The Kinship of Spirit

Ella W. Hoag

All men long for a right understanding of kinship. Every one in his innermost heart desires to know how to bring about in his living that true sense of relationship which will result in blessing and blessedness, not only to himself, but to others. From the human standpoint, many fret selfishly over their inability to win the good which they feel should be found in right relationship; while to the unselfish there is no disappointment so keen as that which comes from the recognition that they have failed—from one cause or another—to convey happiness to those with whom they have been associated.

Nothing can be of greater importance to every one than a correct understanding of relationship. All know that they exist in the midst of relationship in some form, since it would be quite impossible to imagine any one so isolated that he would not be conscious of some sense of it. Existence without association would not be existence, for its selfcentered limitation would necessarily reduce it to its own nothingness. The world has heard a great deal on the subject of relationship, but it has not reached satisfying conclusions in regard to it, since the fluctuating happiness and frequently recurring misery which are apparent to-day are the proof of its failure to gain a correct comprehension of the joy true relationship must include.

From the beginning of time, men have sought in a multitude of directions, through setting up all sorts of ideals, to find the truth about relationship which would make it possible for them to live in harmony with one another. The psalmist extolled such relationship when he sang, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" This unity has, however, seemed the exception in human affairs. Mrs. Eddy explains the reason for this in "Unity of Good" (p. 9), where she says: "The talent and genius of the centuries have wrongly reckoned. They have not based upon revelation their arguments and conclusions as to the source and resources of being,—its combinations, phenomena, and outcome,—but have built instead upon the sand of human reason. They have not accepted the simple teaching and life of Jesus as the only true solution of the perplexing problem of human existence."

"The simple teaching and life of Jesus"! Here is the solutions. Here is the way of solving every life-problem; and, above all, here is the way of bringing into activity that right understanding of kinship which will result in harmony among all men. So long as men base their beliefs in relationship on human personalities, they are inevitably doomed to the disappointment which must accrue from all belief in things finite and material. On the other hand, to turn to Jesus' simple teaching and living for instruction is to gain that vision which reveals the peace which passeth understanding and the love which passeth knowledge.

Jesus' entire teaching and living were based, not only on the truth of man's perfect relationship to God, but also on the perfect kinship of all God's children. To know God as infinite Father-Mother is immediately to bring into view the revelation of the divine "source and resources of being, its combinations, phenomena, and outcome." In other words, when one begins to understand one's relationship to God, all the marvelous beauties of the kinship of Spirit commence to unfold. All the truth about kinship must, therefore, be in God, the divine Mind, and must include, not only the perfect unity of God and man, but also the perfect kinship of all men; for does not one Father-Mother God necessarily imply one universal brotherhood? Herein, then, is no place for any sense of separation,—no place for loss or disagreement, for jealousy or hate; but instead, there is place only for the glorious facts of such unity as a universal understanding of obedience to the one divine Mind alone can bring about, where each one knows the happiness of seeking his own good in reflecting love to his brother.

Now, this is the glorious way of entering into the heaven of good which Christian Science presents; and yet, how slow mankind seems in availing itself of the marvelous privilege! To Christian Scientists is committed the responsibility of proving this kinship of Spirit with all its harmonizing power. What if it does demand the relinquishment of all that is merely personal! Why should we hesitate to let go of the false and transitory,—yes, and tormenting,—when we can thus win all that is blissful and holy, heart-satisfying and joy-producing? We need not fear this will deprive us or others of any good. On the contrary, we shall find every right tie made holier, every least gem of true affection become more precious and every effort after unselfish love purified and glorified. We shall be learning to reflect the Love of which our dear Leader tells us in "Pulpit and Press" (p. 21): "A love unselfish, unambitious, impartial, universal,—that loves only because it is Love."

Then will the kinship of Spirit be demonstrated, and the promise of our loved hymn be fulfilled:—

"So may the unbelieving world
See how true Christians love;
And glorify our Saviour's grace,
And seek that grace to prove."

Ella W. Hoag.

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