Article June 20, 1970 Issue

Mastering Fear

SIR GEORGE E. J. MAHON

In the days before machinery, when trees were to be sawed into boards, a two-man crosscut saw was used, and often a pit, known as the "sawpit," was dug in the ground. One man stood in the pit and the other on the ground. The man in the pit had a terrible time with the sawdust falling in his face. The man on the ground, who had much the best of it, was known as the "top sawyer," an expression still used metaphorically today.

When confronted with problems, it is helpful for the Christian Scientist always to understand that he is in fact "top sawyer," or "top dog"; that is, that he has dominion or mastery. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, tells us in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Meet every adverse circumstance as its master." Science and Health, p. 419;

When things seem difficult, it is, over and over again, because we are not obeying this injunction. Fear is one of the devil's favorite weapons for dispossessing us of our natural mastery. Christ Jesus often reassured his followers and those who needed healing with the words, "Be not afraid." Matt. 14:27;

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