Article August 14, 1948 Issue

MAN'S INEVITABLE DESTINY

DOROTHY EILEEN HEYWOOD-DOVE

The story of Abraham's life is characterized by his conscious, instinctive listening for and obedience to the voice of God. Throughout this patriarch's long history are repeated evidences of a lofty life purpose, unworldliness, noble motives, unswerving obedience and fidelity to divine direction. Adverse circumstances were overcome through his progressive understanding of Truth and obedience to the voice of God. He early obeyed God's command and in full faith left kindred, country, and home. When strife threatened his relationships with his nephew, Abraham with characteristic selflessness and faith offered him the choice of the lands before them. Lot, actuated by selfishness and shortsightedness, selected the fruitful plains in sight. Later by the mediation of Abraham he was rescued when he found himself involved in the tragedy of Sodom's destruction.

To Abraham's enlightened consciousness the desire was not so much for fertile plains and easy paths, but for "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebr. 11:10). This spiritual sense enabled Abraham to hear God's message (Gen. 17:1), "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." This high goal inspired his faithful and consistent purpose.

Mary Baker Eddy defines in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" the nature or character of Abraham as follows (p. 579): "Fidelity; faith in the divine Life and in the eternal Principle of being." And she adds, "This patriarch illustrated the purpose of Love to create trust in good, and showed the life-preserving power of spiritual understanding." Abraham continually fulfilled "the purpose of Love" through his obedience to divine Principle, to Almighty God, as revealed to him in spiritual communion. "The purpose of Love" constituted his own life purpose.

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