Article June 24, 1950 Issue

"WHO TOLD THEE?"

NOEL D. BRYAN-JONES

The word rumor is defined by a dictionary in part as "a story or report current without any known authority for its truth." At the outbreak of the recent global conflict it was quickly recognized that because of the credulity of human thought regarding anything sensational or of evil report, rumor was one of the most dangerous weapons which the enemy could wield. Particularly so because it was one which the unwatchful could easily be persuaded to wield against themselves. Therefore in England it was soon declared to be an indictable offense to "spread alarm and despondency" in the form of rumors. We were constantly exhorted to examine with the utmost care any statements made to us, to determine their source, and, if they were not issued with the authority of His Majesty's government, utterly to reject them as false. It is incalculable how many times not only the peace of mind, but the individual safety, of British citizens was preserved by obeying this simple rule.

The use of rumor as a weapon of the enemy is a very ancient device. Many examples are to be found in the Bible. Perhaps one of the most notable occurs in Nehemiah's narrative of how he organized his countrymen and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in the face of bitter opposition. The steadfastness and singleness of purpose manifested by Nehemiah were a source of great inspiration to his people and served to encourage and strengthen them until the wall of Jerusalem was almost completed.

Then, at this crucial time when success seemed assured, two men, Sanballat and Geshem, who had persistently opposed this righteous activity in various and subtle ways, allowed themselves to be mesmerized by envy and jealousy, by what we should today call aggressive mental suggestion, and decided to use the weapon of rumor against this intrepid leader. They conspired together, and Sanballat sent a letter to Nehemiah in which he stated (6:6, 7): "It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king. ...Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together."

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