Editorial December 3, 1927 Issue

Gentleness and Greatness

Ella W. Hoag

What Christian has not responded with all his heart to the exquisite statement of David, "Thy gentleness hath made me great"? What a vista of God's loving-kindness and tenderness do these words unfold! They immediately open the thought to that which is harmonious and peaceful, beautiful and adorable; and they awaken deep desire to know more of the mighty God who can at the same time include such gentleness. Added to all this, there is presented the vision of the greatness which the reflection of this gentleness supplies.

To a tired world, worn with the friction of its own mistaken concepts, this divine gentleness comes with such a loving, soothing message that men cannot choose but listen and begin to look up with rejoicing. Their hearts are comforted even before they understand how or why; for such simple and profound words as these of the Psalmist always carry with them God's law of salvation.

Christian Science emphasizes the necessity of gentleness and its reflection, if true greatness is to be attained. The Christian Scientist, therefore, soon recognizes these essentials to his own demonstration, and many are the human beliefs which must be brought into subjection. Among these latter there is, perhaps, none more prominently opposed to gentleness than the frequent habit of needless and unkind criticism. If it were not that Christian Science exposes so completely the total depravity of so-called mortal mind, the amazing human tendency of a willingness to contemplate and talk of the faults and foibles of its neighbor would be almost unbelievable. How unlike the divine gentleness which results in greatness is that harsh quality which is ever ready to expose and magnify every least mistake of another!

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