Article September 14, 1912 ISSUE

THE BEAM AND THE MOTE

HATTIE P. WILLIAMS.

In the gospels we read that Christ Jesus said, "Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye." Webster defines beam as "a large piece of timber," while mote is defined as "anything very small." Now let us consider the meaning of these two contrasted words as they were used in the above text. The Master taught his wonderful lessons chiefly by parables and similitudes, as this method of instruction was much in vogue at that period. The oriental thought delighted in imagery and symbols, and Jesus used the medium by which he could most easily reach his listeners in imparting to them his marvelous ethical teachings.

In considering the "beam" as a symbol of something very large, and "mote" of something very small, we may ask, What is the beam that obstructs our vision today? Is it not the sum total of error, even the belief that life, substance, and intelligence is material? Jesus' words were in the form of a command, and every command which he uttered was but the voicing of some demand of infinite Mind upon man. He could give no command that it was not possible for us to obey, for whatever God demands of man is possible, since He is the source of all action, and man meets the demand simply by reflection.

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