Article August 27, 1938 Issue

Working to Rule

[Written Especially for Young People]

THOMAS LOVATT WILLIAMS

RAILWAY trains have held a great fascination for many young people. There is a wealth of interest in the well-laid track curving through the green countryside, in the signals which control the trains, and in the sight of the big, handsome engine with its appearance of power.

A boy had the privilege of visiting a signal box at a country junction in England, and he found the talks he had with the signalman and also drivers and guards most interesting. This boy very soon learned one thing, and he never forgot it. It was the fact that the success and safe operation of the railway depended upon obedience to the rules on the part of all concerned in the work; also the fact that the spirit of these rules was part of the daily life of the men who worked the line. That is to say, obedience to the rules became so much a part of their lives that they could not think of breaking them. It was not the fear of punishment, but willing obedience, which led them to conform so easily to the regulations laid down. If the men had refused to work to rule, or if each had made rules for himself, there would have been chaos and disaster on the line. But such was not the case.

As students of Christian Science we are very much in the same case as these efficient railway men. We have certain definite rules to follow, and if we use them we express order and harmony in our homes, and in everything connected with our school and recreational activities. Therefore, we are grateful and happy because our beloved Leader has told us of these rules so simply and clearly, for she has explained the Scriptures as no other has ever done.

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