Article July 1, 1922 Issue

Error Destroyed

METTA K. LEGLER JUNKIN

When David in his distress called upon God for pardon and help, it is evident he had some understanding of the omnipotence, the all-power, of God; for he followed his prayer with the wonderful declaration of the truth found in the twenty-seventh psalm: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" These words, scientifically understood, dispel gloom, and meet the problems with which mortals may come in contact. One of the roots of error is fear; therefore, to destroy error fear must be cast out, whatever its guise or form.

We are prone to argue with ourselves that we have no fear; and, yet, whatever the problem, when we analyze it thoroughly it is found often to be little else than fear. Perhaps one of the most subtle forms of error is self-pity; and when we have inquired into it we find it to be nothing more or less than fear of what may be said of us, or of what can happen to us in one way or another, according to the nature of the attack; whereas, really, the thing attacking us is not worthy of our consideration, and we are only lending it power by giving it place in our thinking. Mrs. Eddy says in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 201), "The way to extract error from mortal mind is to pour in truth through flood-tides of Love." This may seem difficult when we feel we have been wronged, and mortal mind insists upon holding a thought of resentment; but if we, like David, hold to the allness of God absolutely, not partially, we will realize the nothingness of anything seemingly opposed to God, the definition of whom Mrs. Eddy gives on page 587 of Science and Health as follows: "The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence." The seeker after Truth who can for a single moment understand and know the truth of that definition must realize the absurdity of entertaining in thought resentment, self-pity, or malice of any sort; and thereby he will be released from the bondage by which he has been enslaved, rejoicing with David, in the words, "I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."

By showing gratitude for the destruction of each error, we open the way for greater blessings; and, in turn, bless those around us. The desire to bring this glorious truth to our fellow-men fills our lives with joy, and we wonder how it was ever possible for us to believe in error. Then it is that we must "stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392), lest the serpent, disguised even as charity overzealous to do good, brings in a material element, and we are caught unawares. The writer had this experience, which meant much difficult work in order to clear her thought again, and to realize the true way in which to spread the healing truth. It was a valuable lesson; but it brought much worry, and the experience is spoken of to protect another who may be tempted in the same way. If we keep close to divine Principle, and listen to the "still small voice," we need never fear the consequences when we start upon a mission of good; for we shall be led aright. However great to mortal sense our problems may seem, if we abolish human will and accept the divine will, the work is done. For does not the promise in Isaiah read, "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear"?

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