IT was the privilege of the writer at one time to attend a concert of religious music given by a well-known choir. It was observed that no keynote was given them on the stage, and as they were singing unaccompanied she wondered what their method might be. Later it was learned that the keynote was given them before going on the stage, and was retained until the rendition of the selection. This was accomplished through individual training.
How beautifully this might be applied in the daily work of the Christian Scientist! Is not divine Love the keynote of demonstrable Christian Science? Could one imagine what the result would have been at that concert if the keynote had not been retained? Certainly the result would not have been very harmonious. And so it is that, when we forget Love, God, and forget to love, inharmonious results follow.
If, before taking up the activities of the day, each individual would pause a few moments to listen for this keynote, divine Love, and retain it during the day, what harmony would be felt by those with whom he came into contact! The earnest student of Christian Science is striving to demonstrate the sustaining harmonies of infinite Mind; and to the degree that the Golden Rule is practiced in his daily living, and mercy, justice, goodness, the attributes of God, are manifested, the more harmonious will be the song reaching to bless mankind.
What is the glorious melody that fills the heart to overflowing? Is it not joy for victories won, love that is expressed to a brother in unselfed deeds, a smile to a passer-by, a word of encouragement to the heavy-laden? A smile is such a simple expression of kindness; and a little word of encouragement seems not much to express, but it is a small beginning which blossoms into fuller expression of loving-kindness.
Notes, sharps and flats in music, seem such simple things; but think what harmony these small notations bring. Love must be active to prove its goodness and power. As every song has a signature upon which the composition is based, so all expressions of love have their origin in God.
Love does everything for us. It destroys hate and fear; it protects, purifies, controls, and heals. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 454) Mrs. Eddy writes, "Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way."By the inspiration of love we are brought into communion with God, who, through true thoughts, shows us what to do and how; and thus ever goes before us.
Mortals need God's guidance to bring out the harmonies of spiritual being. None can do without love, for Love is Life. The consciousness which is filled with love is ever alert and watchful, ready to be of service, quick to see a need and to supply it. Such a consciousness our Master had. An example of his great love for mankind is recorded in the seventh chapter of Luke. When he and his disciples, with many others, were entering the city called Nain, a dead man was being carried out for burial. He was the only son of a widowed mother. Her grief was apparent, for she was crying. The Master's great heart of love was touched, for he saw that she was in great need. Jesus told her not to grieve, for he knew there was in reality no occasion for sorrow. Nothing sad had really happened. Life is always life, active, normal, uninterrupted, because God is Life. Therefore joy could be the only effect of ever present harmonious activity. Immediately he proved the power of Love to correct the false sense. He touched the bier, the bearers stopped, the lie was silenced, and he bade the young man to arise. Then we read that he who was dead arose and began to speak, and was restored to his mother. "Out of the amplitude of his [Jesus'] pure affection, he defined Love. With the affluence of Truth, he vanquished error"(Science and Health, p. 54). Discords in our human affairs arise from a false sense of man's relationship to God. It is the loving chord which silences discord with harmony.
Love is indeed the key which unlocks the treasures of harmony, and all who will use this key have the privilege and right to prove the joy which comes from listening unceasingly for the voice of God.
