Article May 21, 1910 Issue

"OUT OF THE DEPTHS."

CHARLES H. S. KING.

"I don't know anything!" This wail of the self-discovered ignorant becomes the cry of personal sense, stunned by the rod of Truth. Barren material self, startled at its barrenness, can put no trust in Spirit and is lonely. Instead of looking out of itself and seeking good company in accurate, scientific thought, it sometimes consigns itself to untold tortures of trial until the monsters of self-accusation, self-distrust, and self-condemnation enforce its surrender, and the "strong man" is bound. This darkness of utter despair is dispelled by the effectual working of Truth, and it is succeeded, if we are faithful, by the morning splendor of hope, the dawn of "the first day." "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee," said the psalmist, and "with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption." This transition from sense to Soul is a mental renovation, and it is here that our sincerity and genuine compassion are tried. Here "brave humility" must lift its head and determine its destiny. Here zeal is tempered by love, and all half truths, all extreme views must give place to wholesome spirituality and practical love for man. If we are faithful to this experience, personality becomes purged, we make sure our adoption as God's children, and Principle becomes our sole guide and concern.

Our Leader has said, "Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty of employment" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118). It would be far more ignominious than grand if we were doomed to final disappointment and to fall short of the understanding of the might and majesty of Mind. But we are not. Our faith is the victory,—"the victory that overcometh the world." There is no failure if we are determined. If we have been thinking erringly, we can immediately change our thoughts; and right thinking once established becomes natural, spontaneous. The sense of the reign of Mind dawns on persistent right thinking just as surely as like follows like. It makes no difference what our past blunders have been—how small, how mean, how mortified, or lonely we have felt. Truth finds human sense as mortal mind conceived it and provides the perfect model. Truth teaches us to know ourselves, and we are endeavoring to hew out character. This means much. The world may or may not appreciate it; but, as our Leader writes, "we never need to despair of an honest heart" (Science and Health, p. 8), and the prize for true labor in humility and the fear of the Lord is riches, and honor, and length of days.

If we have sacredly named the name of Christ, we must screw our determination to the sticking-point and remember how great is the world's need of genuine true men. He that hath loved much has little time for the treadmill of the world's conventionalities. Local favor, local types and modes may interest, but do not beguile the man with chastened affections and spiritual vision. He is striving to attain to that Christian understanding and usefulness which would be effective for true advancement were he to be placed or "found," like Philip, in any community or clime. He has set his face against Egypt, and is determined to purify himself and mold his life according to the pattern showed in the mount. His slogan has no hint of materialism or mysticism. His ideal is pure, ingenuous Christianity.

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