Article March 19, 1910 Issue

"LOVE IS OUR REFUGE."*

SAMUEL GREENWOOD.

The gentle reminder by Mrs. Eddy, that "we are all capable of more than we do" (Science and Health, p. 89). should find ready response from all Christian Scientists, for were it put into practice in the earnest desire to be and to do the best of which we are capable, the result would be largely increased growth and prosperity, both individually and as a Cause. On the other hand, by not working to one's full capacity, the enemy may find us unprepared for defense, and temporarily overcome us through the evil which, though denied, are not wholly forsaken. Knowing this, as we so well do, what prevents us from doing our best at all times? Can it be that self-love, the cares of this world, or the deceitfulness of its many-hued "riches," is allowed to lull us into apathy over spiritual opportunities?

"Love is the fulfilling of the law," said Paul; therefore love is the only refuge from lawlessness, and the only means whereby mortals can meet the divine requirements. We are all capable of being more loving and lovable. No one is so self-blinded but that he can see a little more of the divine concept in his fellows, and in that increased degree let love have its natural and spontaneous activity. What, then, engages our attention when this larger sense of love is excluded? It is certainly not one's belief in Christian Science that prompts selfish or malicious thoughts; neither can these enter consciousness without the individual's consent. If Christian Science has its rightful place in the affections, and were valued above all worldly considerations, what could one possibly have to do with any phase of evil except to overcome it? What possible attractiveness can there be to Christian Scientists in hating instead of loving, in revenge rather than mercy, or in being ruled by human passions and impulses in place of that divine Love which they declare to be omnipresent, the infinite God? Who that knows how sore is mankind's need of light and love, and who is conscious of his ability to reflect these in some degree, can willingly permit any baneful thought to rob him of this priceless privilege and opportunity?

It rests with Christian Scientists in a special sense to prove to mankind that God is Love, as the Scripture declares, not only in the healing of disease but of every sinful thought and desire. Knowing the falsity of corporeal sense, with all that pertains thereto, it is their privilege intelligently to acknowledge and obey God's will in preference to their own, and to love one another. Are these high and sacred privileges fully recognized and appreciated? Are we giving worthy evidence to the world that we are Christian Scientists? Are we giving worthy evidence to our brethren, both in and out of the church, that we have caught the glory of this great light which reveals the infinitude of Love? One's life is that which alone declares his position. Unless we love above all things else to be loving and pure, unless good is supreme in *"Miscellaneous Writings," p. 389. thought and deed, we have yet hardly touched the hem of the garment of Christian Science.

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