Article January 11, 1941 Issue

"Stop! Look! Listen!"

LEONARD TILLOTSON CARNEY

In the study and application of Christian Science the student may find, sometimes, certain words or phrases which act as monitors to his thought, helping him to keep in the direct course which he is desiring to pursue. One such admonition appears weekly on the cover page of the Christian Science Sentinel, in Jesus' words, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Thus did the Master enjoin his followers to keep constant and meticulous guard over their thoughts and motives.

There are other admonitions which may serve a similar purpose, such as "Stop! Look! Listen!" To those familiar with railroad crossings, especially those of an earlier day, these words may recall a familiar picture. At the point where the country road crossed over the railroad track there was posted the white, triangular sign with its warning in bold, black letters, "Stop! Look! Listen!" And there the driver would stop, obeying the command, and thus place himself on the side of safety.

The Psalmist declared, "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Jesus obeyed God's voice and would "stop" his labor and turn to Him in prayer. And he sometimes arose a great time before day and withdrew in solitude to commune with the Father. Sometimes during the day he prayed in the wilderness alone, sometimes with his disciples; and on a notable occasion he went up into a mountain to pray with his beloved Peter, James, and John. When at the tomb of Lazarus, he communed with God. When he was alone at the close of day, we find him engaged in prayer. Wherever he went and whatever he did, his thought continually communed with God.

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