Article June 4, 1955 Issue

THE VALUE OF TENDERNESS

CORA L. SLAUGHTER

In the chapter entitled "Christian Science Practice" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy is an allegory of a court trial. We read (p. 434): "When the case for Mortal Man versus Personal Sense is opened, Mortal Man's counsel regards the prisoner with the utmost tenderness. The counsel's earnest, solemn eyes, kindling with hope and triumph, look upward. Then Christian Science turns suddenly to the supreme tribunal, and opens the argument for the defence."

These few short sentences show what is essential preparation for treatment in Christian Science. It is to be noted that before presenting any arguments whatsoever, the counsel, Christian Science, remains silent, regarding the prisoner "with the utmost tenderness." As we continue to read the account of the trial, we learn that at the conclusion of a masterly and inspired defense, the prisoner is acquitted, deemed innocent of violating so-called physical laws, and emerges strong, regenerated, and whole. His complete vindication and liberation began, however, with the ministration of kindly, gentle compassion, together with hope and triumph which saw no prisoner—only the beloved, pure, and free son of God.

Those who seek to free themselves and others from varied forms of apparent captivity may well contemplate the value in their ministry of the healing balm of tenderness. To acknowledge that God, divine Love, is Mother as well as Father is to reflect God's loving nature, to express the divine tenderness which is divine wisdom. One cannot be truly wise without tenderness.

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