Article April 22, 1944 Issue

Escape

SARAH ELEANOR PAINE

Who is there that has not, at some time or other, longed for escape from some condition which seemed intolerable? Even in normal times there is a frequent desire for escape from circumstances ranging from mere unpleasantness or boredom to present or impending difficulties of all sorts—financial disasters, unhappy personal relationships, or desperate diseases. At a time of a worldwide conflagration called war the longing for escape becomes wellnigh universal.

The Psalmist voiced this general feeling when he cried: "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. ... I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." The common belief that escape is a question of change of place or pursuit is palpably untenable. Escape is sought in a vacation, but worries continue to dog one's footsteps; health is sought in change of climate, but loneliness keeps one ill in spite of sunny skies. There is no fundamental relief to be found by these means.

There is, however, a spiritual way of escape from all forms of evil which is available to anyone, anywhere, if he will learn the way. Mrs. Eddy tells of this on page 12 of "Christian Science versus Pantheism." where she writes: "The altitude of Christianity openeth high above the so-called laws of matter, a door that no man can shut: it showeth to all peoples the way of escape from sin disease, and death."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Escape

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access