A woman who had a small fruit and vegetable market found herself one day with a meager supply of a certain commodity for which she was having many calls. As soon as possible she obtained a new supply, and, since she had been obliged to turn customers away, she purchased an extra amount—not, however, without a tinge of fear, for the commodity was perishable and trade seemed fickle.

As she arranged her stock on the morning of the second day, she found herself thinking somewhat in this manner: "I suppose just because I have a good supply of this article today, no one will buy." She checked herself. This woman was a Christian Scientist, and she saw that she was letting fear and doubt have the floor, and was doing some mental grumbling besides. She replaced these thoughts with thoughts of praise to God, and gratitude for the good trade she had enjoyed, and the many opportunities her business gave her of passing on the joy and brightness which Christian Science had brought into her life.

By the end of the day she found that she had had no trouble in disposing of her extra supply. She resolved to be more watchful than ever in keeping out erroneous thoughts, which might seem small and unimportant, but which might propagate easily, and, if ignored, undermine her faith and trusting love of God, good.

On page 123 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" Mrs. Eddy has written. "Seeing that we have to attain to the ministry of righteousness in all things, we must not overlook small things in goodness or in badness, for 'trifles make perfection,' and 'the little foxes ... spoil the vines.'" In his unsurpassed Sermon on the Mount, Jesus designated the consequences of observing what our Leader has called "small things in goodness or in badness," saying, "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called in the kingdom of heaven."

Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize the importance of little things in trying to make our demonstrations in Christian Science. The seeming enormity of an error may make it easily seen and refuted, while an apparently lesser error may be overlooked by the unwary. For instance, we probably would not find it difficult to refuse to be influenced by what might be called propaganda against a large group of people, such as a race or a nation. But are we as alert in adhering to the truth, as we understand it in Christian Science, when we hear of some error which is being repeated by a person, especially if it has any bearing upon ourselves personally? The least insinuation against our fellow men, whether in groups or singly, should be denied as promptly as we would deny an insinuation against God, for man's being is solely the reflection of God. We need to see the real, spiritual man instead of the material counterfeit; and as we succeed in doing this, we help ourselves and others out of the darkness of error into the sunlight of Truth.

"Small things in goodness" are not to be overlooked. For instance, cheerfulness, courage, and joy may be expressed in a pleasant look, a word of cheer, an encouraging handshake. And little victories over self are of vast importance. To be always patient is one of them. Provocations have a way of coming upon us suddenly. But if sustained effort to be patient, loving, and kind under all circumstances is always made, we shall not be caught unawares or give in to provocation in return.

Little things from without that seem to vex and annoy are powerless in themselves to deceive or do us harm, But if vexation and annoyance find even momentary lodgment in our thought—and we alone can control our thought—this might have far-reaching effects. To have given way to anger under provocation may seem a small thing to some, as in the case of Moses, whose courage, faithfulness, and trustworthiness were sublime. But his act expressed disobedience, so that he was not actually permitted to bring the children of Israel into the promised land, as we read in the twentieth chapter of Numbers.

We may be steadfast and faithful in some respects. But a little self-will, a tinge of resentment, a little self-seeking or human pride, a little doubting of the Father's omnipotent care—some of these "little things," consciously or unconsciously entertained in our thought, may be shutting us out of the "kingdom of heaven," which Mrs. Eddy defines in part (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 590) as "the reign of harmony in divine Science."

In the Revelation of St. John we read "what the Spirit saith unto the churches." These message may be applied individually by the earnest seeker for guidance. To the church of Thyatira the message reads in part: "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee." God rewards every good motive and deed; but let us not be satisfied with the progress we have made. There may be a "few things" against us which need attention. Further we read, "I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." Let us do some searching of our thoughts, and make sure that we are letting no "little foxes" spoil our vines, but that we are bringing forth much fruit.