Editorial February 5, 1938 Issue

Persuasion

Violet Ker Seymer

Everyone should set himself to understand the true nature of persuasion in order that he may yield his thought to no other. Referring to Christian Science on page 3 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," Mrs. Eddy writes, "This Science is a law of divine Mind, a persuasive animus, an unerring impetus, an ever-present help." This "persuasive animus" saves one from following "the line of least resistance"—that is, drifting with the currents of false mental suggestion through not knowing how to resist them, nor being certain that one even desires to do so.

The "persuasive animus" of Christian Science holds before one the perfection of God and man. It unmasks and nullifies the material beliefs and influences which distort judgment, weaken moral courage, and persuade men to do wrong instead of right. The "unerring impetus" of Christian Science curbs foolish impetuosity. It brings the thoughts of those who are teachable under the control of the all-wise divine Mind, and thereby destroys the habit of making voluntary or involuntary mistakes. Christian Science enables one to supplant inertia and also perverted will power with active obedience to God, good, in compliance with the injunction, "Cease to do evil; learn to do well."

A point for each one to be clear on is: "What is persuading me to think, feel, and act as I am doing at this moment? Is it Truth or is it error?" Divine Mind never persuades us to believe that we are afraid of disease, attracted by sin, or bowed down by affliction. The Christian Scientist learns to resist aggressive and deceptive suggestions reaching him verbally or silently. How? By his invariable acknowledgment that there is only one Mind, one omnipotent divine Principle, holding man in the way of perfection. There is no other way known to God, the All-knowing.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Item of Interest