Article August 11, 1928 Issue

Freedom from Danger

DOROTHY WYKES

It is related by Thoreau that once he saw that in the space of ground between the horses' path and the wheel track a tiny seed had taken root and presented a delicate flower. The plant was two feet high, and grew there undisturbed; whereas, if it had grown an inch higher, or to either side, this would have been fatal to its continued existence. To Thoreau this was of deep significance. He realized that the plant, although it was apparently in danger, received all that was necessary for its growth, and lived to flourish as well as if it had grown in the open field. As he says, "It did not know the danger it incurred, did not borrow trouble, nor invite an evil fate by apprehending it."

To Christian Scientists there is a still deeper significance. As the flower grew there, a symbol of purity and loveliness, it expressed a certain sense of true activity to those who passed by. Similarly, man stands fully protected, as the perfect idea of God expressing only Godlike qualities. Life and intelligence are his by reflection. Not for one moment can man express a thought which is unlike God; and so it is impossible for man to fail or to be destroyed. Whatever matter by its false laws claims to be able to do, these claims are lies of mortal mind, and there is no power in them.

Mrs. Eddy teaches that man's existence is intact. In "No and Yes" she says (pp. 10, 11), "Eternal harmony, perpetuity, and perfection, constitute the phenomena of being, governed by the immutable and eternal laws of God." Daniel knew that he was safe even though in a den of lions; and Paul on the island of Melita felt no harm from the viper, but shook it from his hand into the fire. There was no place for thoughts of danger in their understanding of divine Love. It is thus plain that there is no reality in anything which is unlike God; and nothing can prevent us from rejoicing in that understanding of Spirit by which we realize that no error of any kind has power to harm us.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Onward
August 11, 1928
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit