Editorial July 12, 1913 Issue

"IN ALL THY WAYS."

Archibald McLellan

In our Wednesday evening meetings and in our periodicals many testimonies are given of the betterment of social and business conditions through the application of the rule of Christian Science to every problem that presents itself in human experience, and to the person who analyzes these testimonies it is very apparent that to the extent in which unselfishness and right desire prevail in the thought of the Christian Scientist, to that extent is a blessing received. This result is in logical accord with the teaching of Christ Jesus, who, rebuking the thought which desires only the temporal, said to his followers: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." It is plain, therefore, that unless this kingdom is first in our thought, and most desired of all the good things of the universe, even our seeming successes may. like apples of Sodom, turn to ashes on our lips.

To the person who is not a student of Christian Science, it may seem strange that followers of this teaching give thanks to God for what seems to be material success, but this should not be so, provided this success has been attained from a right basis. The teaching of Christian Science is very clear on this point. "Let it be understood," Mrs. Eddy writes, "that success in error is defeat in Truth. The watchword of Christian Science is Scriptural: 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts'" (Science and Health, p. 239). It should be apparent, therefore, to every thinking person, that the only success worth having is that which is permanent, that which is founded upon right desire, that which does not seek to fill its own coffers through robbery or impoverishment of another, that which is not a Juggernaut crushing its helpless victims.

It has been said that observance of the golden rule is incompatible with success in business; but this is not true, unless there is something more precious and more to be desired than the kingdom of God. If business is done upon any other basis than that prescribed by the Master, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them," then it is done on the basis of power in evil, on the basis of an intelligence superior to that which God bestows, and can bring only an ephemeral success. Can any business man of righteous desire and Christian intent do otherwise than trust God in all his affairs, and give thanks to Him for all things of real value? What business man is there who does not wish to be guided by intelligence? If God is supreme intelligence, then His is the guidance which all desire, whether they know it or not.

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"UNIVERSAL LOVE."
July 12, 1913
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