At-One-Ment

Dear Journal: — While waiting to hear what the inaudible “Voice” would say concerning a message to you, a delightful vision has come to me of a completed circle, and at the same time the suggestion, “What can we do to hasten that Utopian period?”

The answer is given in that incomparable prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. Jesus, the Master and friend, was about to leave the disciples for already the shadow of the cross had fallen upon Him. His clear vision penetrated the mists of coming ages, and He fully realized the pressure that would come upon all who called Him “Lord.”

His heart was filled with tenderness and love for His friends, so soon to be scattered abroad, and an overwhelming sense of the world’s great need came sweeping in upon Him.

It was at this supreme moment that Jesus prayed to the Father for the best possible good which could come to those for whom He was so soon to lay down the temporal sense of life.

Three times the petition was repeated that His followers should be made “one.”

Then he gave as a reason for this repetition, that, to the extent of such at-one-ment on the part of those professing godliness, would the world believe on Him.

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love”; had been a precious thought and exhortation, previously given; but this was not enough for human weakness.

He appealed to the Father to supplement His teaching with the keeping power of omnipotence. In considering this subject two thoughts press heavily upon me. First, that we fathom, if we can, the depth of meaning contained in the little word “as” when used to describe the love and harmony existing in union of Father and Son before the foundation of the world. This will help us to appreciate, in some degree, the love which Christ bestows on all who keep His commandments.

The other thought is this: that if we would become “workers together with Him,” we must so abide in His love that the world, or so much of it as may come within our influence, will believe that Christ has surely come. We read in Rev. 22:13, “I am alpha and omega, the beginning and the end; the first and the last.” Then it follows, as a logical sequence, that followers of Truth, or all genuine Christian Scientists may ultimately reach the spiritual height indicated in that wonderful prayer— “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.”

When the “I. I. I. I. itself I” shall change to a loving sympathy and care for others, and self be merged in general good; in fact, when the Christ-spirit shall pervade every heart, the omega will touch the alpha, the circle will be complete, and the prayer of Jesus answered.

Beloved, have we a part in this wondrous scheme? Have we conquered self and entered into this at-one-ment, or must we say as did Paul in Phil. 3:13, 14?

If we discern the signs of the times correctly, we need to have on the “whole armor” in order to “withstand the fiery darts” which are flying so thickly around us. The whole world seems to be in a state of “chemicalization.” Error is rampant and would-be defenders of the Bible are making use of material weapons in defence of spiritual Truth.

In their blind zeal, they forget the character of the Master for whom they would give their lives. It is but history repeated, and prophecy fulfilled. Jesus is again “wounded in the house of His friends.”

It would be well for each of us, as Christian Scientists, to devote a part of the time during the coming quarter to the careful study of the parting instructions given to the disciples,—and through them to us upon whom the “ends of the world are come”—by one of whom it was said that “never man spake like this man.”

It is only as we analyze, digest, and assimilate the Truth for ourselves that we can impart it to others. Many claim to be teachers of the Word who have never entered the sacred precincts of a spiritual life.

In conclusion I would urge each one to cling steadfastly to Truth and let its alterative effect purify us from all fleshly corruption that we may be presented at last without “having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.”