AN underlying attraction of worthwhile things is simplicity, the inherent charm and beauty of which appeals legitimately to thought. The influence and strength of that which is tangible and secure is largely based upon simplicity. Whether meek or mighty, high or low, humble or great, anything rightly classified as such is always associated with this quality.
Historical records of every kind disclose the value of simplicity. They show in numerous ways that successful men and women have oftentimes played their important parts with marked freedom from ostentation and elaborateness. Whatever has been a genuine, enduring accomplishment has been brought about with quiet dignity and plainness, which gave it the touch of humility that rendered it praiseworthy. Whatever has been a notable work of kindness, love, devotion, self-sacrifice, or cross-bearing has been established with unadorned naturalness, which crowned it with a distinction that will never fade away.
Turning to the best of books, the Bible, we find simplicity throughout its sacred pages. In examining the Old Testament we learn that one of the Hebrew words embracing this quality of thought means completeness, innocence, integrity; while in the New Testament the Greek term embodying it denotes liberality and bountifulness as well as singleness. With the two meanings conjoined, and with the additional definition of "sincerity," we are afforded a comprehensive view of the significance of the word under discussion.
Gentle, transforming simplicity dominated the motives and acts of many heroic characters of the Bible, and made their careers an inspiration for all time. Beginning with Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets, and coming down to the apostles, we feel instinctively within our hearts a deep admiration for these stanch, steadfast characters, who wrought many wonders through their strong, unbroken faith in the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. Theirs was indeed the consciousness of spiritual, eternal good; theirs the knowledge of divine Truth —the acme of sincerity and pure-mindedness!
The Christian era was ushered in through marked simplicity—through the lowly birth of Christ Jesus, the Saviour of men. And from that time to this, integrity and genuineness have characterized true Christianity, despite the fact that they have not always accompanied the outward forms of denominational worship. By studying the New Testament narratives,—even though the letter may sometimes appear, through obscurity or ambiguity, to conceal the spirit,— one gains a vital hold upon their intrinsic worth. Each account in these later Scriptures is so fundamentally clear and sound that its true value may be grasped by all who will analyze it and accept it in the practical light in which it is presented.
Christ Jesus was the embodiment of simplicity. In both word and deed never did any other express this superb quality as did he. Throughout his entire ministry he approached God with spiritual naturalness, and thus he brought God's power and glory to human perception and experience. Whatever the environment in which he found himself, a plain, humble confidence accompanied all his actions. Whether the way was smooth or rough, pleasant or unpleasant, harmonious or inharmonious, this same sure confidence was the means whereby the Master kept ever near the Father, and discerned His perfect will. Only by prayerful meditation upon his wonderful teachings and demonstrations can we discern the significance, beauty, and triumph of the holy sincerity which emphasized the Master's divine sonship and helped to make him the mightiest of men.
In the nineteenth century Mary Baker Eddy, who manifested true simplicity, was able to draw so close to God as to hear His voice distinctly, and discern clearly the demonstrable nature of His word. As a result, she made a marvelous discovery, which she named Christian Science. To acquaint the race with her revelation she penned the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and then founded the Christian Science movement, which has already encircled the globe.
It is not in the least strange that this humble, sincere gentlewoman, spiritual, pure, and good, should have been called of God to act as His messenger for this age and for succeeding ages. It is not strange that she, who was so remarkably childlike, loving, and kind, should have been divinely inspired to reveal to mankind "the Comforter ... even the Spirit of truth," which, as Christ Jesus declared, "is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name." Following faithfully in the Master's footsteps, as had always been her wont. Mrs. Eddy was ideally equipped to discover the Science of Christianity, and to give it to the world as the divine Comforter.
Based upon the sayings and doings of Christ Jesus, and reduced to simple statement and practice by Mrs. Eddy, Christian Science is by its very nature the perfect expression of spiritual strength and power. And being plainly intelligible, it requires humble, meek thought to apprehend it and to prove its verities. Christian Science is the truth of being, and any thinker knows that the truth in whatever form is always clear and forceful. What sometimes seems hard in striving toward the truth, is not the truth itself, but one's inability to grasp it. When this inability disappears, when the uninstructed thought is enlightened and ignorance is supplanted by exact knowledge, one comes to see that the truth is plain and uninvolved, and that it is made manifest in plain, direct ways. This supremely important fact was brought out again and again by the Master; and it is stressed continually by Mrs. Eddy.
Christian Science, which is based wholly upon the Bible, teaches that God is Spirit, Mind, Life, Truth, Love, and is infinitely good; that He is all-power, all-presence, and all—intelligence, which means that divine goodness and Love, divine Truth and Life, alone are real; and that so—called evil, sin, sickness, and death are not real, because they are unlike God, good. Christian Science further teaches that man is the perfect spiritual image or likeness of God, and that the universe is the divine reflection or expression of God.
Could anything be more straightforward in statement than this? Could anything be more adaptable to reason? No. Is the letter of Christian Science difficult to grasp, or its meaning hard to apprehend? Not if one honestly desires an understanding of Science, and is willing to apply himself as diligently in gaining it as he would in acquiring an understanding of any other subject. As if to emphasize the keynote of Christian Science, the poet Whittier writes:
To do Thy will is more than praise,
As words are less than deeds,
And simple trust can find Thy ways
We miss with chart of creeds.
Our Friend, our Brother, and our Lord,
What may Thy service be?—
Nor name, nor form, nor ritual word,
But simply following Thee.
It is generally admitted that the most natural exponent of simplicity is the unspoiled child. This being the case, it becomes at once apparent that in acquiring childlikeness adults must manifest graces far removed from affectation and pretense. And anyone who will strive to do this— who will strive after innocence, purity, sincerity, love, kindness, generosity, and unselfishness—will be repaid a thousandfold, yea, will gain a higher blessing than can be described in material terms. Really to know the heart of a little child and then to follow in his joyous pathway, is to find not only sweet sincerity, but to gain some understanding of perfection as well.
In studying the noble characters of the Scriptures, it is very inspiring to find childlike frankness, humility, and affection manifested by them and dominating their experiences.
In the third chapter of I Kings we are told that Solomon, in asking God for understanding to enable him to perform his duties as king, and to govern him in choosing between good and evil, declared, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in." Is it any wonder that such a humble and sincere appeal as this—an appeal quite unhampered by human opinions and outlining— reached the ear of omnipotence and gained favor? Is it any wonder that God granted Solomon's request, and that this blessing was outwardly manifested in riches and honor?
The prophet Isaiah is one of the strong characters of the Bible; and simplicity is fundamental in his nature. Eloquent and dignified, vigorous and pointed though his writings are, yet never for a moment do they fail to be meek, humble, and direct. Attesting this fact in the eleventh chapter of Isaiah is a prophetic portrayal which is most impressive and reassuring. The prophet says, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."
Let us stop right here to consider this remarkable affirmation. The '"wolf," the "leopard," the "young lion"! What, according to general mortal belief, do these creatures suggest to us? Anything that would readily draw one to them? Ah, no; rather do they seem to express that which excites fear and unrest. Humanly speaking, they stand for that which is treacherous, harmful, and destructive; that which is not considered safe for one to approach, much less to deal with trustingly or intimately. In a word, these beasts appear to manifest in a marked degree the assertive revenge, animosity, maliciousness, ferocity, of unreal mortal mind.
But through "the knowledge of the Lord," of which "the earth shall be full," as Isaiah further prophesies, these supposedly dangerous creatures are to be brought into direct contact with the "lamb," the "kid," the "calf," the "fading," and are to dwell together with them in peace, gentleness, and harmony. Then the crowning miracle! A little child shall lead them all—meaning that tenderness, fearlessness, purity, love, and simple gentleness shall govern the whole situation, and crown the demonstration.
In examining the New Testament we find a pronounced measure of childlike simplicity; and its power is immense. We see it influencing and dominating the lives of men and women, and making them strong and admirable characters.
There is no difficulty in identifying this quality of thought with such outstanding natures as John the beloved disciple, who was so trustingly companionable with Jesus; with John the Baptist, who preached fervently and sincerely the coming of the Master; with Paul, that sturdy, unwavering apostle, who stood boldly yet meekly for the Christ, Truth, and warned us against being "corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ;" with Peter, James, and others, who were so plain and straightforward in their teaching and practice.
But the perfect model of simplicity was Christ Jesus, our Way-shower. Being himself so ideally childlike, so trustingly good, is it any wonder that he drew around him little children, and by means of them taught beautifully helpful spiritual lessons? Is it any wonder, too, that the true follower of Jesus should also be an admirer of the pure, loving child, as was the Master?
All are familiar with the occasion upon which the disciples came to Jesus and asked him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. We remember that he did not respond by naming some particular person, as, for instance, one of the ancient worthies of the Old Testament, or even himself. No, indeed! Instead, he called a little child to him, and placed him in the midst of the disciples. Then he told them plainly that this little child was typical of the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of bliss, perfection, and harmony. Yea, more! He pointedly informed them that unless they were converted and became childlike also, they could in no wise enter into this desired kingdom. And he went on to say: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
At another time, when young children were brought to him, and the disciples had protested to those bringing them, the Master "was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Also, "he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." In speaking of her labors to benefit adults, Mrs. Eddy writes, on page 130 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," that she "has often remembered our Master's love for little children, and understood how truly such as they belong to the heavenly kingdom."
Some time ago a troubled mother called on a Christian Scientist for aid. As she presented her case, grief took hold of her. Her little son, who was a regular attendant at a Christian Science Sunday School, and who had accompanied his mother, said tenderly, "God loves you, and He is right here!" In a moment the heavy atmosphere had cleared. What had happened? The difficulty had been banished completely; an instantaneous healing had taken place; and a little child had made the demonstration!
At another time a father, deep in the mire of sin and distress, wandered into the office of a Christian Science practitioner with his small daughter, whose countenance was aglow with love and confidence. Seeking help, the father began to tell his sad story. In the midst of it the child declared, "God is with you, and He will help you!" The practitioner assured him that the child's words were true, and that she had found the key to healing and harmony. New hope was kindled, and understanding was awakened. Ah, once again had a little child, through "the knowledge of the Lord," led the way out of discord, into peace, health, and joy.
The simple purity, selflessness, and joyfulness of a little child; the faith and trust in good; the tendency to give and to share; and the constant desire to see and know only real happiness and whatever makes for it—no language can portray! The Apostle John several times addresses his readers as "little children;" and this salutation is meant to include all of us. If we, as diligent students of the Bible and of Mrs. Eddy's writings, are equipped with enough childlike simplicity, humility, unselfishness, and gentleness really to come under this designation, we are fortunate indeed.
May we, as loyal followers of our great Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, behold the high yet plain, simple standard of the Christ, Truth, which is so beautifully and practically set up in Christian Science; and may we rally unfalteringly round this standard, making it our very own in thought and deed!
