Editorial December 8, 1923 Issue

Right Cooperation

Albert F. Gilmore

As men's just right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is progressively recognized, more is heard of cooperation. While, as commonly used, this term applies primarily to industrial relations, it has a deeper significance, which Christian Scientists are bound to recognize. In her message to a branch church in the West, as recorded in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 152), Mrs. Eddy says, "Of this we may be sure: that thoughts winged with peace and love breathe a silent benediction over all the earth, cooperate with the divine power, and brood unconsciously o'er the work of His hand." To "cooperate with the divine power," manifestly, is the means whereby God's kingdom is established on earth "as it is in heaven;" and our Leader specifies the kind of thoughts which gain such cooperation, that is, thoughts "winged with peace and love."

This blessed state of cooperation is not acquired through cherishing hateful thoughts, or any of the malevolent beliefs which so largely constitute mortal consciousness; but through thinking peaceful thoughts, those aglow with the attributes of pure friendship, affection, tolerance, mercy, benevolence, is that cooperation established which constitutes unity with divine power. "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace," admonished Job. Surely, to acquaint one's self with God is to learn of the divine qualities, and to know that man manifests them now and forever. To gain such understanding is truly to cooperate with God. Think for a moment how important this is! Cooperation with God, the All-powerful! What possibilities are glimpsed through this vista of spiritual blessedness! What good may not one accomplish through gaining understanding of God's relation to His perfect reflection, man? And Christian Science shows us precisely how this understanding may be gained.

Innumerable cases are cited in the sacred Scriptures of gaining God's guidance and beneficent influence through looking to Him with prayer and understanding. Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Christ Jesus,—all exemplify the power which may be acquired through recognition of man's true relation with God. On page 17 of "Unity of Good" our Leader quotes Emerson as saying, "'Hitch your wagon to a star.'" And she adds, "I say, Be allied to the deific power, and all that is good will aid your journey, as the stars in their courses fought against Sisera." Mrs. Eddy entertained no doubt as to the result of such cooperation. To gain the assistance of infinite good could scarcely fail to bring mortals a shower of blessings, and to aid them immeasurably in their efforts to gain the ascendancy over the material sense of existence; that is to say, over evil, however manifested.

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