Article August 2, 1913 Issue

WAY OF PEACE

REV. ANDREW J. GRAHAM.

Consciously or unconsciously all men are seeking satisfaction, rest, harmony, peace; and this entitles them to our compassion. Peace on earth involves health of body, vigor of mind, and cheerfulness of spirit. There is but one way to attain this end. "Thou hast made me for Thyself, O God, and my soul can never find rest until it rests in Thee," cried St. Augustine, and it has been the cry of all men, everywhere and alway. "The whole creation groaneth," said St. Paul. To know God, to be acquainted with Him, through Christ, Truth, is to forsake the path of pain for the way of peace. As Job in the midst of his groaning prayed, "Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" so do men pray today. Steadily and increasingly are members passing out from many Christian churches, and this exodus is not a desertion but a quest. Mrs. Eddy says, "Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away" (Science and Health, Pref., p. vii).

The writer of this article knows full well, from many years' experience, how the middle-age theology and ecclesiasticism still hold in partial bondage multitudes of patient, loving people who are looking and longing for the consolation of Israel, release from perplexing thought, a present heaven. In response, Truth is knocking at the door of this age. Christian Science, through its text-book, its services and lectures, encircles the earth with the living voice of Truth. It knocks at the door, and offers to the weary and suffering all the wealth of the infinite storehouse of omnipotence.

Is mankind heedful of this message? The shepherds, the first to learn of the advent of "the Prince of Peace," were wakeful; so must men be now. The shepherds were obedient to the heavenly vision,—to follow the light is always necessary,—and to them it was said: "This shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Spiritually interpreted, the appearing of the babe stands for the dawn of the divine idea in human consciousness, while the swaddling clothes represent the material environment which must be laid aside as the idea is unfolded to us, and the manger typifies that humility without which God is unknowable.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
"LEARN OF ME"
August 2, 1913
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit