Editorial August 15, 1908 Issue

THE "SILENT PARTNER"

John B. Willis

When it is understood that in Science lack is recognized as an abnormal condition which is entirely at variance with man's ideal state as a child of God, the source of all supply and good, the naturalness and propriety of looking to God for its healing, through the achievement of business success, begins to appear. As in the case of any other diseased condition of body or mind, this healing is brought about by the realization of the truth of being; hence the moment the right idea respecting the incongruity and unnaturalness of business failure is grasped, the first step is taken toward the freedom of business success. Christian Science teaches, however, that if this demonstration is to be made, all the progressive steps thereto must be "ordered of the Lord;" i.e., be scientifically taken, and it is manifest that if we would win through spiritual demonstration, the initial requirement is that our business shall be legitimate, wholesome, and honorable, one in which our success not only injures no one, but adds to the general good. Then, too, our methods of doing business must be just and upright. They must not interdict fair competition nor rob any one of a fair chance, an equitable return for his labor; more than this, our plan and purpose in the intended use of our gains must also "glorify God" by being unselfish in respect to both ourselves and our families; they must grow out of our highest sense of human brotherhood and human need.

These conditions and requirements of scientific procedure having been met, we are ready to enter into the highest, most imperative, most significant realization of all, viz.; that God is the chief partner in our enterprise. If, as we are assured, God is to work in us "to will and to do of his good pleasure," He is certainly to be associated with us in all our business activities, i.e., we are to maintain the right, God-approved thought about everything,—be scientific in every business determination, investment, contract, and division of profits. It is to be seen that this involves frequent consultation with the head of the firm, and that it can but beget the sense that our business is backed by His resources, governed by His wisdom, impelled by His love.

The tremendous advantage to be secured through Christian Science in the interest of business, as in the interest of health, lies in the technique of right thought, and without any question this is the key to business success. Alertness, foresight, the mastery of facts, tactfulness in handling men, common sense, application,—all these we are to contribute. They are the necessary human channels for the expression of good, but the one great factor is the divine idea, "God with us,"—yes, in business. In this consciousness business can but mean freedom, confidence, quiet of mind, generous impulse, joy, peace, and great gain; and it is safe to say that if here, there, everywhere, there were those who were maintaining this scientific thought of God as the controlling partner in their business,—if the Christlife were thus practically being lived and radiated throughout the commercial world,—the gospel would be preached and the sick healed so effectively that other missionaries and means of Christian propaganda would be speedily relegated to the realm of the needless.

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THE "SILENT PARTNER"

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