Editorial August 12, 1905 Issue

"Prove all things"

Annie M. Knott

THE present age gives promise of true progress, for the scientific impulse has entered all fields of human experience, and is making constant demand that every theory and every undertaking shall be subjected to scientific tests, that their value to mankind may be accurately determined. It is inconsistent with the law of progress, either to reject a theory because it differs from popular belief, or to retain one because it has long been generally accepted. Paul's counsel, "Prove all things," is being heeded as never before, and with good results. Students of the Bible must see that a divine demand rests upon all professed Christians to seek proof of the genuineness of everything offered for their acceptance, and that this demand requires of them the demonstration of their own rightness as well as of their sincerity.

In Malachi we read, "Prove ME now, . . . saith the Lord of hosts," and we begin to do this when we accept and experience the healing power of divine Truth. We are constantly reminded in our text-book that it is our privilege to prove for ourselves every statement of truth, even as the Master furnished proofs of them, and the only fair inference from the loving counsel above quoted, is, that unless we strive to prove the allness of Truth for ourselves, and thus incidentally prove it to others, we "rob God" by virtually denying that divine Love and wisdom provides for all human need, even for our illumination in a time of doubt. A single condition is imposed upon all who would realize these blessings,— "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . . and prove me now herewith, . . . if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Herein is revealed the infinite Giver, who bestows upon us life and health "and all things," who ever calls to us, "Prove me now." Thus appealed to, we may well ask ourselves, Are we bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, or are we robbing ourselves by withholding that which rightfully belongs to God? If we fail to receive an outpouring from the opened windows we will surely know the reason therefor.

Because Love blesses us hourly, we must needs bring the tithes of love in return, —love for Love, for the Christ, for the Cause of Truth, and for each other. For the riches of Truth we must bring tithes of truthfulness in thought, word, and deed, —tithes of whatever expresses substance and good to our present highest sense. To withhold in a single particular that which is due to divine Love may hinder our advance until this demand is met. Man has no separate interests from God, though mortals blindly imagine that he has, and in seeking to advance such interests they lose sight of the true way,—the provable way,—in which alone every blessing is to be obtained. There is nothing uncertain in Truth, and Christian Science teaches how we may get rid of all that is doubtful as well as undesirable. Good is positive and potent, it rebukes and destroys every manifestation of evil, it is scientifically provable, and always attainable by the honest, pure thought. If healing, or any other blessing seems to be withheld, we need to apply to ourselves the severest tests, and rise to the demands of the occasion, knowing that divine Love has left nothing unprovided for, and that our duty is disclosed in Paul's admonition, "Prove the sincerity of your love." Annie M. Knott.

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