Article November 9, 1957 Issue

"TOUCH ME NOT"

E. PEARL TRAVIS

Before a Wednesday evening testimony meeting a student of Christian Science sat in church, prayerfully meditating upon the unity of God and His pure reflection, man. A friend came in and sat down nearby. The student felt a deep surge of gratitude, for she knew that this friend had just undergone a severe struggle and had come through triumphant.

As she sat there, however, the student found her thought returning to her friend's problem with a tinge of curiosity as to error's exact nature and seriousness. Suddenly with startling clarity, the poignant appeal of Christ Jesus to the Magdalen shortly after his resurrection flashed into thought (John 20: 17): "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."

No graver responsibility rests upon Christian Scientists than that of their attitude toward their fellow men. Throughout the writings of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, we are advised to guard thought as it touches upon others. Mrs. Eddy makes this very clear on page 40 of "No and Yes," where she writes: "I instruct my students to pursue their mental ministrations very sacredly, and never to touch the human thought save to issues of Truth; never to trespass mentally on individual rights; never to take away the rights, but only the wrongs of mankind. Otherwise they forfeit their ability to heal in Science."

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