Moral Courage

MARION C. JONES

TO study the Scriptures in the light of Christian Science is to understand the motives and lives of the prophets and apostles. Differences of custom, climate, and race melt away, and these great men and women are loved as never before, for their victories over self, for their courage and far-seeing wisdom. New beauties in the Bible and priceless lessons unfold at every advancing step, just as in mountain climbing new peaks and fold upon fold of distant ranges are disclosed as one climbs higher.

The story of Stephen, related in the book of Acts, is as inspiring as it is brief. He is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost;" and the great work that he was doing in Jerusalem is plainly stated. His healing work aroused bitter opposition, so that Stephen was brought before the high priest, and an opportunity given him to speak. With calm courage he proceeded to trace the appearing of the spiritual idea in human consciousness, and its unfolding from the time of Abraham until the crucifixion of Jesus. Fearlessly he exposed the antagonism and consequent persecution which had always attended those who had maintained the supremacy of God on earth as in heaven. Last of all he declared that his auditors, the scribes and the elders, were even then the persecutors of the spiritual idea, the Christ, Truth. Stephen's heroism was coupled with unfaltering love; for as they stoned him he cried, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Then, as the record states, "he fell asleep."

A casual reading of this narrative might bring a sense of doubt as to whether Stephen was truly wise in thus fearlessly exposing the crime of those who had crucified the Master. Yet his wisdom has already been acknowledged in these words: "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." The record states, too, that as he faced the chief priest, his countenance was transfigured "as it had been the face of an angel." God's truth meant far more to Stephen than human life itself; and the rich fruitage of his deed was indicated soon afterwards in the great light which dawned upon Saul. Stephen's inspired words were heard by Paul, who was later to labor "more abundantly than they all,"—than any other disciple or apostle, to establish the early Christian church.

The conversion of Paul is thrice referred to in the Acts of the Apostles. It was of inestimable value to humanity; for not only did much persecution of Jesus' followers cease upon its happening, but the sick were healed everywhere the gospel was preached, the church of Christ was strengthened, and the Scriptures were enriched by Paul's inspired teaching. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," refers three times to Paul's conversion. On page 324 she writes, "When the truth first appeared to him in Science, Paul was made blind, and his blindness was felt; but spiritual light soon enabled him to follow the example and teachings of Jesus, healing the sick and preaching Christianity throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and even in imperial Rome."

The spiritual light that dawned upon Saul was his sudden realization of the truth Stephen had uttered. The voice of Truth spoke to him, and spoke audibly. All that Stephen had said to him was now plain; and for three days Saul reviewed the past. Then true courage inspired him! The change in his thinking separated him immediately from the Pharisees, of whom he had been one; and his past persecutions of all Christians left those of Damascus in grave doubt as to his present sincerity. But he stood alone with God, "increased the more in strength," and continued to follow the leading of divine wisdom, "proving that this is very Christ."

Christian Scientists are unceasingly grateful that in our own day Mary Baker Eddy had the moral courage to face all opponents and utter the truth as did Stephen. Many heard her words who, like Saul, had been going on their way unheeding, perhaps in their blind zeal serving evil in the name of good, until the light of Truth dawned upon their awakened consciousness and transformed their lives, causing them to bring forth fruit with "signs following." Paul's turning to God was a wondrous exemplification of atonement. Christian Science is to-day enabling every one to fulfill his individual part in the atonement, "the at-one-ment with Truth and Love" (Science and Health, p. 21); and God supplies the moral courage requisite for this great work.

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