Article July 1, 1939 Issue

"A refuge from the storm"

WILLIAM KING RIDDLE

In the Synoptic Gospels it is recorded that our Master, Christ Jesus, had been teaching many things to the people on the shores of Galilee, and in the evening desired to cross over to the other side. The narrative states that he entered into a ship, and that his disciples followed him. Then "there arose a great tempest in the sea." The waves were breaking over the little vessel, and it appears that it was in imminent danger of foundering. It is very striking to note that the shrieking winds and towering waves were powerless to disturb the serenity of the great Teacher, who was in the afterpart calmly asleep. The all-loving divine Mind, the Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus," proved here, as always, a sure "refuge from the storm;" for when his disciples roused him with the cry, "Lord, save us: we perish," we are told that "he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

There are times in human experience when the fury of the carnal mind may seem to manifest itself in wind and wave, a mad attempt to terrify us and rob us of our peaceful dominion in the consciousness of Love's mighty presence. But such efforts are vain when one is sure of a safe harbor always close at hand. Our unfailing defense is found in the realization of the dependable nature of God's all-governing law, which replaces terror and turmoil with quietness and confidence.

In the vast universe of Mind, order and harmony obtain throughout—there are no mistakes, no accidents, no failures, no calamities. This perfect and substantial universe of Spirit, forever governed by divine law, is one that passes not away. It unfolds to the perception of the earnest seeker, and becomes to him a refuge from the storms of mortal error and conflict. As he attains in some measure to spirituality of thought, there follows the unspeakable peace that is found in the clear recognition of God's presence. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, makes the following statement on page 57 of "Unity of Good": "Man's refuge is in spirituality, 'under the shadow of the Almighty.'"

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