Editorial June 3, 1911 Issue

THE GOLDEN RULE

Annie M. Knott

No one who has tried to practise the golden rule would deny that it is universal in its scope, and includes practically everything within the range of human experience. Christian Science, however, broadens and deepens our sense of its requirements, so that it is no longer confined to the duty of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, but means that we should think and speak of others as we would have them think and speak of us.

It is however possible that very few take this rule into account in the giving of their testimonies at the Wednesday evening meetings; they do not stop to consider what would have been the effect of such statements as we occasionally hear upon themselves when they were beginning to investigate Christian Science. It might be well for Christian Scientists to ask themselves if they would not have been repelled and disappointed, instead of being attracted and encouraged, had they listened to statements of prolonged and uncertain struggles; of the cure of slight cuts, burns, or bruises, or relief from the unpleasant pressure of a pair of new shoes. It is true that all Christian Scientists are expected to take part in these meetings, but if they "live in the spirit," and "walk in the spirit," as St. Paul counseled, they will not lack for real inspiration when their opportunity comes, for the promise will be fulfilled, "It shall be given unto you in that same hour what ye shall speak;" and that which God gives cannot lack in strength, directness, clearness, or dignity of appeal.

People sometimes take too much thought as to the mere "form" of their sentences, while the real thing, the essence, the spiritual fact, is overlooked. It is our business to give bread to the hungry and living water to the thirsty, not idle words that are largely an outgoing of personal sense. One night a testimony was given in The Mother Church by a man who said he was a worker in a meat market, and that he had met with a serious injury from the slipping of a knife which he was using. He told of suggestions that he use material remedies, but these were not heeded because of his reliance upon the one and only power, that of Spirit, God. Then he told of a brief struggle, followed by sure and satisfying results, namely, perfect healing; but even this was forgotten in the greater result, the drawing near to God, taking the Father's hand and knowing, absolutely knowing, that divine Love is "never far from any one of us" and is ready to heal and bless, whatever be our need. Then there was the gratitude, the heartfelt thanks to God, and a tender remembrance of the one who in our day had brought Him so near to all "the suffering human race." When the simple fervent words were ended, one listener at least thanked God anew for Christian Science, and rejoiced that she had been present at that meeting.

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