Article November 28, 1925 Issue

Behold the Child of God

ELIZABETH MCARTHUR THOMSON

"For of such is the kingdom of heaven." These words completed Jesus' request to his disciples, as he bade them bring unto him the little children, who formed a part of the great multitude which followed our Master, seeking freedom from disease and fear. It is interesting to note the translation of this text as given in the American Revised Version of the Bible, namely, "for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven." What God's child possesses is clearly portrayed in the Master's words. The New Testament narratives relating to this incident present the disciples' attempt to reprove the elders, forbidding them to bring the little children to the Christ, Truth. In his reply, Jesus directed thought to the contemplation of the true nature of Christliness, to the divine heritage of man, as represented in the purity, majesty, simplicity, and love of a child. He knew that none should withhold from such as these the privilege of knowing that man dwells forever in divine consciousness, in perfect Being.

How often do men and women yearn for this childlike reflection of good! And, not infrequently, one may hesitate to express the true idea of Love, may yield to fear when required to send out into the world, into contact with socalled human laws and pronouncements, the cherished little ones, those of tender years, who, during the school age particularly, may seem to be subjected to many erroneous thoughts. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil," was our Master's earnest entreaty. It is comforting to know that one may heed this prayer and bid the little ones to come to the Christ, Truth, so clearly revealed to this age by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy.

The educational field of to-day seems to present many insistent phases of materiality. Physical examinations and tests play their part in the thought of those who look to them for means of public welfare and protection. School children may be required to conform to systems in which thoughts of medicine and hygiene prevail. Under these circumstances Christian Scientists are afforded many opportunities to demonstrate wise and loving activity. In some localities, this work has resulted in the enactment of lawful measures which have provided release from trying ordeals. That this is not always the case, however, need occasion no discouragement; for, with the aid of Christian Science, one can realize and demonstrate that the child of God lives by divine authority, and that, hence, his health cannot be invaded, impaired, or denied by medical theories or practices. Without fear of consequences, one may render full obedience to God's law, and yet not fail in his observance of those measures which mortal mind may deem necessary of enforcement.

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