Editorial March 4, 1905 Issue

The Demand for a Fair Chance

Annie M. Knott

One of the distinguishing characteristics of our day is its recognition of the limitless possibilities of human achievement. Until recently the tendency in popular thought was to discredit everything out of the ordinary,—perchance condemn it,—simply because it was beyond the range of common experience. A great change has come, however, and it is surely well, for hospitality to new ideas always opens the door to progress, and without it we should be deprived of the many admitted advantages and blessings of modern times. We should remember, however, that the interval between the discovery and projection of a new idea, and the date of its full development and acceptance, is always a period of experimentation which is attended by struggles and disappointments for the discover, if not for others. Teachers of physical science are wont to tell their students that while a certain discovery has been made, as for instance in the application of electricity to locomotion, a number of years may elapse before it can become available for practical use. History witnesses that the final success of every enterprise which involves a new idea, is largely dependent upon the discoverer's faithfulness and endurance. He must be prepared to meet and overcome, not only the difficulties which attend the development of his idea, but the opposition which springs from ignorance and self-interest.

Christian Science reveals the fact that every idea which is based upon good is potentially perfect. (Science and Health, p. 353.) That which is not perfect in its nature cannot reach perfection through any process of experimentation. That which has the divine sanction is already perfect in idea, and needs but to be understood by humanity to secure that unhindered development and advance which shall bring its benefits within the reach of the needy. The mental and physical healing of Christian Science has come at a time when the world needs it as never before, and also when it is better prepared to accept it in its entirety than at any other period in human history. Christian Scientists have an undoubted right to that freedom of choice which is inseparable from progress. They do not invade the rights of others, but they do insist upon their own. They insist that time be given them, as it is to all others, to prove the availability of truth and its superiority to all material means as a healing agent.

Christian Science teaches that the understanding of spiritual law annuls the pains and penalties imposed by the supposed operation of material law. It reveals, however, the necessity for orderly processes in the unfoldment and application of this understanding. When Christ Jesus was informed of Herod's purpose to kill him, and thus to stop his healing work, he said, "Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and do cures to—day and to—morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected."

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