Editorial June 30, 1917 Issue

"Haste toward harmony"

Annie M. Knott

People in general are acquainted with the proverb "Haste makes waste," and its sentiment is undoubtedly true on the plane of material activity. We however find in Science and Health a different concept of activity to that usually held by mortals, in Mrs. Eddy's definition of the word Gad (Jacob's son): "Science; spiritual being understood; haste toward harmony" (Science and Health, p. 586). Even in studying this definition we may with profit think upon the proverb already cited, and see whether there is any danger of mistaken methods in our efforts to realize harmony,—efforts made in forgetfulness of the promise, "I the Lord will hasten it in his time."

Students of the Bible are not unacquainted with the many warnings given therein, especially in the book of Proverbs, against haste with its attendant evils on the part of those who desire material riches; and it may safely be said that these warnings may also be applied to those who desire personal possessions of any kind, and who seek to attain them by the frenzied efforts put forth by human will-power. Christian Science plainly teaches that no good thing is withheld from any of God's children. It therefore rests with us to understand and demonstrate what it means to be a child of God; and in doing this we must get rid of everything which is unlike the perfect Father.

It is very apparent that the prodigal son thought he was making haste toward happiness when he left his father's house on a quest for pleasure; but a false concept led him, as it will lead every one, into the path which ever leads swiftly downward toward misery if not despair. Happily for humanity, however, there is no pathway so steep that it cannot be retraced by the one in whose heart man's spiritual instincts are stirring, and who remembers with humility and gratitude the goodness of the Father, even though that Father may be little understood. We are not told how heavily weighted were the feet of the prodigal on his first returning steps, but we read in Jesus' wonderful parable that when his father saw him coming back he ran toward him; and can we doubt for a moment that the repentant son hastened to the embrace of his father's love? All that follows exemplifies in a wonderful way Mrs. Eddy's definition of Gad, for after the first glimpse of "spiritual being understood" there was undoubted "haste toward harmony."

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