Article February 4, 1928 Issue

The Foundation of Peace

RICHARD P. VERRALL

As viewed from the standpoint of Christian Science, it is apparent that any attempt to establish peace between the peoples of the earth which does not take into account the suppositional cause of war, must inevitably lead to failure. James must have recognized this important fact when he put the following question and gave its answer: "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?" The theater of war is thus shown to be within a suppositional dual nature, in which, as Paul says in his epistle to the Galatians, "the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Until, therefore, some attempt is made to pacify the conflicting elements in the individual human consciousness, what hope can there be that any peace propaganda or external adjustments can settle the question of war? Christian Science goes to the root of the whole matter, and not only uncovers the so-called cause cause of war, but shows the way out by revealing the one Mind, through obedience to whose authority all differences of opinion and all questions of dispute may be justly, amicably, and permanently settled. The discovery by Mary Baker Eddy of the availability and accessibility of the one infinite intelligence and the means by which mortals may bring their thinking into harmony with God, has introduced a new era into the history of mankind.

This one divine Mind being the Principle and source of all right ideas and of all harmonious action, it follows that obedience to its authority is the only basis of permanent peace and of spiritual progress. When, therefore, a Christian Scientist has begun to overcome his own false beliefs concerning good and evil, and to conform his thinking to the divine Principle which Christian Science reveals, he has at the same time begun to establish the foundation of peace within his own consciousness. Realizing the patience and perseverance which would be needed in this internal warfare against the illusions of the so-called material senses, Mrs. Eddy gives to her followers this encouraging admonition: "My students are at the beginning of their demonstration; they have a long warfare with error in themselves and in others to finish, and they must at this stage use the sword of Spirit" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 215). It was by means of this spiritual weapon that Mrs. Eddy herself demonstrated the power of Truth over error, and she points out that, inasmuch as one's enemies are they of his own mental household, this sword of Spirit is the only legitimate means by which mortals can defend themselves successfully against the innumerable subtleties and aggressive mental suggestions which comprise the so-called carnal mind. The overcoming of a single phase of mortal error, such as a sinful habit, a physical disease, or a fear of any kind, constitutes a distinct victory over the flesh. The cumu lative effect of these victories must eventually result in the final conquest of the "last enemy," death itself; and when this belief is annihilated, there will be nothing left to obscure God's kingdom of peace on earth and good will to men.

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