Article August 15, 1964 Issue

Purity

[Of Special Interest to Young Men and Women]

JOHN H. WILLIAMS

One of the persistent mistaken beliefs that plague people is that there is pleasure in matter. Time after time mortals yield to this belief, and time after time the result is disappointment and regret. If one accepts its more aggressive, forms, such as gluttony, smoking, alcoholic drinking, idolizing the body, and sensuality, the lie of pleasure in matter can result in mesmeric bondage that leads to suffering and despair.

Those with an enlightened sense of right may desire to turn from this enslavement but often don't know how. One attempts to stop but finds he can't. Willpower is tried, but there is no victory. What can one do?

Christ Jesus gave us the answer. His Sermon on the Mount includes this inspiring beatitude (Matt. 5:8): "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." As one understands, cultivates, and practices purity, he becomes aware of the presence of God, good, and the inclination to believe in pleasure in matter disappears.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"We are not divided"