Article August 30, 1913 Issue

"RESIST" AND "RESIST NOT."

IRVING C. TOMLINSON, M.A.

There are two seemingly conflicting commands in the New Testament which it is important for us to understand in order that we may enjoy the health and peace which follow adherence to their strict behests. Christ Jesus commands us that we "resist not evil," while James counsels us to "resist the devil, and he will flee" from us. Mrs. Eddy comprehends both of these when she counsels us to "meet every adverse circumstance as its master" (Science and Health, p. 419), bravely and persistently insisting upon the allness of God, good, and the nothingness of evil.

The words of Jesus, "Resist not him that is evil" (Rev. Ver.), may be taken to mean, Have no contention with the evil-minded. It is essential, for those who would progress in the truth, not to dispute with others concerning their religion. Those who are not ready to hear the word gladly, are seldom ready for any discussion upon the subject; therefore the tendency to debate Christian Science with a contentious opponent is something to be carefully avoided. To "resist not evil" is also to have a confidence in the truth that destroys belief in evil. He who resists not evil is one who is not afraid of it. Definitely to struggle against something is often to give to the supposititious something a semblance of reality. We know that error is no part of man's true inheritance; therefore, because it is not wise to contend with evildoers, and since we should have all confidence in Truth, Jesus declares, "Resist not evil."

As a part of our work in Christian Science there is nothing more important than this command of James to "resist the devil," and we are taught how to do this successfully and with beneficent results. If understood, these words will be seen to conflict in no wise with the commands of the Master. When working in mathematics, it is normal and natural for the mathematician to resist an error in his problem; never for an instant does he accept a mistake for the truth. Likewise in each problem which comes before us, we are to resist the mistake, or error, by immediately knowing the truth. Before sickness of every kind the wide-awake Scientist can only know its untruth and unreality. God never made it, therefore it does not exist. Disease is no part of Mind or Mind's creation, therefore man as the idea of Mind is not afflicted with it.

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