The Precursor
July-August 2000
Searching for the Light
We continue our annual custom of publishing in our July-August issue an
excerpt from a work of New Church literature from the past. This time we turn to the recent past, to a book entitled
The Harmony of the Gospels, by the Rt. Rev. George de Charms (The Academy of the New Church Press, Bryn Athyn,
Pennsylvania, 1978), pages 406-407.
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"I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. "(John 8: 12)
God is love, and love is the source of all spiritual light. The light of Divine love is Divine truth, from which
alone man derives all understanding, intelligence and wisdom. The human mind is created to perceive, not only natural
troth, but also spiritual truth. In regard to this ability human beings are distinguished from animals. By "truth"
we do not mean knowledge. This may be either true or false. Truth is not merely a fact of sense experience. Natural
truth is the relation that exists among objects of sense, or "facts." It is a perception of the use for
the sake of which knowledges and facts exist. This relationship is not material. In essence it is spiritual, because
use itself is Divine. To perceive a use is to perceive the presence of the Lord, something of His Divine love,
something of His purpose or His Divine Providence.
Even natural truth appears only when one is in a state of innocence, that is, when one acknowledges one's own ignorance
and one's proneness to error. It appears only when man seeks it. The same is true of spiritual truth. This can
be discovered in the Word only when man submits his mind humbly and willingly to the guidance and teaching of the
Lord. This is what the Lord meant when He said, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but shall
have the light of life" (John 8: 12). To follow the Lord is to submit one's mind to the teaching of the Word,
even as those who seek natural truth submit their minds to the facts of nature. In approaching the Word, as in
approaching nature, one must believe and acknowledge that a truth exists outside of one's self, and irrespective
of one's opinions -- a truth that can be discovered, and that, if discovered will bring great benefits to mankind.
Every one who approaches either of the "two foundations of truth" with such an acknowledgment will be
enlightened. Such enlightenment may not result at once. It may be long delayed, because of obstructions in the
mind that must first be removed. But the promise is given by the Lord, that as a result of such a sincere search
for truth, man "shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Unless otherwise noted, all events are at the church building. Classes for
those in high school and for younger children are available upon request.
The Reading Discussion group meets normally twice a month. We are currently reading from the Old and New Testaments
during our sessions. There is no advance reading, but please bring a Bible with you.
There is no local program during August. Note, though, that there will be a private wedding in the church on Sun.
August 13 at 1:30pm.
Wednesday, July 5
Pastor's Council. 7:30pm.
Saturday, July 8 General
Doctrinal Class. 7:30pm. Subject: The Lord. Suggested reading is HD 280-297. Refreshments: Jane.
Sunday, July 9 Divine
Worship. 11:00am. Usher: Max. Sunday School: Max. Sunday School Subject: Please see Jane Blair for details. Flowers:
Volunteer needed.
Tuesday, July 11 Glendale
Clergy meet at our church. Noon.
Reading Discussion Group. 7:30pm. Bring along a Bible. No advance reading.
Saturday, July 22 General
Doctrinal Class. 7:30pm. Subject: Government. Suggested reading is HD 311-325. This is the final class of our series
on the work, New Jerusalem & Its Heavenly Doctrine. Refreshments: Pat.
Sunday, July 23 Divine
Worship. 11:00am. Holy Supper Service. Usher: Don. Sunday School: Pat. Sunday School Subject: Please see Jane Blair
for details. Flowers: Gillian.
Wed. July 26 Trustees.
7:30pm.
Sun. Aug. 13 Private
Wedding (Woedl-Woedl). 1:30pm.
