Editorial September 10, 1910 Issue

CONSECRATION

Annie M. Knott

Christian Science gives a wonderful interest to every part of the Scriptures by unfolding the spiritual sense and significance of all things therein, and by showing the relation of type and symbol to the tasks of each day. The account of the consecration of Aaron and his sons is deeply instructive, especially when we remember that in the realm of Truth the "only priest is the spiritualized man" (Science and Health, p. 141). The Bible says that the faithful shall be "priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him," which surely means that each one must be consecrated to the service of God and humanity: and this awakens a sense of the sacredness of every duty that makes "our common daily life divine," to use the poet's words, and gives a new meaning to the wise man's saying, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

We read that when the priests were consecrated the sacred oil was sprinkled upon them, and that their ears, fingers, and feet were touched with blood. The definition of oil which is found on page 592 of Science and Health throws great light upon this subject. It reads thus: "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." Then we read (Ibid., p. 25) that "the spiritual essence of blood is sacrifice." To the Christian Scientist the sacred service of each day should begin with the first conscious thought, for if that is turned toward the holy heights of Truth and Love there is little danger that the spiritual demand with respect to what we hear will be forgotten, or that error will be allowed to enter through the ear which has felt the touch of "heavenly inspiration." The hands may engage in common toil, but if they too are consecrated no task can seem hard, nor can these hands miss for a moment the guidance of divine intelligence; while the feet may go on an unending pilgrimage from shrine to shrine of duty, ever treading unwearied the path of Life.

In our lives as Christian Scientists the consecration of the tongue is perhaps the most needed of all, that only words of charity, gentleness, and truth may go forth therefrom. Dare we measure our words by this high standard? Yet in Truth and Truth's service there is no other! We read that Samuel began the priestly service when he was but a child, and that, like Christ Jesus, he grew, and was in favor with God, and also with men; and so shall we be, if we remember our consecration to Truth and Love in all that we say and do. In our service to humanity we should always hold most sacred that which is committed to us in confidence; the ear should take it in with the purpose to preserve it inviolate under all circumstances, and with this good purpose the tongue should keep covenant, for the one who serves faithfully at the shrine of duty has this promise which comes down through the long centuries, "I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever." This was spoken to Eli with a warning that the unfaithful could not serve God or humanity, but that those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall know the divine purpose and fulfil it, God being their strength.

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