Article March 9, 1940 Issue

Angels

HUGH STUART CAMPBELL

Today , the conversation heard in the streets, when a few persons are gathered together, is usually a rehearsal of passing world events, including a discussion of the pros and cons in regard to the methods of handling national and international affairs. Economic problems, such as unemployment, the general sense of insecurity, disasters, and war, provide topics for conversation everywhere.

In the midst of personal opinions which conflict and disturb, it is well for the Christian Scientist to introduce the mental leaven of confidence in Truth into "the lump" of fear and uncertainty. He may well turn his thoughts to a healing message from the pen of Mary Baker Eddy, containing both a promise and a loving admonition. The message is as follows (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 306, 307): "The Psalmist saith: 'He shall give His angels charge over thee.' God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the 'Peace, be still' to all human fears, to suffering of every sort."

What are the angels that take charge of the righteous and encamp "round about them that fear him," and deliver them? In Christian Science, we learn that angels are spiritual thoughts, the touch or presence of which lights the way to peace and plenty. "Angels," according to the Glossary in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 581), are "God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality." In this description is found a sure foundation for spiritual building, one on which we may rest secure. Angels are not glorified human beings. Angels are "God's thoughts." And what will these God-bestowed messages do for us? They will not only protect, but take charge over us in all our ways, as the Psalmist declared. They will reveal true substance also, furnishing daily supplies, filling all human needs here and now.

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