Article January 15, 1910 Issue

GRATITUDE

GRACE FULLER FITZGERALD.

Like many other words in common use, the word "gratitude," so often used by Christian Scientists, has a broader meaning than is generally conceived. Christian Science throws a strong light upon its definition in giving a test which probably was never formulated in any other religious system. On page 3 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy says, "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have." This test adds a very important feature to the common thought pertaining to gratitude. It includes more than a knowledge or recognition of blessings; there must be a conscious thankfulness for and a utilization of these tokens of a loving Father's care.

In the story of the prodigal son, it is quite certain that the young man knew of his father's house and the bounty which it afforded; and doubtless, if questioned while in a far country, he would have expressed some sort of satisfaction that there was a place of comfort to which he would be welcomed if he chose to return. Such knowledge, however, but make his ingratitude and disobedience seem the more pronounced.

"The blessings we have"! What are they? What has God given to all His children? Every quality and attribute of the divine Mind belongs to man as God's likeness—by reflection. "God with us"! Life, Truth, Love,—all good,—with us! All wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, harmony, ability, opportunity, strength, energy, freedom,—all the manifestations of Mind,—with us! Do we act as though we knew it to be true? Do we strive to be willing channels through which these qualities may be expressed? Do we watch the "ifs" and "buts" of sense testimony, that would ever tempt us with negative suggestions of limitation? To act as though Truth alone is true, is gratitude. To act as though error were true, is ingratitude. no matter how emphatically our words may declare the opposite.

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