Article August 14, 1909 Issue

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW

WILLIS F. GROSS

The life and teachings of the Master revealed the Christ to human consciousness. His works were in demonstration of his words, and in these works those who had eyes to see beheld the proof of God as ever present and able to help in every time of need. Obedience to the law and the prophets had prepared the world for the coming of the Christ, who was revealed just as soon as the hearts of men were ready for the blessing. At the very beginning of his ministry Jesus declared that he had not come to destroy the law and the prophets, but to add to the great good already accomplished and to teach humanity that the time for the fulfilment of the promises of Scripture was at hand.

The law as given by Moses is based upon the right concept of God and man. It exerts a restraining influence on the actions and thoughts of men. It is a rebuke to that which is wrong and makes possible the discernment of the right. When the law was given to the children of Israel in the wilderness, it was as high a revelation of Truth as they were able to receive at that time. The law, with its numerous demands upon them, was in such striking contrast with the life that they had lived in Egypt, that it was with the greatest difficulty they were able to comprehend even in small degree what was required of them. The revelation of Truth was as the brightness of the noonday sun, and Moses "put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished."

The purpose of the law is clearly revealed in the words of Paul when he wrote to the Galatians: "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ." He goes on to say that the time comes in human experience when the law is no longer needed: "But after that faith [or spiritual understanding] is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Humanity has need of the law until sufficient spiritual understanding is gained to enable men to act from Principle at all times. Christ and not the law should govern men, but if the Christ is not discerned, the law is the only thing that will insure progress. Truth must be presented in such a manner that it can be comprehended in part at least, or it is as the seed that falls by the wayside. The children of Israel were in bondage to the Egyptians because they did not know the true God. If they had understood Him, this understanding would have delivered them, even as they were delivered through the understanding of another when God sent Moses to show them the way out of bondage.

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"LOVE YOUR ENEMIES"
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