NO description can present a spiritual characteristic as clearly as can a living example of this same characteristic. We may be given a definition of humility, for example. It may be described as selflessness; a just appreciation of others; a desire to honor another before oneself. Or we may turn to a dictionary and find exact terms in which it is defined. These, however, will not enable us fully to understand this quality; we must see it exemplified in individual character in order to grasp its true value.

A noble example of this particular virtue, humility, is found in the character of Moses. When leading the often rebellious children of Israel through the wilderness, he was confronted with criticism, ingratitude, disloyalty, hatred, and unmerited blame to an astounding degree. Yet there was no resentment, bitterness, or retaliation on his part. The law to forgive seventy times seven had not yet been proclaimed. The moral law of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" was still in vogue. But Moses displayed the Christlike qualities which were yet to be fully brought to light by the lowly Nazarene, whose patience, compassion, and forgiveness exemplified humility in a degree unknown before.

The noble prophets who followed Moses could not have accomplished their so-called miracles and wonderful healing works had they not imbided something of the gracious spirit of the Christ, a spirit afterwards inculcated by the Master when he said, "I can of mine own self do nothing;" "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works;" and, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." We might assert that the teachings of Christianity are inseparable from such expressions of humility. They are important steps leading to the kingdom, and none may evade or avoid them.

Humility must not be mistaken for servility of the Uriah Heep kind. Humility treads softly, advancing unheralded, save that its good works proclaim it. Its presence is marked by "patience, meekness, love, and good deeds," as Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 4). Its development comes through service—worshiping God through serving humanity. Jesus illustrated this teaching in washing the feet of his disciples and in constantly serving his fellow men. He accomplished his mighty works "with a meekness all divine." He who might have been a king in the material realm chose rather to be a servant to all in the realm of divine Love, in which his thought abode.

Nor should meekness be mistaken for weakness; it is indeed very far removed from weakness. The rebuke of error administered by Jesus conveyed no hint of indecision or fear. "O generation of vipers," could never have emanated from a fear-bound heart. Likewise, our Leader assures us that she never withheld the necessary rebuke. Humility is brave and strong, but its strength is born of reliance upon God, rather than upon human will. Nor can it be divorced from this reliance. "If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing," he does not express humility, and the power to heal either himself or others cannot be realized until he corrects his wrong thinking. A phase of humility almost unknown in the realm of mortal mind is recommended by Paul in his letter to the Romans (12:10), "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." In human history not many examples of this practice are found. Yet when they do appear, how greatly do they tower above the common self-interest!

In all times and among all peoples, has there not been a mad scrambling for place, power, and personal domination? Among business men, politicians, in social centers, even in the church, self-aggrandizement sometimes appears in greater or lesser degree. How refreshing when we find among Christian Scientists the opposite thought, in a true desire to see our brother progress, in a genuine effort to uphold his hands and rejoice in his advancement! And most of all, how beautiful to find among them happiness in the healings brought about by the understanding of Christian Science, through a realization of the truth of our Leader's statement (ibid., p. 206), "In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,—Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply." Are we not all working to lessen sin and suffering? Does not every right thought, every consecrated effort, lessen the sum of the whole world's evil? It is a joy to find this loving, co-operative thought among church members, and it accounts for the atmosphere of unity and good fellowship that strangers find when they come among us. Let us guard this precious gift.

The active presence of humility necessarily destroys greed and avarice. It prohibits self-indulgence. It banishes strife, anger, and hatred. Resentment and revenge melt before it. It overcomes deceit and annihilates sensitiveness, which often is selfishness. Sensitiveness leads to many unlovely self-begettings, such as self-love, self-justification, self-pity, and the like. We cannot be the victims of these obnoxious thoughts unless we yield to the "sin which doth so easily beset us," and believe that we have life apart from God. And who wishes to believe that?

Only as belief in a material self is overcome does humility blossom. Our Master said of the Christ, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Let us be sure that our own true living will draw to Christ, Truth, those with whom we come in contact.

Mrs. Eddy, the closest follower of the Master that the world has seen, constantly strove to turn the thought of her students away from herself to utter reliance upon God. She taught them to heal themselves and others. Those students were successful who humbly followed not the personalities, but the teaching and example of the Master and their Leader.

In the world we meet the temptations of the world. Let us don the garment of humility and love which will protect us from the enemy of self we have to face. The kingdoms of the world have no lure for loyal followers of the truth; personal power, for its own sake, no attraction; pride of accomplishment is lost in the contemplation of the vast untouched regions of Love still before us. Purity of purpose must replace personal desire; purity of thought all merely human ambition; and purity of living lay waste the devastating influence of the carnal mind, as we pursue the path marked by the footsteps of our Master.

And, finally, humility is never on parade. It walks quietly, unobtrusively on its way, doing its duty with joyous unostentation. It does not inflate the faults of others, knowing that "perfection is gained only by perfection" (ibid., p. 290). Neither does it grovel. Sackcloth and ashes do not induce humility, nor does self-condemnation inspire it. It walks with head upheld, but with meekness of heart expressed in true selflessness. It takes its own seat at the board, and does not try to climb on the accomplishment of others to an unearned pinnacle. It takes no offense, but seeks only to reflect God, good.