In the book of Genesis (chapter 11) we read the story of Babel, which relates that the whole earth spoke a single language until men began to build a tower that would reach to heaven. Then confusion arose among them and their language was confounded so that they could no longer understand each other. As a result, they were dispersed, and their tower remained unfinished.

In other words, when men began to depend upon their own ability to "reach unto heaven," began to turn away from the one God, confusion ensued, as it always must when there are "gods many, and lords many" (I Cor. 8:5). Paul stated the truth, "There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him."

In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the textbook of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy defines the word "Babel" in part (p. 581) as "self-destroying error; a kingdom divided against itself, which cannot stand." The definition goes on to explain that whatever is built on the basis of the five physical senses is fraught with confusion, and its downfall is certain. Throughout her writings our Leader sustains this standpoint that the testimony of the corporeal senses, or mortal mind, is always unreliable and confusing; whereas spiritual sense ever bears testimony to immortal Mind, and is harmonious.

When Mrs. Eddy first made her discovery of this living religion, she faced the same obstacle that confronted Jesus, namely, the necessity of putting the new wine of spiritual teaching into the old bottles of inadequate language. In both cases, the new tongue of Spirit had to be made known by "signs following." Jesus established the proof of his words by his works, and Mrs. Eddy, in restoring to humanity the spiritual understanding of the words and works of the Master, proved the truth of her teaching by healing sickness, sin, and all manner of discord.

Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, pp. 209, 210): "Spiritual sense is a conscious, constant capacity to understand God. It shows the superiority of faith by works over faith in words. Its ideas are expressed only in 'new tongues;' and these are interpreted by the translation of the spiritual original into the language which human thought can comprehend." Tenderness, healing ministrations, a compassionate understanding of human needs and a loving hand to help supply them, speak the universal language of love which reflects Love, the Father-Mother God; courtesy, kindness, honesty indicate a spirit that reflects Spirit, the ever-present God; activity expresses Life; integrity, honor, sincerity proclaim Truth; justice and law tell of Principle; while intelligence, thoughtfulness, readiness to serve, and happiness are expressions of the all-knowing Mind, omnipotent and omnipresent.

Such language is universally understood and echoes the Psalmist's words (Ps. 19:3), "There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." A student of Christian Science in a land where she was unacquainted with its language proved many times that the new tongue of Spirit, expressed in friendliness, was sufficient to meet her human needs.

It seems a hopeful trend in world affairs that so much attention is being given to learning various languages, so that men may talk with those of other nations and thus approach an understanding that will help to bring peace on earth, and good will to men. In a language institute held at one of the great universities in the United States during the past year, where students from other countries were studying English and groups of Americans were learning from native instructors various European and Asiatic languages, it was proved that the common language of friendship can bind men and women of different races in harmony; that representatives of many nationalities, from five continents, can play and work and sing together in good fellowship with no language barrier.

However, all mankind must eventually learn that the language of sense has to give way to the original language of Mind, whose spiritual signification makes of all men one brotherhood. Christian Scientists may well pray that this universal language of spiritual understanding be demonstrated as present to guide and bless the representatives of those nations who frame the peace charter. Then the unspoken spirit of brotherhood and freedom will be heard in all languages, telling all men, in the words of the apostle (James 1:17), "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Christian Scientists have a further responsibility to let their daily living and conversation express the language of Love. The old adage that "actions speak louder than words," challenges us to speak to the world in terms of reliability, persistent constructive effort, tolerant understanding, loyalty, and love for all mankind. We, as Christian Scientists, have enlisted to lessen evil. We are under orders to have one God, and to demonstrate constantly man's oneness with Him, thus eliminating the confusion which arose at the tower of Babel, and revealing to mankind the single language of Spirit, the universal Word of God.

Copyright, 1946, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, One, Norway Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918. Published every Saturday. Cost of remailing within the United States: 1 cent for each two ounces or fraction thereof. Foreign, including Canada, Newfoundland, and Pan-American countries: 1½ cents for each two ounces or fraction thereof.