Article September 29, 1906 Issue

WELCOMING SPIRITUAL IDEAS

KATE D. GRANT.

Perhaps no story in the Bible so tenderly touches the human heart as that which tells of Jesus and the little children. His love for their sweet trust and responsiveness, and his reproach to those wounding the child, is in accord with all natural feeling. To be kind to children is a lesson which the world knows by heart.

One of the helpful things that Mrs. Eddy has taught us in Christian Science is to interpret the Bible spiritually; and thus we may apply its profound lessons to the daily purifying of our thought. The story of Jesus' receiving the little ones teaches us to give a kindly welcome to every idea of Truth,—every thought which unfolds to us the things of God. This gracious, childlike reception of good on our part is our entering upon the way which leads to heaven; for Jesus said, "Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Revised Version).

In Science and Health is given this definition of children, "Life, Truth, and Love's spiritual thoughts and representatives" (p. 582). Suppose that one of these children, a spiritual thought of Love, Truth, and Life, were to come to us, how should it be received? All know with what love and joy a little child is usually received into a home. It is gently cared for, nourished, and protected. At first only those who especially love it and are interested in it are even allowed to see it. It is guarded in the home nest until it is older and stronger. In the coming to us of a thought that strengthens or purifies, a spiritual idea, we ought to protect it with the same care that we would a new-born babe. We must love it, we must guard it against the attacks of prejudice, bigotry, indifference, jealousy; for its dear sake we must put out the evil that would injure, and must give the divine concept a sheltered home in our mentality.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Picture of The Mother Church