Article November 1, 1913 Issue

"Be not afraid"

HERBERT ARTHUR HUTCHINSON

A little while ago a great storm swept over the county of Surrey in England, and outdoor workers were glad to get indoors and under shelter. Through all the deluge of rain, however, wild fowl were steadily winging their way, quite unconcerned, to their favorite feeding-places. A flock of wild geese passed far overhead, with a cheery "honk! honk!" They were not afraid, although high up and in the very midst of the raging elements. Why should we be afraid? Have we less trust and confidence in the providence of good than have the birds? This question recalls the passage in the twelfth chapter of Job, "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee."

What is this fear? If analyzed, it will be found to be merely a mental suggestion and nothing more, that if such and such a thing happens, evil will come to pass. Should this proposition, however, be met with the understanding that God, divine Love, is all-presence, all-power, and thought be thus lifted above the evidence of sense testimony, it will be invariably found that the evil does not come to pass. Instead, there will be the peace and happiness which comes from the Giver of all, who gives good alone.

We are sometimes beset not with physical, but with mental storms, the far worse passions of the carnal mind, and the only way to keep from being stampeded with fear when these elements rage as they seem to do, is to commence our thinking with "Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!'" (Science and Health, p. 410), to begin and to end with the understanding and realization of the presence and sure supremacy of harmony as God's universal and eternal kingdom "in earth, as it is in heaven." Christ Jesus, the Wayshower, said: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

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