Article January 4, 1947 Issue

"He that ruleth his spirit"

BARBARA D. WILSON

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Prov. 16:32). Though it was written centuries ago, this statement still strikes a lively echo in our hearts, for have we not all at one time or another given way to quick rage or resentment? And have we not, sometimes even when we were pouring forth the wrathful words, longed for the control and dignity which we so woefully lacked?

In the quiet of our own homes, with our beloved textbooks, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, open before us, we affirm readily and with utmost sincerity our understanding that God is Love, the Father and Mother of all. The test comes when we enter into the bustle and clamor of daily life with its beliefs of many minds, many personalities, many conflicting points of view. Then, indeed, we must hold fast to our understanding of Love's presence and power, and of man as the reflection of Love, if we would safeguard our serenity and preserve our ability to do good.

"The vital part." Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 113 of Science and Health, "the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love." From our contemplation of God as Love springs the realization of all the lovely qualities which are man's as the image and likeness of Love. Man the image and likeness of Love! Can we hate or quarrel with this man? Certainly not! This man is the true, spiritual selfhood of every one of us. He is unselfish, gentle, meek, and pure. He has no unhappy past, no dreaded future, for he dwells in the radiant now of God's presence, wherein every good thing is already established.

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