Editorial June 10, 1916 Issue

"Sound doctrine"

Annie M. Knott

Students of Christian Science may ofttimes ponder with profit Paul's admonition to Titus: "Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine," words which are followed by wise counsel as to our conduct in dealing with our fellow men. In reading this epistle it is easy to see that some who professed to be Christians were not living up to the Master's teachings, and what is even worse, they were seeking to lead others astray. The apostle in uncovering this error enjoins honesty, purity, fidelity, and says that we should deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts," and should "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."

It is hardly necessary to call attention to the fact that throughout her teachings Mrs. Eddy insists upon unvarying obedience to the demands of moral law as found in the Bible, and especially in the teachings of Christ Jesus. Furthermore she insisted and provided that the children in Christian Science Sunday schools should be carefully taught the necessity for obedience to the ten commandments, this being designated in the Manual (Art. XX, Sect. 3) as one of the "first lessons." It is therefore of the utmost importance that children and adults alike should exemplify the rightcousness which exalts both men and nations, and which is the outward result of right thinking.

The demands of Principle are so unvarying and so far reaching that no mere quibble in the way of personal opinions or personal interests can be admitted. The truth itself can never be perverted, but even sincere seekers may be turned aside by shallow and specious arguments, though these can never really mislead the diligent student of our Leader's writings, which are strictly in accord with the teachings of the Bible. It seems, however, that the question is sometimes raised by beginners as to whether "lands" and "houses," and other earthly possessions do not belong to one person as much as to another, since God provides impartially for all His children. If the first part of this argument were admitted, the eighth commandment would not be needed; yet Jesus said that he who would break even one of the least of the commandments, "and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven." The children in the Christian Science Sunday schools are certainly taught to obey all of the commandments, and much emphasis is laid upon the tenth, which insists that we shall not covet or desire "anything" that belongs to another.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

A Letter from Mr. Shield