Editorial August 7, 1915 Issue

"A pure language"

Annie M. Knott

In conversing with people of different nationalities we are often met with the statement that the native tongue of the one with whom we are talking is the best on earth, that it is the most poetical, or that it expresses ideas with greater accuracy than does any other. All this is interesting, for it may inspire us to make better use of our own mother tongue, whatever it be, and this is no unworthy aspiration. But there is a deeper thought which should appeal to all mankind, and it is to make one's speech a vehicle for spiritual truth, for all that uplifts, strengthens, and purifies character. That wonderful things may be accomplished in this way is certain, and it should not be forgotten that any grossness or impropriety in speech points to a lack of refinement in thought, and conversely that strength and purity of speech point to mental and moral refinement.

It is now generally admitted by educators that Mrs. Eddy's teachings have brought about great changes in our language, that many words have been given a meaning different from that in common usage, but one which is warranted by the root meanings of these words. It may not, however, be observed by all that her writings direct thought away from the material to the spiritual,—and this does not mean to the intangible or uncertain, but rather to that which is substantial, enduring, perfect. In the Apocalypse we read that in the new heaven and the new earth there is no sin, disease, or death, nothing that defileth "or maketh a lie," and this would necessarily shut out the vocal expression of all evil, and leave us in the enjoyment of whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and "of good report," to use St. Paul's classification, which is surely very comprehensive.

In the prophecy of Zephaniah a great world-struggle is outlined, when the nations are "cut off;" but in the midst of it comes the promise, "Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." This recalls the words of the Master as given in the sixteenth chapter of Mark, respecting "them that believe," or who understand his teachings. Among the signs here given are these: "They shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." It is self-evident that those who do these works must speak "a pure language."

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