Article September 23, 1967 Issue

Holding Crime in Check

ILA M. CRITCHER

The earnest effort throughout the world to hold crime in check should strike a responsive chord in the hearts of all Christian Scientists. They know that this work has been specifically set forth as a task they must fulfill. In speaking of the breaking up of material beliefs in a moral chemicalization, Mrs. Eddy writes: "During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection."^{Science and Health, pp. 96, 97;}

We learn in the first chapter of Genesis that man is made in the image and likeness of God. In Christian Science we understand God to be divine Mind, Life, Truth, Love, Principle, Spirit, and Soul. As we enlarge our understanding of these synonyms for God, we perceive the glorious truth that man is the image of divine Mind, Life. It becomes evident that sin and mortality are no part of the real man. To begin our work of holding crime in check, we must accept these facts as true and faithfully bring each thought into accord with them,

Mrs. Eddy writes, "Holding the right idea of man in my mind, I can improve my own, and other people's individuality, health, and morals; whereas, the opposite image of man, a sinner, kept constantly in mind, can no more improve health or morals, than holding in thought the form of a boa-constrictor can aid an artist in painting a landscape."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 62;} To hold the true idea of man unwaveringly in mind, despite the testimony of the material senses, demands spiritual growth and a thorough understanding of God as the only Soul and Mind.