Editorial December 2, 1911 Issue

"I WILL FEAR NO EVIL."

Archibald McLellan

ON page 392 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Stand porter at the door of thought," and it will do Christian Scientists much good to bear this admonition constantly in mind, for their daily and hourly encouragement. We need always to remember that the belief in evil which would alarm and discourage us is but false thinking carried into effect. Discouragement is but the belief that subtly and insidiously strives to impress upon our consciousness that evil is a reality and more powerful than good. Sickness is but another ruse of the tempter, evil cloaked in another guise, the manifestation of the belief that man is subject to a power which can render him useless and to which he must finally succumb. But, whatever the guise in which evil may present either boldly asserting its usurped authority or with cunning craft seeking to intrench itself ere its presence be recognized, it may nevertheless be routed from its would-be stronghold if it is met with a determined front, with the truth which is mighty and must prevail,—that "God is infinite, all-power, all Life, Truth, Love, over all, and All" (Science and Health, p. 17).

Perhaps doubt as to the sureness of our defense will try to gain a footing, but if we have followed the advice of that true soldier of the faith the apostle Paul, and put on "the whole armor of God,"—our "loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;... shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, ... the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,"—we have naught to fear. The truth is just the opposite of all false beliefs. If God is omnipotent and the creator of nothing but good, and man is His image and likeness, there is no reality or power in evil. To believe otherwise is to dishonor God. Christ Jesus knew what his followers would have to meet, for he was himself tempted of the evil one; but he met the suggestion of the tempter with a declaration of the allness, the omnipotence of God, good, and won the victory, even as we may. Paul's counsel, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good," is along the same line.

Mrs. Eddy reiterates this counsel. She writes: "At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. Know theyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil" (Science and Health, p. 571). Again, in the pamphlet "What Our Leader Says," she gives us this reassurance: "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort." There is no sense of discouragement, no doubt or hesitation here, but a steady, persistent following up of the line of defense.

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