Article February 14, 1914 Issue

Comparison of Standards

SYDNEY R. GIBSON

Nothing strikes the student of Christian Science more forcible than the necessity of constantly comparing the standard of his thought with that demanded by Truth. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Substituting good words for a good life, fair seeming for straightforward character, is a poor shift for the weak and worldly, who think the standard of Christian Science too high for them" (p. 167). In the prophecy concerning the coming of the Christ, we read that the Lord "shall set up an ensign [i.e., a standard] for the nations," and in the life of Jesus we have the Christ-idea with its high and perfect standard set before us, showing humanity the ideal man with his spiritual might and dominion.

A very helpful thought on these lines occurred to the writer while engaged in his professional duties. Among the various acts of Parliament administered by him for one of the great industrial counties of England is the weights and measures act, and in this particular department the comparison of standards becomes a matter of the most vital importance. There are kept at headquarters a set of what are called "imperial standards," which are perfectly correct in every detail. These repose at all times in velvet-lined cases, are treated with the greatest care, and are used only to compare and verify the sets of "working standards" which in their turn are used for testing all weights and measures throughout the county.

One can clearly see the importance of this careful and constant comparison, for if the "working standards" were incorrect, that would be the means of throwing into error the whole of the weighing plant in that particular district, and would affect thousands of people in the world of commerce as well as many others indirectly connected with it. Now, if comparison in this matter is so important, how much more so is it that we be constantly comparing our mental standard of thought with that of the "ensign for the nations"! Our standard of love, honesty, justice, purity, etc., needs constant watching, and it is necessary that at all times we remember what the real man reflects, namely, God's attributes, so that by careful consideration of our motives and aims we may bring "every thought to the obedience of Christ."

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