Editorial December 5, 1914 Issue

Brotherhood and Civilization

John B. Willis

The most enthusiastic evolutionist would no doubt say, with respect to the physical development of mortals, that as a machine, nothing more perfect can be produced or even conceived. He would further say, in all probability, that in the comprehension and command of so-called material forces, physical science, the knowledge and utilization of the cosmic order, is but at its beginning. Recognition of present world conditions would render it quite impossible, however, for him to entertain any assurance that, in the event of yet more marvelous gains in worldly wisdom and power, the apprehension and command of material forces, civilization would be correspondingly advanced.

It is tragically manifest today that unless such achievements are subject to the rule of unselfishness and good will, the universal love which alone weaves the bonds of brotherhood, they are likely to become instruments of unspeakable ill, the very besom of destruction. How recently the marvel of human flight has been named as possibly one of the greatest contributions to human good ! Nevertheless, we now know that when the hand of enmity guides their course, these winged wonders may become the terror of the nations, in further proof, as a great teacher has said, that "evolution and progress are not synonymous terms."

Thus, for those who can read the signs of the times, it is written upon every high place of the earth today that nations can go forward "not by might," but only as they are impelled by love. This was the unequivocal teaching of Christ Jesus, and it was confirmed by St. John in his constant reiterations, "Little children, . . . love one another." It was affirmed by St. Paul when he wrote, "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," and it has been reaffirmed for this age by the Discoverer of Christian Science in her statement that "Love is the liberator" (Science and Health, p. 225).

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Among the Churches