Editorial June 1, 1912 Issue

THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLE

John B. Willis

In wrestling with his picture puzzle, the youngster may readily recognize the specific thing portrayed on each of the many queer-shaped blocks, but he will certainly have difficulty in properly arranging them if he does not have a definite idea of the complete picture. With a clear grasp of the figure or grouping to be filled out, the arrangement of the parts so that each shall be rightly related, and thus speak effectively in the interest of a perfect whole, is easily accomplished. The illustration suggests three things which merit our emphasis in thought, and this first, that the exceedingly limited horizon of authoritative consciousness, and the consequent fragmentariness of our knowledge, renders altogether fitting that spirit of humility which is always teachable, and which is not given to the condemnation of other views than one's own.

When his disciples manifested a disposition to criticize and class down those who were not at one with them in belief and method, Christ Jesus promptly rebuked their presumption, and gave them to understand that no genuine truth-possessor would ever undertake to monopolize his possessions. He taught that the truth is altogether too large for human compass; and that St. Paul had acquired in large measure the mental attitude which he commended, was clearly evidenced in the modest self-estimate expressed when he reminded the self-assured and disputatious Corinthians that we all know only "in part," or fragmentarily, as Luther translates it. No man can afford to beget the impression that "he thinks he knows it all," and Christian Scientists are duly instructed in this regard in so far as they remember the testimony of their Leader that, "though rejoicing in some progress, she still finds herself a willing disciple at the heavenly gate, waiting for the Mind of Christ" (Science and Health, Pref., p. ix).

We are further reminded of the imperative demand for a knowledge of divine Principle as a basis for the right interpretation and utilization of our imperfect human apprehension of Truth. In all the ages many people have had approximately correct concepts of many things. Glimpses of "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," have been caught and reflected by representatives of every religious faith. Socrates apprehended some spiritual truths not less clearly perhaps than did St. Paul, as, for instance, the call for every man to be loyal to his highest sense of right regardless of what it may cost him; and yet how great was the apostle's advantage in the knowledge of Spirit and spiritual things which had come to him, as he says, "by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

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