Article September 15, 1923 Issue

Humility, the Crowning Gift

GRACE E. MASON

Humility, rightly understood is a crowning grace, the essence of true Christlikeness. It is never the result of ignorance, but is the fruit of heaven-born understanding. Humility is not a wayside beggar, but is of princely mien. Obedient to naught but Truth, it does not abase itself, but stands simply and quietly in its own place, asking or acknowledging no advancement but that which comes through the unfolding of love to all mankind. Nor can it bow to pride, because it knows it not.

Humility knows no fear; for, pretending nothing, it has nothing to conceal. It smiles at aggression and clamor, for it has no material gift that human power knows how to take away. It covets not, nor envies; for it knows no value in any gift that human power can bestow. It does not seek a lower place, for it has no false props to discard. It cannot seek a higher, for it is enthroned in the heart of God. It is patient as the rock beaten by a million waves. It is gentle as the dawning of light. It is the reward of learning to understand and reflect Love.

Jesus the Christ, "the God-crowned or the divinely royal man," as Mrs. Eddy speaks of him in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 313), was its perfect exemplification. This is why he could say, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." None knew as did he the utter peace and freedom which belong to the "meek and lowly in heart." He knew also humility's glorious strength. This was the angel that rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulcher; for Jesus in his complete self-effacement had not one vestige of faith in the power of so-called human will to block the path of Truth.

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