introspection, human thoughts also reveal strange accumulations. Moss of inertia, webs of subtlety that cling, dust of resentment, and old fears—all await the influx of the cleansing Christ.

In this work of self-examination we are not left unguided. Mrs. Eddy gave a rule which specifically indicates those things from which we should "daily watch and pray to be delivered," and provided that this "Rule for Motives and Acts" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 1) be read in The Mother Church and branch churches on the first Sunday of every month, thus emphasizing its importance. Here every member is enjoined to "daily watch and pray" that he or she may "be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging, condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously."

What may be regarded as remedies for the traits listed in the Rule are the positive spiritual qualities given as the definition for "oil" in the Glossary of Science and Health(p. 592). They are "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." What usable qualities these are in everyday life, and how imperative it is that they fill our hearts with brimming fullness!

Each of the traits pointed out in the "Rule for Motives and Acts" can be displaced by the conditions included in the interpretation of "oil." First we are to empty our thoughts of the habit of prophesying erroneously. And what is any fear but a prophecy of evil, impending danger? "Consecration," the first word in the definition, is derived from the verb "consecrate," which is defined as "to make sacred or holy." The thought imbued with holiness would spontaneously cease to outline evil for one's self or another.

"Judge not," said Jesus. It is not enough to make the human effort to withhold criticism, silent or audible; there must be the positive spiritual quality of charity in its place. The word "charity" is derived from the Latin carus, meaning "dear, costly, loved." Remembering that every spiritual idea is dear to the Father-Mother God causes a mortal to sheathe his sword of destructive judgment.

Condemnation is an alien to the love-inspired heart which is continually pouring forth the Godlike quality of gentleness; for divine Love will not be a hoarded secret in the heart. It expresses itself humanly through avenues of kindness.

Counseling is another point against which the "Rule for Motives and Acts" warns us. How persistent is the temptation to advise and guide our associates, thus attempting to steady the ark of another's demonstration, as when Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God when the oxen shook it.

Whether the issue seems trifling or looms large in human affairs, any demonstration is sacred—between each one and God; and every active Christian Scientist has learned through experience that the divine purpose frequently unfolds in the most unlooked-for manner. Unceasing prayer alone is potent to correct the temptation of unwise counsel, and prayer is mentioned in the definition. Individual consciousness must be filled with prayer; it must be kept full to the brim with prayer and gratitude and rejoicing, awaiting God's answer. Then we shall be busy about our Father's business.

Finally, the Manual warns us to beware of "influencing or being influenced erroneously." The spiritually disciplined heart soon learns to discern a mental atmosphere that is contaminated, and with this awakened sensitivity comes the obligation to watch one's own mental practice. Perhaps our thinking is not kindly toward those within its radius, whereas it should only bless and heal; and we are thus guilty of unwitting mental malpractice. Balancing this signpost regarding influencing is the final word in the definition of "oil"—"heavenly inspiration." These words are like a sunburst of light following "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer," which prepare the heart for its coming. Inspiration is a divine afflatus.

Throughout the Bible are allusions to oil, and when viewed through the lens of the metaphysical significance of that word, the references become illumined. Particularly is this the case in the story in the fourth chapter of II Kings, where the widow is commanded by Elisha to borrow "empty vessels." When she borrowed as many as she could (for she was told to "borrow not a few") she poured from the pot of precious oil until the jars were full; and when there was "not a vessel more," the "oil stayed." It was not enough that she empty her thought of fear, of limitation toward her own problem and others' problems, of self-pity, of condemnation, or whatever guise the lack of love assumed—her consciousness had to be brimming over with spirituality, with all those qualities enumerated as the metaphysical meaning of "oil." And the vessels were full! The problems which we have to handle in our work today are met in much the same way as was hers, and therefore the story is peculiarly vital to us.

Our lives need to be overflowing with this oil. We cannot afford to content ourselves with a conservative measure. Consciousness must be filled, even toward all upon whom a casual thought may rest, till "there is not a vessel more." In this we are under the same command as were the servants at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, whom Jesus ordered to fill the waterpots for the wine, and "they filled them up to the brim."