Article November 1, 1924 Issue

Unity

JOHN FRUSHARD WADDINGTON

It is conceded that unity of aim and endeavor among nations as well as individuals is most desirable. The banding together of people having the same objects or ideals has tended to strengthen them in purpose and achievement. Moreover, it seems true that mortals are gregarious and group-loving, expressing their need of sympathy and comfort by association or alliance. This need or desire for unity has in reality a much higher and more spiritual significance. Especially is it being manifested to-day, when men and women everywhere are feeling a lack in the old order, a hollowness which their leaders and shepherds are not filling. So their awakening thought is looking for some guide to show them the way to a new heaven and a new earth.

The disenchantment, the distrust which many feel towards the so-called established things, has made them begin a search for the substance, the reality of life, for the true Principle which they feel must be behind this veil of flesh. The need of peace and brotherhood is everywhere acknowledged; but that there can be complete unity between nations, creeds, and people is only dimly visioned as a vague, chimerical idea, not for our time. To this reaching out of human thought Christian Science comes as a sure and safe guide. It shows what true unity is, and how it can be attained. It is of importance that every Christian Scientist be prepared to do his or her share towards the common objective,—the ultimate unity of every nation.

Unity means agreement or harmony, or the being at-one with; and if, as Christian Scientists, we are agreed that to be at-one with God is the very highest achievement possible to the individual, we are beginning to realize something of the importance of what Mrs. Eddy meant when, on page 21 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she wrote: "If Truth is overcoming error in your daily walk and conversation, you can finally say, 'I have fought a good fight ... I have kept the faith,' because you are a better man. This is having our part in the at-one-ment with Truth and Love." This "better man" is the loving citizen, at-one with his brother across the fence and his brother beyond the seas. He combats the human tendency to follow the line of least resistance, if it lead to evil; he does not ally himself with the leaders of merely human thought; he avoids hero worship of the mortal whose self-assurance may have mesmerized him and others into the belief that of himself he can do something. How often has each one of us been tempted with the thought, It must be right because so-and-so said it! Yet even our beloved Leader, who outshone us all in humility, warned us to follow her only so far as she followed Christ.

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