Article January 28, 1939 Issue

"Could ye not watch with me one hour?"

MARION SUSAN CAMPBELL

Students of Christian Science are, as a rule, well aware of the cruder forms of evil that beset humanity, and faithfully guard against these mental intruders. But some are strangely lax in protecting their thought against what might perhaps be referred to as the lesser failings of mankind, one of which is the habit of gossping. On page 238 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, warns us very forcefully to guard against this very error. She writes, "People with mental work before them have no time for gossip about false law or testimony."

Here we might all cry, Mea culpa! For who among us has not at some time or other given way to this temptation, or else—what is equally erroneous—listened to the gossip of others? Having thus fallen away from the high standard which Mrs. Eddy sets for her followers, we usually either bitterly regret our faithlessness, and determine to be more watchful in the future, or we immediately commence to excuse ourselves.

Our excuses take various forms. One familiar excuse is that it sometimes appears difficult for the host or hostess to turn the conversation from the criticism of others to happier and healthier topics, without seeming to be self-righteous or even discourteous. This is just an argument of animal magnetism, to ensure the repetition of its own suggestions. It should be seen for what it is, and summarily dismissed. Christian Scientists are not called upon to give hospitality to error. If we trustfully rest in the fact that all space is filled with God's holy ideas, and that these ideas forever manifest the qualities of joy, mercy, love, justice, which shine forth from the Father, we can change our conversation without any fear of discomfiture.

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