Editorial May 6, 1911 Issue

THE KINGDOM WITHIN

Archibald McLellan

One cannot progress very far in the investigation and study of Christian Science without perceiving how closely it adheres in its teaching and demonstration to the truth the Master sought to convey to the self-seeking Pharisees, when they demanded of him the time the "kingdom of God" of which he had spoken should come. "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation,"—that is, with outward show,—was his answer; and then followed the declaration which Christian Scientists are daily endeavoring to prove: "For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

That the Master was seeking to remove the veil of materiality from the eyes of his worldly and self-righteous questioners is plainly evidenced in this answer. They were looking for the pomp and show of an earthly kingdom, in keeping with their own arrogance; and he who, as we so often read, "knew their thoughts," promptly rebuked this desire of outward glory, and bade them consider instead the true kingdom, that which Peter called "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Mrs. Eddy, on page 590 of Science and Health, defines the kingdom of heaven as "the reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme." It should be noted that, this definition does not contemplate a partial reign of harmony, or a realm wherein omnipotent Mind partially reigns (if such a thing were possible), but it does call for the presence of only that which is good. In other words, if it is our supreme desire, as it should be, that we may attain to the kingdom of heaven, it is necessary that we should have within us that realm where all is harmony, that we should have as our goal the elimination of all evil,—of all malice, hatred, lust, envy, and every other belief which would divert us from the narrow path of righteousness.

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