Editorial July 17, 1978 Issue

Learning to love all mankind

Naomi Price

"I never met a man I didn't like." This saying, perhaps more than any other of Will Rogers' vast repertoire of quotable quotes, reveals a secret of his successful life.

Can we honestly echo these simple words of the humorist-philosopher from Oklahoma? It could well be a test of the efficacy of our prayer. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says, "True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection." And for those who wonder how it can be possible to express such all-inclusive love it must be enlightening to read on to the next sentence, where Mrs. Eddy explains, "Prayer is the utilization of the love wherewith He loves us."^{ No and Yes, p. 39;}

A keystone of the teachings of Christianity is that God loves every individual spiritual object He has created. He cherishes each with the tender, practical affection of both Father and Mother. Not one is omitted from His appreciation and solicitude. They are the living expressions of His own nature, existing to bear witness to His power and goodness. God values and loves them all.

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