Article June 13, 1908 Issue

A RESOLVE

VIOLET KER SEYMER.

In the prophecy of Isaiah we read: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." The transition from material belief into spiritual understanding is by no means sudden. Emergence into spiritual thinking comes as gradually as does the daylight in most latitudes, and it is only as the eternal harmony of reality commences to dawn in us, that dark beliefs recede and thought grows rosy with promise. Our consciousness becomes more spiritual, hence more truthful and loving, as we "put off the old man with his deeds," and begin to reflect that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus;" and if we would be consistent, the improvement in our everyday conversation should correspond exactly to that which we strive after in our advance of thought.

Recently, as I sat alone in a friend's garden, rejoicing in its fragrance and its calm, and reviewing life's prospects in the light of Christian Science, the resolve was born in me never again to lift up my voice in complaint or murmuring of any kind. Promptly following on this resolve came the suggestion that it would be impossible to carry it out in practice, but this was quickly detected as a lack of that humility which rallies confidently and constantly, knowing that "with God all things are possible." The divine Mind does not merely inspire these better resolves, but is ever at hand to strengthen us in their execution. Limitless resources are open to all, through the medium of prayer, and soon the assurance came that "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Christian Science teaches one the control of thought, but temptation often comes in the form of the unnecessary narration of our own or another's troubles, and we seek to cover this iniquitous habit by remarking at intervals, "I know it is only a belief," and then proceeding with the story,—which is a breach of our duty both to God and to our fellow-man. Viewed from the human standpoint, it is only brotherly to avoid casting even a momentary shadow upon another's thought, and thereby bringing about a multiplication of evil. Yet until Christian Science showed us, through the truth that makes free, the scientific way out of fear and anxieties, this outlet in conversation seemed a necessity; and many a time we have sought to lighten our own horizon by darkening that of another. Now we are learning how to bear one another's burdens in the spiritual way,—through silent communion with the divine Mind, rather than by means of a mutual rehearsal of evil.

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