Article November 30, 1912 Issue

"THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS"

JANE STANNARD JOHNSON.

Students of the Bible ever have had before them that commandment designed to emphasize the necessity for truthfulness: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Its orthodox interpretation has quite generally been literal, and accepted as merely a command to speak nothing untrue or false about a neighbor or a friend. While this interpretation does partially encompass its meaning, thoughtful consideration of the text in the spiritual illumination afforded by Christian Science reveals a holy purpose, the accomplishment of which in the life of the individual benefits all mankind. It has ceased to be a simple command implying only the responsibility not to speak falsely, and instead the Christian Scientist discerns a positive injunction to mental activity, obedience to which makes necessary a minute daily scrutiny of his every thought. Constantly to "stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392) becomes an imperative duty.

The premise of "perfect God and perfect man" (Science and Health, p. 259) is essential in the demonstration of Christian Science. To obey the commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness," the Christian Scientist realizes that a recognition of the Principle of perfection must be applied in all his thinking, to every person and to every condition, at all times and in all places. Beginning where one must always begin, with his own consciousness, it becomes the duty of the Christian Scientist to bear no false witness against himself. Man being made, as the Scriptures aver, in the image and likeness of God, the devout declaration of this spiritual fact and the earnest endeavor to prove it in his daily living will heal discord of whatever nature in his own experience. A conscientious striving to realize man's oneness with God will also eliminate the tendency to self-condemnation, which always proves a hindrance to the progress of the student.

Enlightened and uplifted in the understanding of Truth, which has come as a result of his individual work, the Christian Scientist logically will realize the equal or greater importance of bearing no "false witness" against his neighbor. In his own family, among his friends and acquaintances, and with his brethren in the church, he finds frequent opportunity to exercise obedience to this command. It remains always his duty and privilege to know man as spiritual and perfect. No matter what seeming form of error may present itself, whether illness or wrong of whatever kind, even if directed unjustly against himself, the Christian Scientist is commanded to bear no false witness. Contrariwise, he must think and speak the truth, declare the spiritual fact of being.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"ARROGANCE OF LEARNING"