Editorial May 2, 1914 Issue

"Which passeth all understanding"

Archibald McLellan

In these days of wars and rumors of wars, it is well for us all to remember that evil is never made good by the seeming necessity for its employment. The fact that mankind appears to think there is no other way by which it can rise out of or overcome certain human conditions, is the only excuse for an appeal to force; but even this does not change the fundamental truth that there is but one power and this power is good. Christian Scientists especially should be entirely clear in their thought about war, because they are endeavoring to stand for righteousness at all times; and as Mrs. Eddy has so clearly answered the questions now being asked as to what shall be the attitude of Christian Scientists on this subject, it seems fitting to bring these answers directly to the attention of our readers by republishing some quotations from her writings. Most pertinent of all, perhaps, is the following sentiment from her letter of March, 1898, the period of the Spanish war:—

"The characters and lives of men determine the peace, prosperity, and life of nations. Killing men is not consonant with the higher law whereby wrong and injustice are righted and exterminated. ... But if our nation's rights or honor were seized, every citizen would be a soldier and woman would be armed with power girt for the hour" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 277).

Again, on page 286 of the same volume, she writes:—

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