Article January 18, 1908 Issue

UNIVERSAL RELIGION

BLANCHE H. HOGUE.

The individual who is finding his way into an understanding of Christian healing,—that deliverance of mind and body which Christ Jesus brought to the weary and heavy laden, and which Mrs. Eddy reiterates to the world to-day in token of her discipleship,— is learning that the elements of true friendship must enter into all service to humanity, else such service is a matter of words only, and a poor and empty thing indeed.

Much has been written and said upon the subject of friendship, but perhaps one of the most comprehensive definitions ever given outside of the sacred writings is found in Joseph Addison's statement, "Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of each other." In this one sentence there is indicated the possibility of entire self-surrender, of the whole effacement of self-interest, "to promote the good and happiness of" another. Could this "strong and habitual inclination" be extended to the good and happiness of all mankind, friend or enemy, then would the universal friendship be compassed in universal service.

It is well understood that the carnal mind possesses an instinct, selfish and self-preserving, which it misnames friendship, and from which it expects the personal attentions that please self. Because it demands, it suffers disappointment. Because it seeks always to absorb, it is never satisfied. The so-called friendship which is engrossed in what it may receive, is not friendship at all, but a form of self-love which is doomed to loss and sorrow. The carnal mind admits that its friendships and relationships cannot wholly escape being avenues for distress and suffering, because of their selfishness, yet it offers, of itself, nothing better. Opposing this, the Mind of Christ ordains that Christlike friendships shall be fields of peace, a support and strength in every way; and discerning this, the student of Christian Science is learning with joy to scrutinize his own sense of friendship and improve its quality, that he may have peace.

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