Editorial March 21, 1925 Issue

Freedom

Albert F. Gilmore

IT is not uncommon among mortals for a person to attempt to exercise restraining and undue influence over his associates, whether they be his fellow-workers, the members of his household, his pupils in public or private schools,—over those, in brief, with whom one establishes human relations of whatsoever character. This restraint is frequently exercised with the desire to benefit the persons whose liberty is being circumscribed. Often it is due to the concern one feels for another's welfare; yet, invariably, unless it be done with scientific understanding, it produces an effect quite the opposite to that which is intended. Instead of arousing a sense of gratitude for assistance rendered and solicitude expressed, it more likely stirs a feeling of resentment, even of hatred, a condition out of which can come nothing good.

So carefully do the truly wise handle this problem that they are little inclined to do aught but think rightly of another, holding to the facts of being, and of God's government of His children. Parents are coming to see more clearly that the discipline of children is largely a metaphysical problem. They are learning that all of God's children are governed harmoniously and continuously by divine will, and that this righteous government is manifest in proportion to their own right thinking and acting. They are learning more and more to leave their dear ones in God's hands, well knowing that divine ideas can never wander from His sight or venture beyond the influence of His love and care. In proportion as this understanding is clear, children thrive and grow in grace and the spirit of obedience, learning the unspeakable joy of living in harmony with God.

Mrs. Eddy set forth the necessity of scientifically handling these problems in terms which all may understand. On page 62 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she says, "The entire education of children should be such as to form habits of obedience to the moral and spiritual law, with which the child can meet and master the belief in so-called physical laws, a belief which breeds disease." How important that this instruction be imparted to children, not primarily with the desire to restrain them, but in the assurance that full obedience to divine law will bring to them the largest possible sense of liberty. Did not Christ Jesus urge upon his followers, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven"? What could it mean to come unto the Master, gentlest of men, but the gaining of an understanding of the Christ, Truth, with which Jesus was so wonderfully endowed? Was his admonition for their well-being? It is beyond the possibility of a conjecture that the Master had in his heart aught but the most compassionate love for these little ones; or that he spoke out of any but the fullest desire to promote their welfare. Should we not obey the precepts of the greatest teacher of all time? Surely we should be no less obedient to his words regarding the little ones than to those pertaining to any other line of human conduct.

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