Miscellaneous Writings Part 58

Rights that are bargained away must not be retaken by the contractors, except by mutual consent. Human nature has bestowed on a wife the right to become a mother; but if the wife esteems not this privilege, by mutual consent, exalted and increased affections, she [25]

may win a higher. Science touches the conjugal ques- tion on the basis of a bill of rights. Can the bill of con- jugal rights be fairly stated by a magistrate, or by a minister? Mutual interests and affections are the spirit of these rights, and they should be consulted, augmented, [30]

and allowed to rise to the spiritual alt.i.tude whence they can choose only good.

[Page 290.]

A third person is not a party to the compact of two [1]

hearts. Let other people's marriage relations _alone_: two persons only, should be found within their precincts.

The nuptial vow is never annulled so long as the animus of the contract is preserved intact. Science lifts humanity [5]

higher in the scale of harmony, and must ultimately break all bonds that hinder progress.

Judge Not

Mistaken views ought to be dissolving views, since whatever is false should disappear. To suppose that hu- [10]

man love, guided by the divine Principle, which is Love, is partial, unmerciful, or unjust, indicates misapprehen- sion of the divine Principle and its workings in the human heart.

A person wrote to me, naming the time of the occur- [15]

rence, "I felt the influence of your thought on my mind, and it produced a wonderful illumination, peace, and understanding;" but, I had not thought of the writer at that time. I knew that this person was doing well, and my affections involuntarily flow out towards all. [20]

When will the world cease to judge of causes from a personal sense of things, conjectural and misapprehen- sive! When thought dwells in G.o.d,-and it should not, to our consciousness, dwell elsewhere,-one must bene- fit those who hold a place in one's memory, whether it [25]

be friend or foe, and each share the benefit of that radia- tion. This individual blessedness and blessing comes not so much from individual as from universal love: it emits light because it reflects; and all who are receptive share this equally. [30]

[Page 291.]

Mistaken or transient views are human: they are not [1]

governed by the Principle of divine Science: but the notion that a mind governed by Principle can be forced into personal channels, affinities, self-interests, or obliga- tions, is a grave mistake; it dims the true sense of G.o.d's [5]

reflection, and darkens the understanding that demon- strates above personal motives, unworthy aims and ambitions.

Too much and too little is attached to me as authority for other people's thoughts and actions. A tacit acqui- [10]

escence with others' views is often construed as direct orders,-or at least it so appears in results. I desire the equal growth and prosperity of all Christian Scien- tists, and the world in general; each and every one has equal opportunity to be benefited by my thoughts and [15]

writings. If any are not partakers thereof, this is not my fault, and is far from my desire; the possible per- version of Christian Science is the irony of fate, if the spirit thereof be lacking. I would part with a blessing myself to bestow it upon others, but could not deprive [20]

them of it. False views, however engendered, relative to the true and unswerving course of a Christian Scientist, will at length dissolve into thin air. The dew of heaven will fall gently on the hearts and lives of all who are found worthy to suffer for righteousness,-and have taught [25]

the truth which is energizing, refreshing, and consecrat- ing mankind.

To station justice and grat.i.tude as sentinels along the lines of thought, would aid the solution of this problem, and counteract the influence of envious minds or the mis- [30]

guided individual who keeps not watch over his emotions and conclusions.

[Page 292.]

New Commandment

The divinity of St. John's Gospel brings to view over- [1]

whelming tides of revelation, and its spirit is baptismal; he chronicles this teaching, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another." [5]

Jesus, who so loved the world that he gave his life (in the flesh) for it, saw that Love had a new command- ment even for him. What was it?

It must have been a rare revelation of infinite Love, a new tone on the scale ascending, such as eternity is ever [10]

sounding. Could I impart to the student the higher sense I entertain of Love, it would partly ill.u.s.trate the divine energy that brings to human weakness might and majesty. Divine Love eventually causes mortals to turn away from the open sepulchres of sin, and look no more [15]

into them as realities. It calls loudly on them to bury the dead out of sight; to forgive and forget whatever is unlike the risen, immortal Love; and to shut out all op- posite sense. Christ enjoins it upon man to help those who know not what he is doing in their behalf, and there- [20]

fore curse him; enjoins taking them by the hand and leading them, if _possible_, to Christ, by loving words and deeds. Charity thus serves as admonition and instruc- tion, and works out the purposes of Love.

Christian Science, full of grace and truth, is accom- [25]

plishing great good, both seen and unseen; but have mortals, with the penetration of Soul, searched the secret chambers of sense? I never knew a student who fully understood my instructions on this point of handling evil,-as to just how this should be done,-and carried [30]

[Page 293.]

out my ideal. It is safe not to teach prematurely the [1]

infant thought in Christian Science-just breathing new Life and Love-all the claims and modes of evil; there- fore it is best to leave the righteous unfolding of error (as a general rule) alone, and to the special care of the [5]

unerring modes of divine wisdom. This uncovering and punishing of sin must, will come, at some date, to the rescue of humanity. The teacher of divine metaphysics should impart to his students the general knowledge that he has gained from instruction, observation, and mental [10]

practice.

Experience weighs in the scales of G.o.d the sense and power of Truth against the opposite claims of error.

If spiritual sense is not dominant in a student, he will not understand all your instructions; and if evil domi- [15]

nates his character, he will pervert the rules of Christian Science, and the last error will be worse than the first- inasmuch as wilful transgression brings greater torment than ignorance.

A Cruce Salus

The sum total of Love reflected is exemplified, and [21]

includes the whole duty of man: Truth perverted, in belief, becomes the creator of the claim of error. To affirm mentally and audibly that G.o.d is All and there is no sickness and no sin, makes mortals either saints or [25]

sinners.

Truth talked and not lived, rolls on the human heart a stone; consigns sensibility to the charnel-house of sen- suality, ease, self-love, self-justification, there to moulder and rot. [30]

[Page 294.]

The n.o.blest work of G.o.d is man in the image of his [1]

Maker; the last infirmity of evil is so-called man, swayed by the maelstrom of human pa.s.sions, elbowing the con- cepts of his own creating, making place for himself and displacing his fellows. [5]

A real Christian Scientist is a marvel, a miracle in the universe of mortal mind. With selfless love, he inscribes on the heart of humanity and transcribes on the page of reality the living, palpable presence-the might and majesty!-of goodness. He lives for all mankind, and [10]

honors his creator.

The _vice versa_ of this man is sometimes called a man, but he is a small animal: a hived bee, with sting ready for each kind touch, he makes honey out of the flowers of human hearts and hides it in his cell of [15]

ingrat.i.tude.

O friendly hand! keep back thy offerings from asps and apes, from wolves in sheep's clothing and all raven- ing beasts. Love such specimens of mortality just enough to reform and transform them,-if it be possible,- [20]

and then, look out for their stings, and jaws, and claws; but thank G.o.d and take courage,-that you desire to help even such as these.