Editorial June 4, 1904 Issue

The Power of the Press

Long ago King David caught a glimpse of the divine greatness and power, and said, "All that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine." Our Leader repeats this thought in terms of Christian Science, "Mind is the grand creator, and there can be no power except that which is derived therefrom. . . . Then give to Mind the glory, honor, dominion, and power everlastingly due unto its holy name" (Science and Health, p. 143). While few would question the Psalmist's declaration, there are many who have never thought upon its real meaning, and who, in the midst of worldly prosperity, think if they do not say, "byline" and is not this sentiment far too prevalent the world over? Is it not forgotten that God perpetually demands a just reckoning of all who hold in their keeping the treasures that belong to Mind, whatever be their character?

It is surely the duty of every human being, whether his station be lowly or lofty, to see to it that the treasures of Mind be not misapplied through indolence, dishonesty, or selfishness. When we consider the power of the press, and remember that a little over a century ago this mighty agency was almost unknown, we may well ask, to whom, in the last analysis, does it belong? In some countries the press is controlled largely by the heads of the government, but in this country it is supposed to represent the will of the people. This being the case, how many are there among our millions who remember that not only "all that is in the heaven," but also "all that is in the earth" belongs to God, and that therefore the press rightfully belongs to God, to Mind, both primarily and ultimately, whether this be acknowledged or no, and it should never be used to express that which does not make for righteousness,—for justice, for social, political, and individual purity. The men who make and control our newspapers and magazines hold a trust which is most sacred, and the time draws nigh when they and all who work for the world's advancement must know whom they serve, and see in every workshop a church whose requirement is perpetual divine service, and whose sacrament is "daily industry."

Some years ago, our Leader was speaking to a class of students of the many channels by which the truth may go out into human thought, and by way of illustration she said that gold coinage might be taken to represent statements of absolute truth, whether stored up in consciousness, or given to others in silent treatment. The silver may represent the written or spoken statements of truth which are current among Christian Scientists; and then she added that newspaper articles written on this subject are like bills,—they have the largest circulation, are a ready and convenient medium of exchange, and always represent the gold which can be secured on demand. It was a lesson not soon forgotten, and especially the admonition which accompanied it, never to traffic in base coinage, but to possess and give out that which bears the image of the only ruling power,—Truth and Love.

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