Article May 24, 1930 Issue

"Be not afraid"

ADELA LE PAGE

In music the keynote is the fundamental tone to which all others in the same key bear a definite relationship. Its function is basic, and it directly controls the theme of which it is the foundation. As mortals discover that human experience is an intricate and often tangled problem, they frequently long for a keynote of thought to lead them to direct issues, with sure success.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 410), "Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!'" Hardly realizing how much fear relating to health, accident, poverty, or failure governs them, mortals subject themselves to a bondage from which they need release. Jesus, the great Master, taught that the kingdom of God, or heaven, is within spiritual consciousness. This indicates that heaven is an harmonious state of thought reflecting God; and, contrariwise, that what is called hell is the opposite mental condition.

When Job was passing through overwhelming troubles he exclaimed, "The thing which I greatly feared is come upon me," showing his recognition that the fear he had previously entertained was responsible for his later sufferings. Here it may be asked, How, then, can one cease being afraid of fear? By sincerely striving to recognize fear for what it is, namely, a belief in a power apart from God, and trusting God, who is Love. This effort will always be rewarded by increasing faith and understanding, until all fear has disappeared. Mortals have long been accustomed to acknowledge God's supremacy in their creeds, but their actions have belied their doctrines; and, frequently, God's help is sought in imploring prayer, while at the same time little confidence is felt in His willingness or ability to help. This lack of faith betrays latent fear, unbelief, and ignorance of the one true God.

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