Page:Christian Science versus Pantheism.djvu/91

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MESSAGE FOR 1902
77

other means myself; and ten thousand loyal Christian Scientists to one disloyal, bear testimony to this fact.

The loosening cords of non-Christian religions in the Orient are apparent. It is cause for joy that among the educated classes Buddhism and Shintoism are said to be regarded now more as a philosophy than as a religion.

I rejoice that the President of the United States has put an end, at Charleston, to any lingering sense of the North's half-hostility to the South, thus reinstating the old national family pride and joy in the sisterhood of States.

Our nation's forward step was the inauguration of home rule in Cuba, — our military forces withdrawing, and leaving her in the enjoyment of self-government under improved laws. It is well that our government, in its brief occupation of that pearl of the ocean, has so improved her public school system that her dusky children are learning to read and write.

The world rejoices with our sister nation over the close of the conflict in South Africa; now, British and Boer may prosper in peace, wiser at the close than the beginning of war. The dazzling diadem of royalty will sit easier on the brow of good King Edward, — the muffled fear of death and triumph canker not his coronation, and woman's thoughts — the joy of the sainted Queen, and the lay of angels — hallow the ring of state.

It does not follow that power must mature into oppression; indeed, right is the only real potency; and the only true ambition is to serve God and to help the race. Envy is the atmosphere of hell. According to Holy Writ, the first lie and leap into perdition began with “Believe in