Editorial February 3, 1917 Issue

Wise Discrimination

Annie M. Knott

Students of Christian Science are all acquainted with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and also know the high estimate put upon it by Mrs. Eddy. They do not, however, always remember that its sublime teachings can be understood only in the ratio of their own spiritual growth. It is true that certain parts of this wonderful sermon make their appeal to us at certain stages of our unfoldment, and it is quite proper for us to work along the lines therein pointed out, both for ourselves and for those who may seek help from us in Christian Science, but sooner or later we must come to understand this great sermon as a perfect whole.

In the fifth chapter of Matthew, Christ Jesus lifts thought above the outward acts which are a violation of divine law, and goes direct to the lust or hate which precedes and impels the act. In the seventh chapter of this gospel the tendency to pass judgment upon others is briefly but effectively dealt with, and appeals very strongly to students of Christian Science who perhaps were wont in the past to criticize harshly and heedlessly those who in their judgment were not living up to the divine requirements. Very few persons, however, receive treatment in Christian Science for physical ailments, without having their attention called to the greater need for spiritualization of thought and for obedience to all and not merely some of the teachings of our Master.

At this point it is well to remember that we must avoid extremes; and, while we are forbidden to judge or pass sentence upon others, clear spiritual discernment and consequent discrimination are undoubtedly required of us. In the prophecy of Malachi we are told that God, divine Mind, will be "a swift witness" against all evil doers, and with this comes the tender plea, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you." To this mortal mind responds, "Wherein shall we return?" It is then shown that material sense robs God, and in so doing becomes itself the prey of the "devourer." The way of righteousness is however clearly pointed out, and after this we read: "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." This is immediately followed by a declaration that the time is approaching when all wickedness shall be consumed as stubble, and then "shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." Two of our Leader's statements on page 542 of Science and Health may here be recalled: "Though error hides behind a lie and excuses guilt, error cannot forever be concealed. Truth, through her eternal laws, unveils error;" and, "Sin will receive its full penalty, both for what it is and for what it does."

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