Editorial February 20, 1932 Issue

Charity

Violet Ker Seymer

The Apostle James pointed out that mere words of charity expressed to one who is "naked, and destitute of daily food," profit nothing, and that practical charity calls for giving "those things which are needful to the body." At this time, when calls are being made on behalf of food, clothing, and shelter on a large scale, it is well to trace both the call for such gifts and response to the call to the inspiration of divine Love which, as Christian Science teaches, is impartial in its infinite bestowals.

But what of my own responsibilities? one may ask; "Charity begins at home." True, but it does not end there. It is noticeable that a personal sense of possession is apt to turn to the reverse sense of personal limitation. Therefore, Christian Scientists are learning to think widely, in terms of spiritual reflection, "as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." Only divine Mind creates and imparts: man reflects, and Mind's divine bounty is not ours to withhold.

"Christ, Truth, gives mortals temporary food and clothing until the material, transformed with the ideal, disappears, and man is clothed and fed spiritually" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 442). This word "until" indicates that the human need can be abundantly provided until the understanding of spiritual supply and demand transforms it. The present call, then, is not merely a call for funds, but for an evidence of our spiritual understanding as Christian Scientists. It is the call of divine Love to purge mortal selfhood in order that we may prove that throughout God's creation abundance is being impartially, unceasingly manifested.

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