Article September 5, 1914 Issue

Forgiveness

ALICE HALE COHEN

In the light of the illuminating example of the great Wayshower we are enabled to discern the nature of true forgiveness, and to discover that to forgive and forget is not sufficient; we must also forgive and remember. In other words, we must forget the false sense of man and replace it with a true or correct view of him. It is not sufficient simply to refuse to think of the supposed wrong that has been done; that is to leave our work unfinished. To reach the full accomplishment of forgiveness, we must correct our view of man, see not a sinning, suffering, discordant mortal, but the perfect man, who is spiritual, not material.

In the light of Christian Science we are eagerly and gladly learning to correct our old view of God as personal and limited, and to substitute therefor His completeness as revealed in the seven words given in the definition of God on page 465 of Science and Health. We are tempted, however, to leave the mist and vapor of materiality on the surface of that crystal thought which reveals man in God's image and likeness. The call today is to dispel this mist through a deeper study and a clearer sense of the definition of man in Christian Science. If we see in each fancied wrong or grievance (for they never posses the qualities of reality) an opportunity to obey this call, and an occasion to magnify and glorify God rather than the mortal selfhood, we shall find ourselves going forward in a unity of purpose which is irresistible. The war of clashing thoughts will cease, and we shall love spiritual man as our neighbor—or that which is nearest and dearest to our hearts.

To attempt to divide the thought of man, or to separate it in any way from the ideal, is to becloud one's comprehension and to place an obstacle in the way of progress, not only one's own, but that of the whole race struggling to be free. When we find a discord in music, we do not practise the discord, presenting it to all who hear us as our interpretation; we simply rule it out, substituting harmony in its place. This is voluntarily and gladly done, because we are able to perceive the basic law of music as harmony and to make the individual notes subservient thereto.

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