Article May 15, 1948 Issue

"I WILL CLOTHE THEE WITH CHANGE OF RAIMENT"

JEAN MARGARET MUNRO CUNNINGHAM

The securing of clothes is a big problem for many people in war-stricken countries where materials are scarce, prices high, and restrictions severe. But like every problem, it is a call for better, more constructive thinking. Even humanly considered, a change of thinking, a higher hope, a kindlier outlook, can do wonders with a person's appearance, whether or not he can afford new clothes. Dullness, drabness, unshapeliness, disorder, these are mental states; whereas there is no more lovely dress than Christian character, which becomes lovelier with wear.

The Christian Scientist should then tackle this clothes problem not by running around to shops or anxiously figuring out money and coupons, but by considering, as Jesus did. "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Luke 12:27). In these words the Master turned the thought of his listeners to God, the great Giver, who never fails those who trust Him.

The Bible is full of allusions to clothing. The prophet Zechariah saw in a vision the high priest of his time clothed in "filthy garments" and faced with the accusation of being unworthy. Then came the angel message (Zech. 3:4), "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." Outward transformation always follows reformation, mental change. Christian Science teaches that God's creation, spiritual man, is perfect and immortal, but this becomes apparent only as the shades of mortal selfhood yield to divine power. The "best robe" of spiritual qualities, the "garments of salvation"—purity, love, courage, intelligence, gratitude, and strength—these are the loving Father's gift to all His children, but like the wedding garment which tradition says was provided for every guest at an Eastern marriage feast, the gift must be humbly accepted.

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GOD'S CONCEPT OF MAN
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