A Pure Language

CLARA S. HARSH

In Zephaniah we read, "Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." The prophecy of Zephaniah was fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah; for Christ Jesus did indeed bring a "pure language," and taught how all might "call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent," with one purpose.

In the days of Zephaniah idolatry seemed to prevail among the people, and he felt called upon to arouse them from their materiality; and in doing so, he told them plainly what would happen to Jerusalem. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, defines "Jerusalem," in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 589), thus: "Mortal belief and knowledge obtained from the five corporeal senses; the pride of power and the power of pride; sensuality; envy; oppression; tyranny. Home, heaven." And Jesus, too, told those around him just how "mortal belief and knowledge obtained from the five corporeal senses" had to be destroyed before the "pure language" of Spirit could be used.

Christ Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." One may say, Yes, I know that is contained in the Sermon on the Mount, and I have read it many times! But the question is, How much of it have we proved? Have we been pure enough to see God, good? Our Master said, "If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." Have we proved that if we insist on seeing good only, necessarily good alone will be manifested in our lives? And yet, if not diligent enough to do this, we wonder why our problems are not solved, and why the Scriptures say, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" There must, indeed be singleness of purpose in the study of Christian Science if we are to have the whole body "full of light."

The Scriptures say, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." To light there is no darkness, as to God there is no evil. The "pure language" of Spirit, God, is read in the light,—in the light of Spirit, of Truth. This language is the expression of the constructive thinking which results from the spiritual understanding of the divine Mind. It does not come from any material accomplishment or by any material means. It is brought to consciousness spiritually, and may be realized and utilized to uplift mankind.

The "pure language" is the Word of Truth, which heals. Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health (p. 89) that"Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent." And when every false argument which would call our attention to belief in a power opposed to God is put out of thought, then we can feel God's presence, and have the assurance of the "Peace, be still," which comes with such realization.

As we learn what the "pure language" of Spirit is, we shall not fear that we may not be able to recognize it whenever it is heard, or that we may not be able to retain the good which it includes. Frequently we hear it remarked by beginners in the study of Christian Science that they have read the Lesson-Sermon of the week with due diligence, but do not seem able to retain a word of it. What a mistake is this! The Word of Truth read or spoken always has its effect, the effect of good. We may be endeavoring to hold to the letter, and striving merely to retain that, forgetting it is the spirit of Truth which we should be seeking. If we look to the letter of Christian Science alone, success cannot possibly be assured. When, however, the letter and the spirit bear witness to Truth,—when we, through the letter and its application, discern spiritually what Truth is,—then there can be no fear that we shall not receive good from our study of the Lesson-Sermon, the Bible, and our Christian Science textbooks.

One morning as a class of Christian Science students was about to enter upon its work, availing itself of the blessed privilege of class teaching, it was remarked by one, "I hope I shall be able to remember what is said." Another student answered this doubt with the statement, "The Word of God is never lost." Many times since, this latter statement has been proved true; for whenever the need came for some of the teaching to be applied in the work of Christian Science, the Word of Truth was always present and its availability could be proved.

When we think less of the letter and more of the spirit, we shall have what we need at the right time. And while diligent study and reading are necessary in order to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, we need continually to "imbibe the spirit," as Mrs. Eddy says on page 495 of Science and Health. This "pure language," foreseen by Zephaniah, will come to be recognized as the universal language so much talked of in the world today,—the language of divine Love, whose need is so apparent in world affairs. This "pure language," exemplified in the gospel of Truth as given in Christian Science, will be spoken so that all may be "with one accord in one place;" and all will then be ready and happy to serve the Lord "with one consent."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit