Editorial September 4, 1909 Issue

"INDUSTRY, INTELLIGENCE, INTEGRITY"

Annie M. Knott

On the walls of the municipal building of a large city in Canada are some fine symbolic pictures, representing the arts and crafts, and one of these has for its title the words quoted above. These words were recalled as the thought of Labor day presented itself, an occasion which brings to the fore one of the most important questions of the hour. Happily for us, we live at a time when the dignity of labor is being more and more recognized, when it is no longer considered a disgrace to be a worker, but when instead it is regarded as a disgrace to be an idler. And the kind of work is no longer held to be of such importance as the quality, for the barriers to progress are one by one being removed, and excellence in work is being accorded, as never before, the recognition which it deserves.

Real excellence is always a product of "industry, intelligence, and integrity," and is inseparable from them. In Christian Science we go farther and trace it back to its source, viz., the divine demand for perfection, which is the basis of all real progress, and the truest developer of individual character. We thus come to appreciate the force of Paul's words, where he warns against "eye-service," and bids us serve "in singleness of heart, fearing God." He adds, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

It is here that Christian Science is of supreme value to every true worker in showing him, first of all, how true his service must be to meet the demands of such a master, for perfection and nothing less is what Truth calls for. At the same time we have the assurance that the Christ-idea which abides with us, is governed and protected by its divine Principle, by impartial, infinite justice. Our King "can do no wrong;" no, nor suffer wrong; and we have but to see that we are on the side of right to be eternally safe.

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