Editorial May 14, 1910 Issue

THE THRONE THAT ENDURES

Annie M. Knott

As we share the sorrow of our brothers across the sea, for the passing of their king, we can but think of what loyalty to the throne means to all British subjects wherever they may sojourn. To them the sovereign represents the permanence of right government, and however imperfectly this may be understood or realized under present human conditions, it yet points to that high ideal which is coming nearer to its fulfilment with each succeeding birth-throe of humanity. It of course goes without saying that this ideal is not dependent upon earthly monarchy for its expression, but is to be found wherever the sovereignty of right is honored among men. Of old the psalmist said, "Justice and judgment are the habitation [or foundation] of thy throne;" and again he said of the ideal king, that his throne should be "as the days of heaven,"—that it should endure "throughout all generations."

The throne which is never shaken is the government of divine Mind,—"the reign and rule of universal harmony" (Science and Health, p. 208),—and human governments at their best are but an echo, a reflection, of the real and eternal. It is, however, cause for rejoicing that God has never left Himself without witness among the nations of the earth, and the right of all men to the protection of just laws is now admitted to be the true reason for the existence of any government. Early in her reign Queen Victoria announced to the world her conviction that the secret of England's greatness was the Bible, and her long and prosperous rule proved the truth of its teaching that "wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times." It has been the recognition by the English rulers of the divine rights of the people which made their land a shelter for the oppressed of other nations, and made these rulers fearless in going unattended among their people—and beloved.

At this hour we may well recall Tennyson's words, in the dedication of his "Idylls of the King," concerning Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband,—

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May 14, 1910
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