To one looking out over the world of human endeavor it may seem that the ills of men are many. Looking through the lens of mortal sense, much is seen that is unlike the heavenly Father and His perfect and harmonious universe. But is that real which is not good? Do troubled world conditions come of God, the Father of all, or do such conditions represent a false state of mortal thought? Being infinite good, "of purer eyes than to behold evil," God could not create iniquity, hatred, greed, aggression. Is not liberty for all mankind divinely natural? Is not God's infallible government demonstrable, and is not righteousness unconquerable? These are momentous questions to be considered in humanity's quest of a lasting peace and a sure prosperity.
There is another question, a vital one, now uppermost in the hearts and thoughts of every God loving individual, namely, "How can I contribute more substantially to world harmony; what can I do to promote peace, liberty, protection, happiness, and health for all mankind?"
Because mere human endeavor has resulted in repeated failures to establish and perpetuate peaceful world relations, many are turning to God prayerfully seeking a more certain way of bringing among men the harmonious kingdom of God. And many throughout the world are learning that Christian Science not only answers the fundamental questions about existence, but points out the better way and enables its adherents to demonstrate the presence of good. Through the study of Christian Science many are being led out of the darkness of mortal beliefs and opinions. Statesmen, as well as business and professional men and women, are finding that the truth about God and man, as revealed through Christian Science, gives them perspicacity and clearness of vision not otherwise obtainable; that it enables them to make more righteous decisions, and to be more effective workers in the warfare against human ignorance and despotism.
Human strife, ill-balanced economy, and the like are not the result of material conditions, but they are the manifestation of distorted" human beliefs, the result of mortal ignorance about God and His infinite resources. Hence, an effective influence in the overcoming of evil is exercised by the spiritually enlightened who through Christian Science are gaining a demonstrable understanding of God and His man, and who obey the Scriptural command to love one's neighbor as oneself. Were this command held uppermost in the hearts of all men, war, want, and woe would be wiped out of human experience.
The inspired teaching of Christ Jesus, scientifically understood and lived, spiritualizes individual thought and in this measure helps to heal world conditions. The Master knew God, divine Principle, to be omnipotent and omnipresent. And he taught his followers how to take up arms against evil, through spirituality. By so doing the prophecy of Isaiah can be fulfilled, namely, that God. divine Love, "shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Yes, what we most need is to learn better the truth which the Master said would make us free, and to make that truth practical in our daily lives.
Throughout human history, the material opposition to divine Principle has resulted in war. Suggestions of evil, mad ambition, hatred, and greed have asserted themselves against the intellectual and spiritual forces working in the thoughts of those who would be guided by divine Love, those who would bring the kingdom of God to earth. When Christ Jesus came among men, material resistance was directed against him and against the truth he demonstrated. Yet he overcame the destructive elements of the carnal mind with his understanding of God, his implicit faith in Principle, Love, and a courage untouched by the claims of mortal sense. He demonstrated the infallible remedy for every human ill. He was militant in his warfare against the so-called forces of evil. He was mentally alert to detect and reject the wolves which appeared in sheep's clothing. His defense against human deception and despotism was the Christ, Truth, which he revealed and manifested in its fullness of power, and he triumphantly prevailed over every enemy, even the one called death. The Master said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Mary Baker Eddy, through scientific revelation and demonstration, discovered the truth of being, wherein and whereby men may enjoy good more abundantly. Through trials and conflicts she carried the banner of Truth to victory. Much of the time in her early presentation of her revelation of Truth to mankind she stood alone with God. Many concoctions of mortal mind were set up to defeat her purpose, but they were vanquished because her purpose was a righteous one, wisely and unwaveringly adhered to; they utterly failed before the light and power of spiritual understanding. She prayed scientifically and effectively, and she was divinely directed to take such human footsteps as would ensure protection against opposition to her revelation of divine Principle. She did not acquiesce in evil. She knew God to be divine Mind; therefore she acknowledged but one Mind as capable of safely guiding mankind. She strove persistently to draw nearer to God. that she might keep in constant communion with the one all-knowing divine Mind. And, with respect to world affairs, alert and conscientious students of Christian Science strive, as did their Leader, to follow the Master's example in overcoming all error.
Harmony is one with righteousness, and is demonstrable. Through an understanding of the Christ, Truth, one can reach a true sense of harmony. Through such a state of consciousness one can realize and help to sustain righteousness, harmony, and peace in the home, the church, the office, in business, and in the government. Thus one can prove the far-reaching and healing effect of individual right thinking; thus one can prove the allness and omnipotence of God, divine Mind.
The progressive march of men toward a higher sense of harmony and liberty is divinely natural, since God is good, divine Love, Truth, and Life. We learn in Christian Science that good and evil are irreconcilable; hence mortal lust for carnal so-called power or despotism is never appeasable. It is the darkened human thought which cries. "Peace, peace; when there is no peace." A peace that is not based upon divine Principle is not a real or lasting peace. The wisdom of divine Mind makes it clear that there can be no peace between good and evil, for good destroys evil as Truth destroys error. And those who are guided by divine Love never lay down arms against evil until evil is banished, until victory rests on the side of right.
It is plain that we cannot stand aloof from world conditions. We are citizens of the world. We cannot neglect our duty to God and to our fellow citizens, and we should not neglect our daily prayer for world salvation. It is wise to take such human footsteps as are necessary to defend righteousness against the cruelties of unrighteousness, and to let these steps lead toward the demonstration of eternal peace and perfection. The alert Christian Scientist looks to the all-knowing divine Mind for guidance in taking the necessary human footsteps, seeks to take them as wisely and well as need be. He persistently works also to know the infinitude of God and the unreality of that which is not good. Thus he proves himself a substantial asset to his community and to his country. Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 253, 254), "The divine demand, 'Be ye therefore perfect,' is scientific, and the human footsteps leading to perfection are indispensable."
Like their inspired Leader, vigilant and faithful students of Christian Science give daily specific and prayerful thought toward bringing about victory for righteousness, toward overcoming the universal belief in sin, disease, and death. By so doing they contribute much to the spiritual advancement of mankind, and they enjoy protection, liberty, peace, health, and prosperity in their own experience. They are deeply concerned in the solution of world problems, as well as in the solution of individual problems. And their quiet meditations include thoughtful consideration of the "Daily Prayer," found in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 4), where Mrs. Eddy writes: "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to pray each day: 'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!"
