Editorial February 22, 1936 Issue

"Holy heroism"

George Shaw Cook

Christian Scientists are little given to hero worship, but they are grateful for the many inspiring examples of true heroism recorded in both religious and secular historyWho among them has not been inspired with greater courage to stand for Principle under difficult circumstances by reading the account of Daniel's refusal to submit to the decree of King Darius, even though that refusal brought him to the lions' den? What student of the Scriptures has not found courage to remain firm in his convictions, when tempted to compromise with error, by the example of the Hebrew captives cast into the fiery furnace because they refused to "worship the golden image"?

Many readers of secular history, including Christian Scientists, must have felt the compassionate appeal of that selfless heroism shown by Florence Nightingale in her work among the soldiers in the Crimean campaign. Doubtless many others have been enheartened and encouraged to carry on in the face of adverse conditions by reading of the patient endurance of Washington and his troops throughout the rigorous winter at Valley Forge. Possibly with these and other examples of heroism in mind, Mary Baker Eddy wrote on page 166 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "The monument whose finger points upward, commemorates the earthly life of a martyr; but this is not all of the philanthropist, hero, and Christian. The Truth he has taught and spoken lives, and moves in our midst a divine afflatus."

The most outstanding example of heroism and fidelity to Principle recorded in the Scriptures is without doubt the supreme human sacrifice made by Jesus in submitting to the crucifixion of his body in order that he might prove for mankind the power of spiritual law to overcome the belief of death. Nowhere in the Bible is there a record of such sublime courage, faith, and understanding as the account in the Gospels of that night in Gethsemane and the experiences of the following day in the judgment hall and on Calvary. Writing on page 26 of "Retrospection and Introspection," Mrs. Eddy says: "Adoringly I discerned the Principle of his holy heroism and Christian example on the cross, when he refused to drink the 'vinegar and gall,' a preparation of poppy, or aconite, to allay the tortures of crucifixion. Our great Way-shower, steadfast to the end in his obedience to God's laws, demonstrated for all time and peoples the supremacy of good over evil, and the superiority of Spirit over matter." Unquestionably, the "Principle of his holy heroism" is divine Love. The understanding of Love which enabled Jesus, while on the cross, to say of his detractors, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," included knowledge of the divine fact that Love is Life. This enabled Jesus to keep his thought, even in that harrowing experience, above human hatred and, in consequence thereof, above the belief of physical pain and death.

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