The Psalmist sang, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Our Saviour, the "Prince of peace," knowing what must be accomplished before this realization was possible, said, "I came not to send peace, but a sword." The truth he taught has stirred the human mind to its depths. The aim of some of our best thinkers has been to establish the basic idea of the brotherhood of man. Men and women who were broad and generous in their thought may not have seen all their hopes realized, but the world is better because of their efforts to practise the Golden Rule, and is it not sufficient encouragement for us to know that they have gained a more exalted sense of love through their own experience?
With the discovery of Christian Science the permanent establishment of the brotherhood of man really began in this age. What Christian Science is doing toward this consummation is perhaps not fully realized by Christian Scientists themselves,—how much has already been gained by following the Manual of The Mother Church. One rule, Article XXI., Section I, has done wonders for many. How well our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has guided our movement, when we remember the enormity of the human beliefs that have already been overcome by the thousands who have entered our ranks!
After accepting Christian Science, the example of two Christian Scientists, a man and his wife, proved to me that the brotherhood of man was a present possibility. I learned that if two could live and work in harmony through Christian Science, it was possible for any number to do so. The example of these two dear friends pointed me to something higher than what I had at that time. I learned from them that their happiness was in Spirit, not in matter. These two people, working together correctly in Mind, brought about a harmonious condition. By putting out the carnal or fleshly mind, both were at once manifesting love, no matter whether they were at home or some distance apart. It was then I saw that people need not be at a distance from each other in order to be separated. Some people while in each other's presence are separated as much as they ever can be; and others may appear to be separated but yet in reality are together.
One of our lecturers said recently, "As a man looketh at the world, so is it." My first lesson in Christian Science taught me that if I set myself right, I would see others in a proper light, and I began to practise this with encouraging results. Since then it has been my privilege to see relatives and friends united through Christian Science. People who had fallen out over trivial matters were shown how to love their enemies. I believe that the ability to love one's enemies is attained by every sincere seeker after Truth. It is proverbial that those who accept the spirit of Christian Science at once lose their enmity toward any individual.
I remember once visiting a home where, in rather a peculiar way, I had the opportunity of planting a seed of truth. A clergyman was invited to the house at the same time. It was whispered around that I was a believer in Christian Science, but not a word was said openly about it. During the evening, however, the gentlemen retired to smoke, and the clergyman asked me if I would not have a pipe of tobacco with them. I thanked him kindly, and told him that I had been healed of the smoking habit through Christian Science. I said this without the slightest thought of criticism. The result was that several present investigated Christian Science, and have since become active workers for our Cause. Afterwards, I realized as never before, that every passion or false appetite overcome was a step toward the final glorious perception of the brotherhood of man. Every man's experience in life is valuable and a help to him. Having struggles of our own, we learn love and patience. Living in Christian Science is like being in a new world. It gives one such an exalted thought of church and home. One feels that he must express love; have it with him all the time, and be at-one with that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." In order to worship rightly he must know that there is but one Mind for all men to reflect. Praying that all men may have but one Mind, he is able to realize that any brother, wherever he may be, who declares the same truth, is dwelling in unity with every child of God.
