Article August 24, 1935 Issue

Circulation of Right Ideas

ALICE DAVIS SHELMIRE

In many Christian Science churches there are groups known as circulation committees. To them has been given the privilege of acquainting many, who may be interested, with The Christian Science Monitor and its far-flung influence for good in the world. Through the wealth of constructive information presented in its columns, hatred, fear, suspicion, and provincialism or narrow nationalism are being lessened, and broader, brighter views of international good will and reciprocal helpfulness are being encouraged. Thus, like the ripples made by a pebble tossed into a pond, ever-widening arcs of mutual understanding and enlightened thinking are spreading from every point where the Monitor is loved, read, and supported.

Such an activity is well named. However, when the significance of the term "to circulate," to move in a circle, is considered, it will be found sufficiently comprehensive to include all phases of Christian Science church activity. The words "circle" and "sphere" are used by Mary Baker Eddy in simple yet far-reaching spiritual interpretations. On page 282 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she states, "The circle represents the infinite without beginning or end." Father on in the same paragraph she says, "The sphere represents good, the self-existent and eternal individuality or Mind;" again (p. 240): "Mind is perpetual motion. Its symbol is the sphere. The rotations and revolutions of the universe of Mind go on eternally."

If, then, the sphere symbolizes Mind, circulation implies the continuous activity of right ideas emanating from Mind. Only that which is intelligent and good can have actual activity; and, perforce, intelligent activity works only for good. It alone has inherent power and holds within itself the possibility of development. "Omni-action" is one of the definitions for "good" given in the Glossary in Science and Health (p. 587), which bears out the above statement. Only good, therefore, can in reality be active; that is, the only true circulation is the expression of infinite good. The effect of right ideas thus actively accepted must always be to bring out a clearer sense of the all-encompassing Mind, wherein all creation abides in harmonious relationship. Even right human activity points Godward, to the boundless realm of infinite, all-inclusive Mind.

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