Article October 7, 1905 Issue

Peace

JENNIE WALBRIDGE BRIGGS.

Perhaps no one word is more expressive of that for which the whole world is seeking, consciously or unconsciously, than is the one little word peace, which is just the opposite of all the strife, turmoil, and discord of material sense, the opposite of discontent and dissatisfaction, of disease and fear, of envy, jealousy, and hatred. No doubt many a rich man would give half his wealth for sweet peace. Many a weary one has wandered the world over, seeking health of body and peace of mind, only to find that the world cannot give them; and yet all the time the voice of Christ, Truth, is saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." The trouble is, that mortals seek the peace which the world giveth, that which is not peace at all, but only a false sense of it. Jeremiah says that the priests and prophets have dealt falsely in that they have healed "the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace." The worldly way is not Christ's way, which is the way of meekness and lowliness of heart, and it can only be found through the denial and destruction of pride, self-love, self-will, and all that comprises a supposed selfhood apart from God. "Great peace have they that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them," says the Psalmist. Thousands to-day are proving that as they love the law of good and demonstrate it in love for God and their fellow-men, they find that peace which passeth (human) understanding. It does not discourage such an one that the storms of error rage, if he be conscious that good alone is real, and that Love is ever-present and omnipotent.

Again the Psalmist "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." How often, before gaining an understanding of Christian Science, have we sought in vain for that peace, and when trials pressed us sore, we have repeated that passage over and over, but the trouble would persist, and the wound was not healed,—the ability to make nothing of error was lacking. How many times since have we found truth to be our protection, when error has tried to "slay the righteous" endeavor, and it has kept us in perfect peace. Blessed peace! and thrice blessed truth! that reveals to us the way of peace and instructs us how to walk therein.

Job's exhortation, "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee," tells us how we may overcome sin and fear, the foes to peace. When instructing his disciples, Jesus said, "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house." This corresponds exactly with the instructions given in our text-book, wherein we are taught to begin our healing work by destroying the patient's fear. (Science and Health, p.411.) When fear is destroyed peace reigns, and harmonious conditions begin to manifest themselves.

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