Article June 30, 1917 Issue

Equilibrium

WILLIAM E. BROWN

Often it has been said, and indeed truly, that the progress of Christian Science is much hampered by the wisdomless zeal of many of its most earnest advocates. There seems to be a stage in neophytic growth where there is considerable danger of temporarily losing one's equilibrium. During this period overzeal show itself in extravagant statement, talking in the wrong place and at the wrong time, and much time and effort are consumed in endeavoring to push others into the kingdom of heaven whether they wish to go or not. Again, the perception of an ideal, coupled with the determination to bring it instantly into human experience, regardless of inopportunity and the means and ways of human environment, is a condition which ultimates in what the world terms fanaticism. Wisely foreseeing such loss of equilibrium, Mrs. Eddy writes: "The neophyte in Christian Science acts like a diseased physique,—being too fast or too slow. He is inclined to do either too much or too little" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 78).

Abnormal growth of this nature also frequently manifests itself in an erroneous conclusion that human ways and means for advancement are of no consequence, and the subsequent lack of interest evidences a loss of balance which does not favorably impress the onlooker. Forgetting that every thought must be brought into captivity to Christ, and that all legitimate human activities must be purified and improved by Christian influence, the beginner may conclude, for example, to take no interest in politics, and may not even take the trouble, to cast his ballot on election day. Now politics, or the science of government, is perhaps the most important of all secular institutions. Through wise and just legislation people are permitted to live their lives (under proper provisions) as they deem best. They are at liberty to worship God after the dictates of their own conscience and adopt any and all methods which they believe will enhance their health, happiness, and prosperity. Many of these rights and privileges, however, may be denied by unjust laws, and it is self-evident that better legislation waits for better legislators.

To neglect an opportunity of this kind is not only to fall short of being a good citizen, but negatively may aid in the election of unprincipled and biased lawmakers through whom special interests of various kinds may abrogate personal rights and privileges now enjoyed. Many of the human activities, subject to Christian Science influence, can be made important factors in the working out from sense to Soul. On page 288 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says, "Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute." We must be as "wise as serpents," so that we may take advantage of and utilize every important factor in human economy, to the end that human concepts may first be improved through better belief and then replaced by divine ideas.

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