Article February 12, 1955 Issue

AN ESSENTIAL TO PROGRESS

WILFRED S. THORPE

The majority of mankind are searching for peace and harmony. It is true that some have in a measure attained this most desirable state. However, vast numbers are still searching for it. Those who try diligently to find it, but without avail, should realize that they are striving in the wrong direction. Many are expecting affluence or social position to satisfy them. Others are trying to find satisfaction in a different location or in a new position. Still others expect chance or circumstance or even luck to present them with permanent happiness and joy. However, contentment found in any of these ways proves to be temporary. It cannot be otherwise, for the basis of these measures is material, and time dims and ultimately destroys them.

It is apparent, then, that for peace and harmony to be permanent it must be established on a permanent basis. And this basis is Spirit, which is available to each one of us. To begin building on this foundation we must agree with the teaching of the Holy Bible that Spirit is God and is the only source of being. His offspring have never really lost their God-bestowed perfection. God could not endow His children with qualities which He does not possess Himself. So we must arouse ourselves from the dream that we are material and awaken to the eternal fact of celestial being. In the first chapter of Habakkuk we read (verses 12 and 13): "Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One?...Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity."

It is obvious that this line of reasoning from the basis of Spirit and its spiritual creation leads to happiness, while the egotistical belief that man is a creator has resulted through all time in trouble and unhappiness. Two such incompatible theories cannot occupy thought at the same time.

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"LET THERE BE LIGHT"
February 12, 1955
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