Article July 15, 1916 Issue

Joy in Doing Good

STOKES ANTHONY BENNETT

In his epistle to the Galatians Paul writes: "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men;" and on page 192 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes: "Your influence for good depends upon the weight you throw into the right scale. The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable."

The joy of doing good cannot be adequately portrayed in human terms. It is indeed that experience of life which the heart alone knows best, and which the heart cherishes above all else. He who does good to the best of his ability loves and honors good supremely. He who makes good his constant companion and guide walks in the straight and narrow way of righteousness and peace, the way to heaven, harmony. Such a one is enabled to glimpse the eternal reality of things and gradually to rise above that which would tend to hinder and burden and enslave. He is enabled to discern the truth of being and therewith work out his own salvation, at the same time letting his light shine among men.

It might be said that the highest tribute ever paid to Christ Jesus was by the writer of the book of Acts, who affirms that the Master "went about doing good." We have but to examine the career of this mighty Man of Galilee—hearkening to his words and beholding his works—to catch the full import of this statement. The great Teacher early understood his mission on earth. In Luke's gospel we read that at the age of twelve years Jesus remarked to his mother, who for the moment at least seemed quite apprehensive of his personal welfare, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" And the record goes on to state that "they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." Later on, at the beginning of his public ministry, the Master repeated in substance this utterance of his earlier years by declaring, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."

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