Article November 1, 1941 Issue

"Could ye not watch ... one hour?"

GLADYS MAY CARNEY

The services held in Christian Science churches were established by Mary Baker Eddy to benefit mankind. It is obvious that those who would gain this benefit must attend the services. There may be instance when one is too far from a meeting place to attend. At times, too, those near a church find it difficult to attend. But if one is consecrating himself to progress in Christian Science, obstacles to the attending of church services are overcome. Nothing can keep the right thinker and worker from realizing spiritual growth.

Sometimes, however, other erroneous suggestions arise which, if not guarded against, would tend to keep one away from church. Sunday morning with the lure of outdoor recreation may call one. Sometimes, too, Wednesday may be a trying day and the desire to "take it easy" is attractive. One student at such times often found the words of our Master to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane coming to her thought with startling clearness. Jesus had been praying in deep earnestness. The Bible tells us of the anguish of that hour. When he returned to his disciples whom he had counseled to watch with him he found them sleeping. His rebuke was pointed: "What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Mrs. Eddy has written of that critical hour, in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 48): "The pangs of neglect and the staves of bigoted ignorance smote him sorely. His students slept. He said unto them: 'Could ye not watch with me one hour?' Could they not watch with him who, waiting and struggling in voiceless agony, held uncomplaining guard over a world?"

Clearly the student saw that if she could not watch one hour, in a day crowded with material duties and pleasures, she could not be termed an alert Christian Scientist. Christ Jesus had given all that the way might be made plain to men. She was simply to help lighten some dark corner; and she could do her part! Whenever the temptation presented itself, these words of Jesus came so distinctly to her thought that invariably the mesmerism was broken and joyfully she proceeded on her way to church. At such times added inspiration was always gained.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Taking Away "the trammels"