Editorial January 15, 1927 Issue

"Pure affection"

Ella W. Hoag

When , on page 54 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy, in speaking of Jesus, tells us that "out of the amplitude of his pure affection he defined Love," she shows how necessary to the demonstration of our unity with God is a right comprehension of affection. That anyone could imagine he could possess an understanding of God, divine Love, and yet fail to express pure affection in his every word and deed seems quite incredible. Mrs. Eddy classes affection among the "transitional qualities" (Science and Health, p. 115) which must appear in each mortal's experience on the way out of the physical or unreal into the spiritual and real. Paul also enjoins all Christians to "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." It is therefore quite apparent that affection is a quality which must be known and lived, if we are to discover the kingdom of heaven.

When Christian Science first knocks at our mental door, it finds us entertaining varied concepts of what true affection is. There are many points in regard to it on which most men will agree. Almost everyone will admit that it includes brotherly kindness, due consideration for others' opinions and necessities, and a desire to confer happiness. It is also generally conceded that at least a certain amount of unselfishness is necessary if one is to express affection.

To the Christian Scientist who is reaching out for that perfect reflection of God, divine Love, which he knows alone constitutes his real selfhood, there may come the temptation to seek the end before the beginning. He may neglect to embrace the simple little daily opportunities to be kind, which inevitably open the door to the larger possibilities of self-sacrifice, which must certainly precede the ability to show forth the divine likeness.

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