Editorial July 15, 1922 Issue

The Glory of God

Ella W. Hoag

The Bible has much to say of the glory of God. It presents it in many forms, from visions of radiance to the loftiest accomplishments of Deity. From cover to cover it proclaims that where God is, there glory must be. It tells of the heavens declaring His glory. No more satisfying ideal can be conceived of than that which shall redound to God's glory; while in Isaiah we read, "Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory." Here is surely presented man's highest possibility, and his highest privilege.

That humanity as a whole has failed to grasp the meaning of all this is readily perceived, since we so rarely see expressed by mankind that which really merits the term glorious. To the so-called mortal mind, glory is something it is ever reaching after, but ever failing to attain. Because it has continually looked for the glorification of person, it has inevitably found that its greatest heights have toppled; its most strenuous efforts after accomplishment have failed to bring lasting satisfaction. It has failed to learn of the humble Nazarene, who said, "I seek not mine own glory."

Here, as everywhere, Christian Science comes with its simplifying illumination; for, as Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 262), "Christian Science takes naught from the perfection of God, but it ascribes to Him the entire glory." It proclaims God as infinite Mind, and so shows that God's glory must be expressed through His perfect thoughts, which could never be less than glorious. The one who accepts this simple truth, and begins to put it into practice, has begun to unite himself with the possibility of glorifying God in all his thinking and living. What marvelous opportunity thus unfolds; for it shows us that every instant may be devoted to glorifying God. David declares God as saying, "Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Even every deliverance from evil, therefore, may contribute to God's glory. Each thought, each act, may be made to proclaim His majesty, and help to awaken the earth to praise of Him. If one even glimpses such wonderful privilege, it would seem as though he would never again be tempted to do less than live in accordance with Paul's admonition, "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Could a higher, nobler motive be conceived of? What a rebuke to self-righteousness or self-love, to selfishness along every line!

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