Article February 17, 1912 Issue

THE POINT OF VIEW

WILLIS F. GROSS.

The intelligent reader desires to be correctly informed, and he always seeks to gain the view-point of the winter. He realizes how difficult it is to make one's self understood, especially if the ideas advanced are new or contrary to individual experience; therefore, for the time being, at least, he tries to consider the subject in the light in which it is understood and presented by another.

Many persons fail to realize the importance of considering the author's point of view. From the reader's standpoint of belief the conclusion may appear to be decidedly erroneous, but before he gives expression to his opinion in the matter he should consider whether the conclusion is incorrect when regarded from the point of observation of another. That which is reasonable and consistent to one person, may appear to be inconsistent and unreasonable to another; and this is not because one is more intelligent than the other, but because the beliefs and experiences of the former have been unlike those of the latter. That which compels the readjustment of opinions, and especially the renunciation of long-cherished theories, is not always kindly received, for while mortal man is always delighted when it is proven that he is right, he is seldom well pleased when compelled to admit that he is wrong.

Christian Science has been misunderstood and misrepresented because its teachings have not always been correctly stated by its students, and even when correctly stated they have not always been rightly interpreted. The standpoint of the student is not considered as it should be, and so the impression which is gained is sometimes far removed from that which it was intended to convey. These false impressions must be corrected. "Precept upon precept; line upon line, ... here a little, and there a little," is necessary, in order to give to the world the true idea of the teachings and practice of Christian Science.

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