IF one is endeavoring to live for all mankind he is learning what true living means, and he is learning what true loving means. Spiritually considered, there is small difference of meaning between the two words "live" and "love." Living for all mankind means loving all mankind, an achievement that is not impossible when one gains the knowledge of love as impersonal, the reflection of that perfect Love which is God.
To live for all mankind is to be a Christian Scientist after the manner of the Leader of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy. She thought in terms of salvation to all people. Her writings reiterate this theme, the idea appearing even in a line of a poem entitled "Alphabet and Bayonet" written when she was but a girl, where we find the words,"Live to bless mankind"(Poems, p. 60). May we not be justified in thinking that in this expression she fixed at that early age, perhaps unconsciously, the purpose of her life-work? Further significance is added to this thought by the fact that among her latest published utterances is the much quoted one which sets forth the object of The Christian Science Monitor, "To injure no man, but to bless all mankind" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 353). Twice in the Manual of The Mother Church Mrs. Eddy has obligated her followers to work and pray for the welfare of all mankind (Manual, Art. VIII, Sects. 4, 16). Then we find in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 294) her specification of "a real Christian Scientist" as one who "lives for all mankind."
Every sincere student of Christian Science desires to be classed as "a real Christian Scientist." Success in this direction requires not only that one shall be lifted out of sin, disease, and other errors, but that he shall be imbued with the desire to use his proven good for the healing of his brother men. Ability to heal through spiritual means bears the hall mark of Christian Science, and this healing cannot be accomplished without a measure of genuine love for all mankind. Out of heartfelt gratitude for our own blessing comes the desire to love more and to prove this love by blessing others. Certain it is that true spiritual healing in Christian Science is not possible of realization by anyone who confesses to an absence of good will toward all men. With this kind of love comes the spirit of the healing Christ, Truth.
