"Beauty, grandeur, and utility"

Violet Ker Seymer

Referring to the beauties of nature, Mrs. Eddy writes (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 86), "Even the human conception of beauty, grandeur, and utility is something that defies a sneer." Christian Science presents the essence and substance of the beauty which is only glimpsed through nature. The instant thoughts and feelings clamor for admission we should see whether they offer us "beauty, grandeur, and utility." All will agree that thoughts of suffering or worry are neither beautiful nor grand. But, some may ask, is not evil indirectly valuable in that it obliges us to rise above it? Has it not a certain utility?

Should we accept this subtle argument of mortal mind, we should open the door to perpetual conflict and to growth by suffering instead of by Science. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Jesus asked, and he further pointed out that "a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." It is consistent with highest Christianity that we should look for our spiritual growth not to the thorns and thistles of human experience, but to the superabundance and ever-presence of "good fruit."

If tempted to regard evil as indirectly useful, we should remember that when it cannot deceive us under its own name, evil makes its approach in the name of good. If we were to admit into our consciousness some discord presenting itself in the name of utility, we might say that fear, for instance, has its uses. True, fear may turn us more eagerly to divine Love as our means of escape. But love, not fear, is God's way of salvation. Real beauty and grandeur are primal, eternal. They are not won by fear and suffering, but by conscious sonship with "the Father of lights." Purely spiritual and unconditional blessings come to our recognition through the infinite goodness of God revealed in Christian Science.

In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" our Leader writes (pp. 196, 197), "The beauty of holiness comes with the departure of sin." We accelerate this "departure of sin" by dwelling in thought upon the beauty of holiness, which is never subject to suspension or interference. The glory of God dispels the gloom of sin in human thought. Then which should we dwell upon—gloom or glory? Which expresses the will of God? Which is the gateway to heaven on earth?

This scientific way of demonstrating harmony and beauty constitutes no plea for leniency or for procrastination in overcoming. So long as the belief in evil is entertained it must sooner or later be grappled with and exterminated in thought and deed by every individual. But let it be noted that the more unswervingly and consistently we hold to God's way of salvation or wholeness so clearly emphasized in Christian Science, the more readily we prove that spiritual blessings alone are consonant with "beauty, grandeur, and utility." Demonstrating this scientific fact, we avoid the mental detours that expose us to obstacles and discords which are in opposition to God's will and Love's law of harmony.

"The perfection of the rule of Christian Science is what constitutes its utility," our Leader says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 233). The perfect rule provides for perfect results, that is, for spiritual reflection. There is no rule for imperfection or material deflection. Divine law does not require us to learn the way of perfection through making mistakes and then rectifying them. This is not Truth's mandate, but error's policy, and our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 452), "When the spiritual sense of Truth unfolds its harmonies, you take no risks in the policy of error." The consciousness of the faithful and joyous Christian Scientist resists mortal mind's evident or disguised attempts at intrusion. Fuller spiritual understanding leads to fuller demonstration and dominion.

"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." "Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary." This sanctuary is infinite Love with its naturally beautiful manifestation. We are not deceived into thinking of ourselves or others as fearful, unloving, or unloved when our thought abides in the sanctuary of strength and beauty. There we discover and demonstrate the divine righteousness, health, and harmony which belong to all by reflection.

Through being spiritually responsive, obedient, and persevering we apprehend and receive God's gift of "beauty for ashes." We open our whole heart—not only part of it—to the joy of Godlikeness. There is always more good to demonstrate, more God-bestowed health and strength to manifest, more universal love to express. As we carry on the holy task of bringing the perfection of God and man into clearer evidence, we live more and more closely and gladly in accord with the "beauty, grandeur, and utility" ordained and maintained by divine Principle.

Violet Ker Seymer

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