Article November 22, 1913 Issue

Live not for Self

MARGARET CAMPBELL CAMERON

We often hear it said, "You Christian Scientists are most unselfish people; you are always doing something for some one, helping them along life's road." Such kind words make the jolts of life much easier to bear. All the manifestations of Truth and Love set us the example of unselfishness, — the sunshine, the flowers, the air, the hills, the rivers, all that is lovely in nature, from the blade of grass to the mighty oak. Go ask these their mission, and they will answer, To illumine your way, to make sweeter the air you breathe.

Beside the road at Mossgiel Farm in Scotland stands an old hawthorn tree which Robert Burns has made famous in his song "To Highland Mary." It stands quite alone, yet ask it if it lives for self, and it answers: No! I spread my arms and shelter the panting flocks that hasten to my shade. I have protected the young birds as they lay gently rocked in their nests; I have lived for the songster which has perched on my top, for the humming-bird which has paused to rest its glistening wings ere it danced away like a blossom in the air, — so I live not for myself. Go ask the silver brook as it dashes joyously down the mountainside, and it will answer: I was born high up on the mountain top, and I have come down to water the valley that the thirsty cattle may drink and that I may drive the mill-wheel for the miller, — I live not for self. Thus is unselfishness commended by the flower that sweetens the air, by the breeze that rocks the tree, by the raindrops that fill the brooks, and by the dewdrops which refresh the smallest sprig of heather that rears its head on the mountainside.

If we would read the lesson in characters yet more distinct and striking, we may go to the garden of Gethsemane, and hear the Master in prayer for strength that he may do for others. On Calvary, a voice which spoke for the whole universe of God, proclaimed that the highest, noblest deed which God would have us do, is to love our neighbor, to live not for self. Love for God and man is the foundation-stone in Christian Science, and he who loves most will be the greatest among us. Our Leader says, "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love" (Science and Health, p. 113); and well may we thank God for her leadership. She has trod every step of the thorny way, ever making the rough places plain for us, and today roses are springing up in her path.

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