Editorial February 4, 1905 Issue

A Warranted Optimism

John B. Willis

THAT was a very sensible and suggestive word which Professor James uttered recently, when he said that in the event of our inability to reach a definite judgment respecting any vital question, we would always do well if we allowed our hope and better emotions to tip the scale, and decide for us in favor of an optimistic conclusion. If this bit of practical advice were given the seal of authority, it would speedily banish many a prophet of the undesirable, and the world would be lighted up by a greatly increased number of cheery and helpful faces.

This question of the attitude we are accustomed to assume toward problems which have proved insolvable has very much to do with the peace, the sunniness, and hence the helpful influence of our human lives, and this is especially true of earnest, thoughtful people. The superficial and easy-faring may pass the deeper things with a light touch, but the more serious must wrestle with them, as did Jacob, "until the breaking of the day," and the temptation to which the wise professor refers is not a stranger to Christian Scientists. Their acquired understanding of the nature of substance, and of the relation between God and the universe, including man, has brought them face to face with not a few profound queries which are quite unfamiliar to common thought, and which call for an apprehension of spiritual truth that is far beyond their present attainment. They have the advantage, how ever, of having something more substantial and unvarying than "hope and good emotions," as the basis of their cheerfulness. Having learned in past experience that even at their best these are too closely allied to material sense to furnish a solid and satisfying ground for faith and joy, they are thankful to have found in the teaching of Christian Science that sure foundation which not only warrants a perennial optimism, but which makes its expression natural and spontaneous, — a foundation which is an irresistible inference from premises the truth of which each may demonstrate for himself.

When, through the solving of many of the lesser problems, the student of mathematics reaches the assurance that he is in touch with an all-embracing and eternal law, he is no longer disturbed by his inability to work out a problem involving facts and formulæ that are not embraced by his present knowledge. He knows that the conquering truth awaits his advancing command of it, and that the answer of every legitimate inquiry is his assured goal. Thus also, when through the healing of sickness, and of sin, the Christ-truth is shown to be present and available, faith has found the final authorization which Jesus named, and which is the true basis of Christian optimism.

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