ts it now, for it is not yet known. Error
is more abstract than Truth. Even the healing Principle, [25]
whose power seems inexplicable, is not so obscure; for
this is the power of God, and good should seem more
natural than evil.
I shall not forget the cost of investigating, for this age,
the methods and power of error. While the ways, means, [30]
and potency of Truth had flowed into my consciousness
as easily as dawns the morning light and shadows flee,
[Page 223.]
the metaphysical mystery of error--its hidden paths, [1]
purpose, and fruits--at first defied me. I was say-
ing all the time, "Come not thou into the secret"--
but at length took up the research according to God's
command. [5]
Streams which purify, necessarily have pure fountains;
while impure streams flow from corrupt sources. Here,
divine light, logic, and revelation coincide.
Science proves, beyond cavil, that the tree is known
by its fruit; that mind reaches its own ideal, and cannot [10]
be separated from it. I respect that moral sense which
is sufficiently strong to discern what it believes, and to say,
if it must, "I discredit Mind with having the power to
heal." This individual disbelieves in Mind-healing, and
is consistent. But, alas! for the mistake of believing in [15]
mental healing, claiming full faith in the divine Principle,
and saying, "I am a Christian Scientist," while doing
unto others what we would resist to the hilt if done unto
ourselves.
May divine Love so permeate the affections of all those [20]
who have named the name of Christ in its fullest sense,
that no counteracting influence can hinder their growth
or taint their examples.
Taking Offense
There is immense wisdom in the old proverb, "He [25]
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty." Hannah
More said, "If I wished to punish my enemy, I should
make him hate somebody."
To punish ourselves for others' faults, is superlative
folly. The mental arrow shot from another's bow is [30]
[Page 224.]
practically harmless, unless our own thought barbs it. [1]
It is our pride that makes another's criticism rankle, our
self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our egotism
that feels hurt by another's self-assertion. Well may we
feel wounded by our own faults; but we can hardly afford [5]
to be miserable for the faults of others.
A courtier told Constantine that a mob had broken
the head of his statue with stones. The emperor lifted
his ha
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