BEING TRUE TO TRUTH

John B. Willis

There are few objects on the continent more likely to stir the emotions of a thoughtful traveler than Thorwaldsen's celebrated Lion of Lucerne, in commemoration of the bravery of the Swiss guards who fell, Aug. 10, 1792, while defending the palace of the Tuilleries. There are works of art which would be classed as more noble and impressive, but as a symbol of that spirit of loyalty which has contributed a touch of romance and of heroism to the darkest chapters of human history, there is nothing finer.

It may be questioned whether the protection of an unworthy ruler from the judgment which his own misdoings had provoked was worthy of such a devotion and such a sacrifice, but quite regardless of the worthiness or unworthiness of the cause, the exhibition of a fidelity which hesitates at no hazard always makes instant appeal, and for the reason that it witnesses in our thought to some phase of true manliness. Pride of race, of caste, or of reputation may beget allegiance to a prescribed code of ethics, or of honor—even thieves and gamblers are said to be sensitively jealous of their standing among their kind; but in all this there is no recognition of Principle, and no adherence to it, hence nothing of that loyalty whose root significance is devotion to the rule of divine right, whose true meaning is faithfulness to Truth. This explains why clannish, partizan, and personal fealty always conduces to narrowness and intolerance. It explains, too, the inherently degrading effects of consent to the domination of society fads and fashions,—the saying and doing and wearing of things without consideration for either convenience, good taste, or common sense, simply because some person or class of persons has given a socially authoritative cue.

Christian Science brings new illumination and direction to thought respecting this matter, by making it clear that all true loyalty, whether to men or to movements, must have its ground and inspiration in fidelity to divine Principle; that we can entertain a right sense and impulse toward a brother or toward a cause only as we apprehend spiritual being and the relation of the given object of our interest thereto. When we are loyal to God for men and for enterprises, we are sure to do good, because we are sure, to do right, and to be saved from prejudice and misjudgment, while we gain that spiritual poise which enables us to think of men and things at their best, and so to serve them ever for their best. All our loyalties are thus linked to the keeping of the First Commandment, obedience to which shapes every activity, whether of the head, the heart, or the hand, so that all is done to the glory of God.

The real value of one's devotion to his fellow-men is measured by the clearness of his concept of the divine ideal for each. Without this reflection of Truth, one's interest may mean only injury for those he loves; indeed, there can be no true ministry in a love that is not born of God. Shakespeare may not have so sensed it, nevertheless this surely is the meaning of his saying,—

To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.

The test of character is found in our attitude toward our highest ideals, and in so far as this attitude is one of unswerving loyalty, in so far are we the ministers of Christ and truly helpful to others. To "trust in Truth, and have no other trusts," as Mrs. Eddy has counseled (Sentinel, July 4, 1903), is to be saved from those disappointing devotions to personality and to mortal concepts which tend in their outcome to deplete and dissipate well-meant and seemingly laudable human endeavor at right doing. It is to perceive and tenaciously adhere to the true, the beautiful, and the good, and these alone, wherever presented. It is to honor God in all our choices and acts, and this is the heart of genuine loyalty.

John B. Willis.

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AMONG THE CHURCHES

November 19, 1910

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