Article October 25, 1913 Issue

An Obstacle Removed

LUCIA C. COULSON

Self-pity is a "slough," and the farther one goes into it, the deeper it grows. One of the first lessons that many of us have to learn in coming to Christian Science is the abandonment of this habit; for since it is need of some sort that drives most of us to Truth, there is often a strong sense of self-pity for the misfortunes which we secretly feel to be so undeserved. Perhaps the first step out of this slough is taken when we realize that the mortal self deserves no good, because, as Mrs. Eddy tells us, mortal mind is "wholly dishonest" (Science and Health, p. 252). Having seen the mortal concept for what it is, one is more ready to give it up and to grasp the idea of man's spiritual selfhood. It is here that self-pity tries to assert itself and hinder us. It argues that our particular trials, temptations, or circumstances are harder than those of others, that we do not have a fair chance, that if we only had some one else's problem it would be all right, etc., till we are deeper than ever in the slough of despond and self-justification, for self-pity and self-justification always go hand in hand.

It is not that there is nothing to pity in the mortal concept; far from it. It is often intensely pitiful and pitiable, but so long as we identify ourselves with it, we cannot get free from it, and so we cannot get rid of those conditions for which we are pitying ourselves. When we begin to understand this, we are ready to shun it as the plague, for we see that it would clog us and drag us down at every step. Its slightest approach is a sign that we have lost sight of man's spiritual selfhood and are identifying ourselves with mortality and its attendant ills; for if once we recognize ourselves as God's reflection, there is nothing left to desire. We dare not pity the child of God, the heir of unending joy and bliss. Exactly in proportion as we see ourselves in this true light, as we rise into the Christ-consciousness, shall we find our places in the Father-Mother's perfect plan, and be blessed abundantly.

Every intimation, therefore, of misfortune, injustice, or unhappy environment must be met with the same prompt denial. They are none of them true of God's image, and so they are none of them true of us. Refusing to see them, and declaring steadfastly for the true self, they will melt into the mist from which they came; the belief that there is anything to be pitied will cease to appear, and we shall prove the glorious promise in Isaiah: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer."

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