A Watchman

LEAH A. RATHBONE

In Ezekiel we read, "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me." Webster defines "watchman" as "one set to watch; a guard; sentinel; specif., one who guards a building, or (formerly) the streets of a city, by night."

There are many ways in which a Christian Scientist may fulfill his appointment as watchman to the present-day house of Israel. The first step in this great work is to watch our own thinking. We must establish in our thinking the truth of God's allness and the consequent unreality of every phase of evil belief. In her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (pp. 12, 13) our Leader says, "Evil is neither quality nor quantity: it is not intelligence, a person or a principle, a man or a woman, a place or a thing, and God never made it." Until this is understood it will be impossible for us to fulfill our mission as watchmen. We must ourselves be established on the eternal Rock, and must have felt the healing touch of infinite Love which makes free, in order to help our brother.

How may we gain the understanding which will make us faithful watchmen? Mrs. Eddy answers this on page 495 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where, in replying to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" she says: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." Here is the golden key that unlocks the door of the human understanding, and opens it upon the great treasure-trove of Christian Science, namely, the perfection of God and His creation, including individual man.

When we have gained and firmly established this great truth in our consciousness, we shall be equipped to enter upon our duties as watchmen. This does not necessarily mean that we shall be called upon to leave our present vocation or place of service, but that, wherever we are, our thinking is our watchtower. As we look out from this tower we shall quickly detect the beliefs of error, whether claiming to be manifested in ourselves or others; and, detecting them, we shall immediately separate them from our thought of man, thus depriving error of any identity or intelligence. Since God and all that He makes is perfect, harmonious, and eternal, we have a basis for scientific right reasoning according to law and rule. Each time we apply this rule and solve a problem scientifically, we have in a degree helped to destroy mortal belief for the whole world; and this brings us just so much nearer to the grand realization of the coming of God's kingdom "in earth, as it is in heaven."

As students of Christian Science, let us earnestly watch and pray for more of the Christ-spirit of unselfed love, that we may quickly detect the enemy. Many times the arguments are so plausible that if it were possible they would "deceive the very elect." Mrs. Eddy counsels us concerning this when she says in Science and Health (pp. 82, 83), "In a world of sin and sensuality hastening to a greater development of power, it is wise earnestly to consider whether it is the human mind or the divine Mind which is influencing one."

When we are willing to measure the thoughts that come to our mental door by the standard of perfection, and, if they do not stand this test, quickly to close the door, we shall have more of the exalted experiences which are the birthright of every earnest Christian. In proportion as we learn to listen for His voice, we shall win the victory over error, for God has said, "Before they call, I will answer;" and as the Master said, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." We shall see the good and right way; and as we gain purified consciousness, the former blunders, indecisions, and human mistakes will cease to be manifest; they will be swallowed up in the unselfed reflection of infinite Love.

So, let us one and all earnestly pray for more of the Christ-spirit, for more unselfed love, that we may quickly detect the enemy of false belief and be true watchmen to "the house of Israel."

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