Article March 14, 1925 Issue

"Glorious in humility"

GEORGENE L. MILLER

THE man in the street may admit that humility is a beautiful and saintly quality, but he is not prone to acknowledge that he either desires or needs it. The reason for this is that the consciousness of the average mortal is so filled with its opposite, pride, that there is little room for humility. This is especially true if one has been brought up in an atmosphere where pride is considered a desirable quality, even a virtue. He may take pride in his pride; may feel, like the Pharisee, that he is not as others are; may claim that his pride is his strength. Specifically, he may go so far as to liken his wealth to that of Golconda, brag of an honored family name, or boast of the combined learning of all the schools. He may even deceive himself by changing the name of pride, and calling his attitude merely self-respect.

But "why should the spirit of mortal be proud?" This question is seldom faced until one approaches the study of Christian Science, and notes the Master's way of rebuking this enemy of humility. The rich young man was told, "Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor;" the Jews who claimed Abraham as father were classed with liars and hypocrites; and the learned doctors were confounded by the wisdom of a child of twelve. Through a study of such incidents as these the beginner's eyes are opened to the nothingness of material things,—material wealth, material remedies, material strength, material knowledge. In fact, there is an awakening that greatly changes his viewpoint. In the words of the Preacher: "I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity."

What a contrast to this is the statement in Genesis, "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good"! As Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p.262): "These clearer, higher views inspire the Godlike man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being." Then begins a warfare which is apt to keep one very busy until the Goliath of pride is slain or divested of its power. It is a grand warfare, however, and the earnest student goes forth with joy to wrestle with the giant. Our revered Leader well knew the claims of this enemy, this giant, pride. On page 142 of Science and Health she says, "As in Jesus' time, so to-day, tyranny and pride need to be whipped out of the temple, and humility and divine Science to be welcomed in." Said Paul, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God ...?" This temple, then, this individual consciousness, must be freed of pride; and it is here that the warfare takes place.

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