Editorial October 11, 1924 Issue

"Pure affection"

Ella W. Hoag

"Out of the amplitude of his pure affection, he defined Love." Thus, on page 54 does our Leader point out one of the most important human steps in Jesus' demonstration of man's unity with God and with His divine nature. Here she presents a waymark which all must recognize and follow if they would walk securely in the Master's footsteps along the heavenward road.

Now affection and love have often been considered as more or less synonymous terms. Affection, however, has not always been so highly regarded as it should have been, since it has often been looked upon as merely a limited, unsatisfactory, weak attempt to express love itself. Instead of this, affection is the first unfolding of the divine in human consciousness. If Jesus must needs have defined Love through "his pure affection," surely no lesser disciple but must walk the same pathway if he would prove the same mighty power.

Mrs. Eddy indicates clearly the nature and place of affection in the Christian Scientist's demonstration when she places it among the "transitional qualities." On pages 115 and 116 in Science and Health she gives what she calls the "Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind." Here she speaks of three degrees; and the second degree, which she denominates as "Moral," and which she says includes "humanity, honesty, affection, compassion, hope, faith, meekness, temperance," is one that certainly concerns every one of us very deeply. Here are the qualities which must be understood and demonstrated before one can lay hold of "Reality,"—the third degree; and among these "transitional qualities" she places "affection."

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