How many unpleasant experiences resulting from misguided attempts to control the thoughts of others through the exercise of human will power and personal influence could be avoided if the quality of patience were better understood and more consistently demonstrated! And who is more adequately equipped to show the way of wisdom and love than the student of Christian Science? The enlightened understanding of the nature of God which his religion provides through the inspired writings of its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, together with a realization in some degree of man's reflection of God's nature, is a constant source of inspiration and help.
In the Manual of The Mother Church, under the caption "Guidance of Members," Mrs. Eddy, in "A Rule for Motives and Acts" (Art. VIII, Sect. 1), clearly indicates that the student must correct his own mental attitude so that those beliefs of erring human thought responsible for personal influence and control may be eliminated. She writes as follows: "Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church. In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness. The members of this Church," she concludes, "should daily watch and pray to be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging, condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously."
There is no other place for one to begin this work of correction than within the precincts of his own consciousness. It is here, as the Founder of our great movement makes clear, that all enemies to peace, happiness, and true brotherhood would claim to gain a foothold.
