Harmony

SARAH BEATRICE SLOTE

No one could consider our present sense of the universe, with all its verity of manifestation,—the unfolding of nature and its renewed expression of life in the spring, the planets and constellations of the night and day, the tendency of the races to invent, to be lifted consciously and unconsciously to a greater degree of progression to an individually better pattern,—no one could consider these seeming conditions without some realization that a law other than so-called material energy, operates to further the progress of mankind.

All things beautiful point to the harmony of God's creation, in which each idea adds to the beauty and usefulness of the other ideas, and all redound to the glory of God. Truth lives and expresses its own perfect reflection without friction, and hence without reaction. All being centered in one harmonious cause and creator, a realm is presented wherein all dwell without confliction with one another.

Individual harmony has thus its spiritual aspect. The following may be taken as an analogy. Standing beside the sea, looking forth upon its moving waters and clear sky line, what one may comprehend at a glance belongs to him in consciousness, while the same right of comprehensive view belongs to his neighbor, though the neighbor's glance covers a slightly different angle. Neither gaze, as it crosses the other, conflicts; and neither one has exactly the same view, even when standing upon adjoining spots. One view complements the other.

Passing through the crowded streets of a large city, one often finds a careless disregard by some people of those passing,—an elbowing and rude pushing which savors of the survival of the fittest, sometimes to a dangerous degree in the close throngs, especially when near moving cars and vehicles. Fear and confusion arise. Without the understanding which Christian Science affords, one may apparently experience a sense of extreme nervousness when traveling congested streets; but in the knowledge that none of God's ideas conflict in His great universe of Spirit, he may find he is able to walk without accident or inharmony through the crowds, never losing his peace and poise, and scarcely, if at all, touching those who pass, even in the greatest crowd.

Governed by the harmonious law of divine Mind, the Christian Scientist knows that each individual impersonally complements others, according to God's design. Harmony is the keynote of the divine. Harmony is possible when men become willing to put aside their personal prejudices and opinions and align themselves with the one harmonious cause, thereby supporting each other even as colors which blend in nature. Ungoverned human nature, knowing no right law, seeks only for itself, and cannot unite with another of its kind. There being no permanent point of unity at which to unite or meet, it must rend itself. Jealousy, self-seeking, desire for place, have no foundational Principle, and must yield to unselfishness and brotherly regard. Had Jesus thought of self, he could not possibly have succeeded, in accordance with God's law, in his divine demonstration of love and good-will.

God's harmonious law, governing the universe and sustaining the unity of God and His idea, is the only adequate consciousness to carry into human experience. Reverting always to His perfect law, one finds harmony possible. Even the so-called human mind ordinarily reverts to its highest concept when an object is named,—a rose for instance,—picturing the perfect symbol, and not a faded or deformed specimen. Men must lose their diseased and discordant mental images under the refreshing glimpses of divine perfection gained through study of God's law in order to gain a greater sense of harmony.

Men can unite in thought only as they reach the point of correct understanding through spiritual demonstration. The cooperative thought of brotherhood and unity in a good work brings to each smallest demonstration the greatest possible measure of success. That Mind which was in Christ Jesus holds an impersonal love for all mankind; and a united understanding of it will bring about the condition in which "the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth." If another cannot be convinced of the sincerity of one's demonstration, as Mrs. Eddy says in "No and Yes" (p. 8), "Quietly, with benediction and hope, let the unwise pass by, while you walk on in equanimity, and with increased power, patience, and understanding, gained from your forbearance."

God's blessings are multiple, individual, uniform. As one draws upon what he has deposited in his bank account, so each draws upon what he has collected in thought, and sends forth the interest. The more obedient his thought and demonstration have been to the harmonies of Truth and Love, the finer and purer his influence. In their great work in human existence to-day, Christian Scientists, looking to a specific ideal and example, should not find it difficult to express brotherly love, to respect and support individual demonstration, and to appreciate the value of unity; for in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 145) Mrs. Eddy says, "When the hearts of Christian Scientists are woven together asare their names in the web of history, earth will float majestically heaven's heraldry, and echo the song of angels: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

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