Editorial November 18, 1939 Issue

Freedom

Evelyn F. Heywood

Mankind, recognizing freedom, mental and physical, as its goal, has sought it in countless ways. It has sought is at the expense of others in the exercise of human will, often despotic and ruthless; it has sought it in bitter resistance, in self-indulgence, in an effort to escape, even at the expense of others, the exactions of the hour. Yet the only freedom which endures and satisfies is that which comes from self-government in obedience to divine Principle.

He who allows his thoughts and actions to be controlled by another, or by his accepted belief in evil as power to intimidate and frustrate, is in bondage, and remains so, whatever the outward circumstances. While it is true that self-government demands of the individual the discipline which is called for by strict obedience to law and order, yet this is a discipline inspired by Love and guided by intelligence, knowing neither coercion nor fear. Self-government acts serenely, confident of the dignity and merit of its status. Whatever the situation which confronts those who are self-governed, they know that no power, aggressive and threatening though it claims to be, can rob them of their peace or trespass upon their rights. They know also that what is true for them is true for all.

In times of general conflict and unrest, no small measure of self-government is needed to maintain the continuous recognition of spiritual facts in the face of opposing testimony. But spiritual discipline does not waver nor weaken in purpose before the assaults of an imaginary foe. Self-government, inspired by Truth and guided by wisdom, proves that the direction of men's lives and the rulership of their destinies are decided not by the vagaries of mortal happenings, the rise and fall of material sovereignty, but by spiritual knowing. Man's individual kingdom, in the realm of Mind, is never usurped; no one can ever invade it; it is that subjective state of being to which Jesus referred when he declared, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Evil Predictions Refuted