Editorial November 18, 1911 Issue

"STEADFAST IN TRUTH."

Archibald McLellan

In open warfare, when the aggressor heralds his approach with such bombastic challenge as that with which the Philistine giant advanced upon the army of Israel, one is usually on the alert and ready for defense; on guard, as it were. When, however, the overture is veiled, and the thrusts are silent and insidious, it is sometimes with surprise that we awaken to the necessity for being ever on guard, to "stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392) unceasingly, lest evil in some one of its many guises find entrance.

One thing which Christian Scientists should keep before them at all times is the imperative need to guard their thought—hold it clear of all save the unadulterated teaching and practice of the great truth which they have received through the work and writings of Mrs. Eddy. Well knowing the efforts which had been made, and which doubtless would be made, to contaminate the pure spiritual teachings of the Science which she had discovered and founded, Mrs. Eddy said, as long ago as 1885, in a sermon preached in Boston: "Few people at present know aught of the Science of mental healing; and so many are obtruding upon the public attention their ignorance or false knowledge in the name of Science, that it behooves all clad in the shining mail to keep bright their invincible armor; to keep their demonstrations modest, and their claims and lives steadfast in Truth" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 171).

Daily we have increasing reason to be grateful to the far-seeing wisdom of our Leader not only in warning us to leave no door unguarded, no crevice unprotected, but in providing so fully the means for this defense. We have a plenteous store from which to draw in our search for truth,—the Bible, "our sufficient guide to eternal Life" (Science and Health, p. 497), and the writings of our Leader, based upon God's word to His people; and if we use these both wisely and well we shall have all that we need. Mrs. Eddy emphasizes this in her answer to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science." She writes, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love" (Science and Health, p. 495).

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