Article February 17, 1934 Issue

World Citizenship

EMMA EASTON NEWMAN

When one purchases a proved and useful mechanical device, directions are found with it which guarantee certain performance, provided the directions are followed. The purchaser does not ask, "Will it work?" but, "How does it work?" and, "Am I doing my part aright?" If it does not function for him, if he is wise he endeavors to discover his mistake in using it. So it is with the promises to be found throughout the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. These books are replete with promises of peace, plenty, freedom, health, and in fact of every blessing for which humanity could hope. But they are accompanied by certain directions or conditions which must be carried out individually before their fulfillment can be experienced.

In the Bible an outstanding example of this is the thirty-seventh Psalm. In verses three to nine are enumerated several promises which anyone would desire to have fulfilled in his experience: To dwell in the land and be fed; to have the desires of the heart; to have one's way brought to pass; to have one's righteousness—rightness—brought forth; to have one's judgment vindicated; to inherit the earth. These are some of God's promises, but their fulfillment must be earned by following a certain definite procedure.

To dwell in safety and be fed, there must be trust in God, the proof of this trust being a constantly lessening trust in evil, and an active, constant effort for the good of others. To have the desires of the heart, there must be a delight in the Lord—not merely a passive acceptance of the fact that God is, but an active and positive joy in His nature and being.

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