Editorial July 7, 1917 Issue

"Judge righteous judgment"

Archibald McLellan

A maxim well known to business men is that the man who is to succeed in selling his wares must give his attention to presenting their merits rather than to dwelling upon the faults, or alleged faults, of his competitor or his competitor's goods. There is much in this homely maxim which should appeal to the Christian Scientist who is called upon to talk or write about, or in behalf of, his religion. Of course it should be noted in passing that Christian Science and Christian Scientists are not in competition with any person or any system, and to this extent the maxim we have quoted is not in point, but it does point a moral or a rule of conduct which may well be observed.

That Christian Science is able to reform the sinful and heal the sick is not in the slightest degree due to defects, or alleged defects, in other forms of religion or other systems of healing. Its accomplishments are entirely due to its inherent truth and the applicability of this truth to the understanding and needs of humanity. This would be true irrespective of the success or non-success of other religions and other systems, therefore there is no need for Christian Scientists to indulge in comparisons to the would-be disadvantage of others. The real benefit that they can confer upon the world is not by tearing down what others have done or are doing, but by themselves building up a right understanding of the teachings of Christian Science and what these teachings are doing for mankind. In Mrs. Eddy's writings she clearly points out the need for Christian character, Christian tolerance, and Christian forbearance, and in the Manual of The Mother Church there is especial admonition to members of her church on this point. Section 26 of Article VIII reads as follows: "A member of this Church shall not publish, nor cause to be published, an article that is uncharitable or impertinent toward religion, medicine, the courts, or the laws of our land."

The record of Christian Science for fifty years is such that it does not require invidious comparison with the work of others in order that it may shine with increased luster. The works of this religion stand out as the demonstration of a divine Principle which is ever applicable, and these works are sufficient endorsement of its reason for existence. To say that others are not doing the works which the followers of this religion are doing, is simply to beg the question. What the person inquiring about Christian Science wishes to know is whether it heals the sick, gives comfort to the sorrowing, and brings the sinful to repentance by destroying the desire to sin. To answer these questions by decrying the efforts of other systems and pronouncing them of no value, would not carry conviction to the inquirer. On the contrary the testimony of one or more reliable persons that they had received the benefits craved by the inquirer, would carry conviction.

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