Article November 22, 1952 Issue

"A CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST IS A HUMANITARIAN"

CORA L. SLAUGHTER

In simple, positive terms the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy states with authority (Art. VIII, Sect. 22), "A Christian Scientist is a humanitarian; he is benevolent, forgiving, long-suffering, and seeks to overcome evil with good." It can be concluded, therefore, that one who is not benevolent, forgiving, long-suffering and does not seek to overcome evil with good, one who is not a humanitarian, cannot be a Christian Scientist.

Though one may be well versed in the letter of Christian Science and able to expound its teaching, if he is not exemplifying the foregoing qualities of thought he cannot claim the title of Christian Scientist. A humanitarian is one who has regard for the interests of humanity. Such a one does not ignore humanity's interests, scorn them, or depreciate them. Concomitant with his love are his deeds, which are the expression of his true regard. In the degree that his affection for humanity is unselfish, impartial, and constant, it is the reflection of the Love that is God. Solicitude, tenderness, compassion, human affection, and sympathy are never lacking in the ministrations of the Christian Scientist who is a humanitarian, for the whole purpose of the genuine Christian Scientist is to manifest divine Love in his daily contacts with mankind.

Mrs. Eddy says in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 250): "Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or goodness without activity and power. As a human quality, the glorious significance of affection is more than words: it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent, ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows; the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a side door; the little feet tripping along the sidewalk; the gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark places of earth." When our love for humanity takes on the qualities of Principle, divine Love becomes the foundation of our actions, the motive power of all that we say and do.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

THE SYMBOLISM OF NATURE