Article January 1, 1903 Issue

Common Sense

MARY E. HEYWORTH.

If one is studying music, he unquestionably abides by the basic laws of music. The beginner finds that the scale of C involves science no less certainly than does a fugue or concerto to one more advanced. We do not parley and doubt, and thus betray a lack of common sense, because an advanced work is beyond our present possibilities of attainment; on the contrary, we hold our thought in an attitude of practical obedience and gradually replace ignorance with understanding.

Now, why should we display less common sense and reason in working out our problem of being? Good is natural and flows freely through every unresisting channel. What is it that leads us to resist? Is it not often a lack of wholesome common sense? Are we not too often waiting for some mysterious manifestation of spirituality. and when its approach comes through the calm, strong insistence of the command, "Be better to-day than yesterday," do we not neglect the minor duties in expectation of greater ones? Or is this seeming resistance through the false suggestion of mortal mind that it is beyond us to become perfect; that the standard of this Principle is too high for our achievement? This attitude of thought produces darkness and doubt (ignorance), and is a menace to our growth. It is the subtle evil (devil) of self-condemnation under the guise of modesty, over-sensitiveness, and over-consciousness. It is the lie of condemning a self that does not exist in Science.

Science and Health says (p. 475), Man "possesses no life, intelligence, or creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker."

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