Article October 2, 1915 Issue

Righteousness: Its Realm

WILLIAM D. MC CRACKAN, M.A.

Christian Science is conferring upon mankind the inestimable benefit of showing them the way of right thinking. It is pointing out this way with a refreshing certitude that avoids all the wavering hypotheses, the limiting "ifs" and "buts" of conventional religion and philosophy. Mankind has in its aspiring moments agonized over the uncertainty of all things human, and when it has turned to teachers authorized by public opinion for the assurance of stability, it has usually been met with vague promises for the future which are not binding upon the present. This future has been enshrouded in so much mystery that even the most glowing prospects of ultimate relief were not potent to dispel the fears, the sins, and the sufferings of today. The apostle's declaration that "now is the day of salvation" has been a dead letter, and not even a signal of hope to many who sought help from their religious guides, while under these same circumstances the calm, joyous security of Christian Science bathed the feverish temples of doubt and uncertainty with the touch of cooling, cleansing waters.

What is it to think right? Even to think in accordance with Truth. Christian Science teaches that God is Truth. Therefore to think truthfully is to think in a godlike manner. Right thinking places the aspiring Christian in the attitude of unity with God, brings to pass the atonement,—the at-one-ment,—and constitutes the silent communion which fulfils the demand, "Pray without ceasing." The psalmist sang: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."

Only through righteous thinking can men experience the spiritual joy of beholding God's face, that is, realizing His character, entering into the enjoyment of knowing Him as He truly is, the ever active source of infinite bounty, of all harmony, beauty, happiness, and heavenly bliss. Then it is clear that all unrighteous thinking must operate to hide God's face from men, must act like a veil to prevent the clear recognition of Truth, must counteract one's prayer, and make the desire for at-one-ment and communion of none avail. Are we certain that such misconceptions are not at this very time trying to cut us off from receiving what we need and legitimately desire of God's infinite good? The belief that God is the author of evil as well as of good would have this effect, because it would color prayer with the dread of receiving evil in answer to our request for good. In our dealings with our fellow men, even a suspicion concerning their honesty has a tendency to mar our joy. How much more would this be the case if we indulged in the misconception that omnipotence was capable of knowing, that is, of harboring or entertaining evil. To think right about God is productive of constant blessings, definite answers, great rewards.

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