T XXV LAW OF RIGHT RELATIONS HE law of the highest spiritual life was laid down by the Great Teacher when He said, in answer to the question of the lawyer on a certain occasion, "Which is the great commandment?" "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God," etc., and the second is like unto it, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour," etc. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Therefore these two commandments embrace the constitution. This same constitution was proclaimed when Jesus was born, "glory (honour) to God and good-will among men." Men honour God because He is good. Men love their neighbour because of the same spirit within. The same constitution was proclaimed by Moses in the ten commandments. First to fourth commandments, honour and duties to God. Fifth to tenth commandments, honour and duties to men. The same constitution or basis of right relations was recognized by George Washington when he took the oath of office in founding the Republic. He placed his hand upon the Scripture passage, Micah 6th chapter and 8th verse. Warren G. Harding, when he took the oath of office, in the new order looking to a permanent peace of the world, placed his hand upon the same Scripture passage, Micah 6th chapter and 8th verse, "What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God?” In Abraham Lincoln's second Inaugural Address you will find that he was moved by this same fundamental law when he uttered those memorable words, "With malice towards none and charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds," etc. In his last public address he said, “He from whom all blessings flow must not be forgotten. A call for a national thanksgiving is being prepared." How can the ability to observe this Constitution become a part of man's power? The answer is by coming into the spirit of His loving-kindness through appreciation of the goodness of God. His name was called Jesus because He would save the people from their sins. That is, the name Jesus typified the spirit of Jesus, as when Jacob was called Israel because he prevailed with God; as Simon, the son of Jonas, was called Peter on account of his change in character. Abram's name was changed to Abraham, "For a father of many nations have I made thee." Now, the Spirit of Jesus, revealing God's loving-kindness, as He went about doing good, when understood by men will change the spirit of men so that they will desire to function in that same spiritual atmosphere. He said: "I, if I (my spirit) be lifted up (made prominent) will draw all men unto me." If His loving-kindness be shown it will draw all men. (See illustration-story of Jim, under Altruism.) The name, with the ancient people of Israel, as suggested before, was the mark of some outstanding char acteristic. As the man was called Adam because he was from the ground or earth, the woman was called Eve because she was the mother of all living. And down through Bible history you may find the name signifying either character or mark. In the temple, Peter, in his sermon, said, "There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." He certainly meant there was no other spirit. The spirit of hate, jealousy, greed, lust, and every other spirit, except the spirit of loving-kindness fails. If we honour God for His goodness we shall become more like Him in character or spirit, as Earnest in the story of Hawthorne's "Great Stone Face." The spiritually minded everywhere can stand on this platform, "Thanksgiving and good-will "_" Goodness of God and altruism." The Great Teacher gave a picture of the final judgment, and to those who had no mark or creed He said, "I was hungry and ye fed me; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was naked and ye clothed me; I was sick and in prison and ye visited me." They wondered; then He said, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these ye did it unto me." Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." He certainly meant, come into my spirit of loving-kindness-" Deal justly, love mercy and walk humbly before thy God." This is spiritual life wherever found. Note the 19th Psalm-" The heavens declare the glory (goodness) of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork," etc. Then it says, "The law (loving-kindness) of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." The same law is manifest in the two trite and familiar lines |