Article August 5, 1916 Issue

"Ye were strangers"

HARRY L. RHODES

As the patient shepherds saw the star that gave them hope of a savior, so disappointed travelers, the earth weary and heavy laden, are today finding that same star of hope in this new light of Truth which our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has given to the world, the purpose of which is to establish "on earth peace, good will toward men." The invitation has gone forth to peoples and nations of all climes who are in bondage to false beliefs, to "accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free!" (Science and Health, p. 227.)

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers," wrote Paul to the Hebrews, "for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." How wondrously this was demonstrated in the experience of the two disciples in the walk to Emmaus! We read that they asked their wonderful guest to "tarry with them," and when "their eyes were opened" they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" To the children of Israel who were about to enter the promised land Moses said, "Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." This may remind us that at one time we were all strangers to this new-old religion of Love. The dictionary defines hospitality to be the "kind and generous reception and entertainment of strangers or guests," and there is no place where this friendly attitude may be better manifested than toward the stranger within our gates.

In the twenty-fifth chaper of Matthew we find in the Master's parable of the last judgment a strong demand for true hospitality. The words are, "I was a stranger, and ye took me in." Then follows the stern condemnation of those who did not thus fulfil the law of Love. Today there is a stronger desire for the realization of universal brotherhood, which can be realized only in reflecting more of the "sweet amenities of Love, ... in true brotherliness" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 1). If this reflection of Love is aglow in our hearts, its rays are felt by all who come within the range of our influence. If we seek the scientific and true sense of brotherhood, this obligation will not bear heavily upon us as a duty, but will be welcomed as an opportunity to serve God by reflecting Love, for the ability to reflect Love will be found to be a part of man's true consciousness and cannot be lost or even limited.

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