FOUND FAITHFUL

FRANCES MACK MANN.

If we were all faithful in the absolute meaning of the word,—faith-full,—there would be no room for improvement, for we should have attained unto perfection. We would be filled with the understanding of "the only true God," which Jesus said is "life eternal," and our work would be finished. Shakespeare wrote,—

His words are bonds, his oaths are oracles,
His love sincere, his thoughts immaculate.
His tears pure messages sent from his heart;
His heart as far from fraud as heaven from earth;

but we know we have not yet attained unto this condition of mind.

One who is faithful will keep faith with or without opportunity to aid or serve; will be firm in truth, worthy of confidence; conformable to fact. It makes no difference whether he is ill-spoken of or praised. He stands on the vantage-ground of Truth. The Master said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." As faithfulness is lived, justice becomes manifest; a justice which gives advantage, privilege, and consideration equally to all, for a faithful person will endeavor to be just to all concerned. He will be a true citizen, a constant friend. He is neither vain nor self-righteous. He does not expect earthly reward, although he may occasionally receive one; he is working for the attainment of the invisible things of Spirit.

"A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness will utter lies," wrote Solomon. Faithfulness is not a great talker. It has not the element of conceit or egotism. Also we find that one who is a tale-bearer and a tale-hearer cannot be faithful, for he reveals secrets and thus betrays the confidence placed in him. Discovered falsehood is a bar to confidence. Solomon also tells us that "as the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that sent him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters." Honesty is one of the characteristics of a faithful man. If a man is not honest in material matters, neither will he be in matters spiritual. It is impossible for the faithful man to steal or cheat or defraud. He alone who is faithful in love will show forth the truth; and this exact conformity to the fact in speech and action is a wayshower to this monumental virtue. Faithfulness is virtuous. It has the strength which comes from trial and victory. It is firm in its adherence to right: loyal to its highest concept of duty; worthy of confidence.

These pregnant words of the apostle, "I have sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord," reveal to us a glimpse of this "beloved son" who was faithful to Principle, and Timothy, becomes beloved by us. Like Paul in regard to Timothy, we find that he who is faithful is scrupulously careful to adhere to all known truth, in thought and word and deed. In "Miscellaneous Writings," page 343, our Leader writes, "Among the manifold soft chimes that will fill the haunted chambers of memory, this is the sweetest: 'Thou hast been faithful!'"

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FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL

June 5, 1909

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