Article June 13, 1901 Issue

Passing Thoughts

BY A. C. S.

"But how can one help being envious?" "The Vision of Mirzah" had just been read to a class of young people and Addison's imagery interpreted, when the above question was asked. The birds that hovered over the bridge across which humanity streamed were interpreted as symbolic of the dark thoughts that hover about us: the raven of sensuality; the buzzards of envy, slander, and strife. The question has remained in thought until an answer came. Cannot envy be met by the realization that each is in his place; each has his own work to do and all work is valuable. We cannot see another's problems, nor can we know the trials of positions that seem to be desirable. "The place where you are is the place for you to be until the Master of the feast bids you take a step higher." To do our work well requires consecration of effort, and this implies no leisure for the contemplation of the lives of those seemingly more fortunate. If they have reached a higher plane, this should encourage us; if others have proved the all-sufficiency of Love's supply, their proof should be our encouragement. All are now children of God, heirs to the infinite riches of Mind, and with God there is no respect of persons, neither is there change, so all may prove the richness of His love if we but destroy fear and distrust. These thoughts shut out the light which would reveal the unfailing supply at hand.

"How can we help being envious?"

Another answer comes. Does not the thought that we are one in Christ destroy this claim of mortal mind? If part of the one body, can we say that, because unseen, our word is unimportant? Each is needful to the other; each has work necessary to the whole. Ruskin said that all one's life is a music if one but touches the notes rightly and on time. Each has his own notes. The leader and the music must take the undivided attention in order to "touch the notes rightly and on time." If a neighbor has a more important part in the grand symphony of life, it is because faithful following of the principle of music has given him the place; but each part is essential; no part that contributes to the universal harmony is insignificant.

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