Editorial January 5, 1929 Issue

"There is lifting up"

Violet Ker Seymer

In the book of Job we read: "When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up." Just as a mother instinctively raises her little one who seems unable to rise from the ground, so the Christian Scientist learns how to reflect the qualities of divine Mind which will enable him to lift himself and others above fallen hopes, and to defy sickness, sin, and discord.

Spiritual sense is never downcast; it is always uplifted, upheld, poised, steadfast. In her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 356) our inspired Leader, Mrs. Eddy, interprets "the birds of the air" as the "uplifted desires of the human heart." Whence come all holy aspirations? To what source should one trace the sincere desire to express greater spiritual serenity, loving-kindness, and fidelity to divine Principle? What is it that silently urges ever deeper consecration to Truth and Love; that constantly inspires and stimulates keener analysis of right and wrong, more definite cleavage between the true and the false in human consciousness? Whence, in short, come all the "uplifted desires of the human heart"? Christian Science teaches that spiritual aspiration is inspired by God, the infinite and only source of good.

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; . . . lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." Here is a definite call to rise above the passive, nonresistant attitude which the so-called carnal mind seeks to induce in one who does not at all times vigorously claim his birthright of spiritual dominion. Too feeble a resolve to overcome the belief in sickness, for instance, or a tendency to hang one's head in resignation, even though it may be a more or less cheerful resignation; dilatory self-indulgence and submission to fear—these material beliefs would prevent one from discerning and appropriating the divine blessings at hand.

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