IN the tenth chapter of Matthew are to be found these words:"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." Until rightly understood this saying of the Master may seem to differ widely from the tender compassion usually expressed in his teaching. He was sending out the disciples to teach and practice the healing truth which he had taught them. He knew that this involved a warfare with the beliefs and prejudices of materiality, and that they would meet much that tended to discourage and trouble them in their unselfish work for mankind. He knew also that unless they kept their own thoughts clear and undimmed from mesmeric contentment with human systems and opinions they would be in danger of losing what he had given them, and of failing to bring about that redemption which he so longed to see accomplished. He therefore gave them the wise and protective admonition to "shake off the dust" of human thinking, in whatever guise it might present itself to them.
On page 584 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy defines "dust" as "nothingness; the absence of substance, life, or intelligence." What, then, was Jesus impressing upon his followers? Was he perhaps showing them the necessity of guarding themselves from accepting as real anything that implied "the absence of substance, life, or intelligence"? The metaphor he used showed a complete disregard of anything that was unlike good—it was unworthy of consideration or thought. He had already told them to salute each "house" they entered, and had pointed out that a receptive heart would recognize and gratefully accept the peace and comfort which accompany his teaching; but he added that if they met with no response they should in no wise lose their own peace, saying, "Let your peace return to you."
Peace of mind can be realized only as we entertain thoughts of love, joy, and compassionate good will. Far removed from intolerance were his instructions. Was he not pointing out to his followers that the only way by which they could accomplish their purpose was to keep always before them a clear perception of the truth, the spiritual fact that only Love is present, and that a recognition of this must bless those with whom they came in contact? In case of apparent failure the "other seventy" disciples were told by Jesus, "Notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." As they kept pure their unselfish love for others, and let no thought cast a shadow over their knowledge of God's law of perfection, they would take with them the kingdom of God, even if it were not understood or desired.
