Article December 15, 1917 Issue

"Children of light"

ISABEL HILLIER

The parable of the unjust steward is one of the most imperative calls to wakefulness that our Master gave us. None knew better than he how the belief of evil, counterfeiting the eternal activity of Truth, unceasingly throws out its spurious suggestions, sweeping the unwary into a sea of difficulties which could easily have been avoided by greater watchfulness. In this parable is shown a worldling whose one aim is to insure his own safety. To this end he bends every effort, sinks every minor consideration, and throws himself into his work with an energy and a careful regard for every detail worthy of a better cause.

The point of the story evidently is not what the steward did, but the manner in which he did it; and the lesson taught was that the children of this world show more energy and wisdom in their efforts to attain a desired end than do the "children of light," whose one desire should be to make themselves friends by means of which, when all material aid fails, they may be received into the "everlasting habitations" of Soul. To dwell in these habitations means to be eternally conscious of good, never tempted to believe in the assumed reality of evil, never discouraged when we see no apparent result of our work, never moved by appearances, but so steadfast in our certainty of Truth's power that nothing can move us.

Even the crossing of the Red Sea was not an instantaneous demonstration. When the Israelites saw that the Egyptians were following them, their need appeared to be desperate, and Moses' unwavering courage and complete confidence in God's omnipotence was tested through the long night of waiting until the light of morning showed the waters driven back by the strong east wind which had been doing the work that was necessary before the dry land could be seen. The wonderful protection of the God on whom they relied was, however, proved in the position of the guiding pillar, which was giving light to those who were patiently trusting their great deliverer, while causing the enemy to be plunged into a cloud of darkness, typifying their own mental state, which made it impossible for them to advance.

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