Editorial March 19, 1910 Issue

DIVINE REQUIREMENTS

Annie M. Knott

It is possible that very few persons have the highest motives when they begin to obey God's laws,—they may fear the consequences of wrong-doing; yet even in such cases it might be said that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." One thing is certain, namely, that no one can continue to obey divine law without gaining thereby, and finding that it not only "makes for righteousness," but also for happiness. The great Teacher said, "If any man will do his [God's] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." Moses impressed upon the people that the divine laws were for their good always, not for the purpose of sustaining the divine power and authority. As we obey we find that we are the better for our obedience, in "mind, body, and estate," and later we find (and rejoice in knowing it) that by our obedience we are also helping the whole human family, for as Paul says, "By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

In the Manual of The Mother Church under the caption "Guardianship of Church Funds." there is this impressive statement (Sect. 5), "God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist." This admonition is surely much needed in an age when material wealth and display call out rivalry and even dishonesty on the part of many mortals who have not learned the priceless value of spiritual possessions, nor what it means to be at peace with God, with one's self and one's neighbor. Instead of seeking first the establishment of the kingdom of God and its righteousness, the silly demands of self for the gewgaws of the passing hour are heeded by mortals, and anon, when all their affairs go wrong, they wonder why God afflicts them so.

Among the wise statutes found in Leviticus is this: "I am the Lord your God.... the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning." Does not this point to the "wisdom, economy, and brotherly love" spoken of in our Manual as "a divine requirement"? There are unfortunately many who excuse themselves from meeting their obligations promptly (if at all) on the ground that they cannot easily do so. Perhaps they have never tried the exercise of that stern but ennobling virtue, self-denial! It never harms any one to deny himself many material things, if only he is careful to expand on the spiritual side, adding, as St. Peter counsels us, one virtue to another until he can give proof that he is neither "barren nor unfruitful" in the Christian life.

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