Editorial November 17, 1934 Issue

Character

Violet Ker Seymer

On page 8 of the Message to The Mother Church for 1900 Mrs. Eddy speaks of the human character as coming forth "a blessing or a bane upon individuals and society." When gauged according to material theories of heredity, environment, association, the human character in many cases is liable to prove a bane, and from this standpoint some individuals would appear to be unfairly handicapped. With Paul they might say, "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." This represents a perversion of man's genuine nature. Under the influence of Christian Science, which enables one and all to grasp the spiritual foundation of character and to build upon it, such pessimism vanishes.

Through spiritual understanding each one can better his own character so that it shall come forth not as a bane, but as a blessing to himself, his home circle, his friends and acquaintances. Spiritual enlightenment is bountifully present, impartially radiated, and Christian Scientists are proving that even in apparently calloused or dejected individuals right desires can thereby be awakened and spiritual characteristics brought to light.

In "Unity of Good" (p. 3) Mrs. Eddy writes: "God is All-in-all. Hence He is in Himself only, in His own nature and character, and is perfect being, or consciousness." Since the potency of spiritual attraction and the regenerating influence of divine Principle are universally available, it is for one and all to respond consistently and rapidly to this impartially redemptive influence. Whatever seems bitter in human character or experience is sweetened beyond recognition as one draws nearer to divine Love and spontaneously expresses its purity, might, and serenity. Our task, then, lies in distinguishing the real from the unreal, and in courageously identifying ourselves with such traits only as are pure, intelligent, and beneficent. And throughout, we need to rejoice that good is unadulterated.

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