Editorial July 17, 1915 Issue

Humility versus Pride

Annie M. Knott

It is admitted by all earnest students of Christian Science that in order to progress they must cast out of their consciousness whatever is unlike God. Christian Science throws a wonderful light upon all human problems, and thus shows that many things which are regarded by mortals as quite creditable, or at least permissible, are phases of error which should be gotten rid of as soon as possible. There are few perhaps who see that the pride which they entertained before coming to Christian Science,—pride of personal appearance, learning, possessions, or even personal goodness,—may thereafter assume more subtle forms, and until detected and destroyed by Truth greatly hinder progress. Christ Jesus undoubtedly had this in mind when in his sermon on the Mount he referred to those who boasted of their "many wonderful works," yet his response was, "I never knew you,"—a just rebuke to the pride which sought to exalt self instead of unfolding the humility of the Christ character.

It is of profound interest to note the many references to pride which are to be found in the Bible, and also in Science and Health. Mrs. Eddy evidently wished to show us how to overcome this error which shut out spiritual blessings from those of olden time, as will be seen by reading her definition of Jerusalem, given in the Glossary of our text-book, which reads in part: "Mortal belief and knowledge obtained from the five corporeal senses; the pride of power and the power of pride; sensuality; envy; oppression; tyranny." In the twenty-sixth chapter of Leviticus we are told of the boundless blessings which come to those who obey divine law,—of peace and plenty, of mighty conquests over evil, of the presence of divine Love in their midst. We read of the sad effects of disobedience,—of sickness, fear, and poverty, then comes the stern decree of Truth: "I will break the pride of your power." The wise man tells us that pride brings contention, and that it goes before destruction, while Christ Jesus classed this evil belief with many others which dwell in the heart of mortal man and "defile" him.

In marked contrast with this mental state is the beautiful humility of the Syrophenician woman, who did not resent even the term "dogs," so often applied by the Jews to those outside of their own faith; indeed she eagerly seized upon it with a plea for the "children's crumbs," and her humility and faith were richly rewarded with the bread itself, for her daughter was healed. Our revered Leader gives us a wonderful lesson in humility on page 35 of Science and Health, where we read of Jesus' meeting with his disciples after his resurrection, of the passing of their grief and the coming of repentance,—"hearts chastened and pride rebuked." Not so long before this some of them had been desirous of place and power in the Master's kingdom, quite unaware that these mortal concepts could never exist therein; but as humility took the place of pride, their fear vanished, and they were ready to respond to the rule given by their Master, "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

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