Article October 19, 1918 Issue

The Right Standpoint

REV. JAMES J. ROME

In the various questions which come up for consideration in one's experience, there are generally so many conditions and influences involved that it often seems difficult to reach a decision as to the proper relation of things and the right course to pursue. This sense of confusion and uncertainty arises from the fact that human affairs are usually considered from a personal standpoint, in which opinions and feelings play a very important part, whereas a right conclusion about anything can only be drawn from a scientific basis. Personal feelings or opinions, likes or dislikes, can have no place in forming a right decision; its correctness must be measured by its conformity to some known standard and rule. "Judge not according to the appearance," said Jesus, "but judge righteous judgment."

In working out a mathematical problem there may be times when the operation seems somewhat confusing and a successful issue is by no means apparent. One would not expect to accomplish much at such a time by merely consulting his feelings or opinion, or by trying to find the easiest way out. The only right thing to do is to examine the work already performed and see if it is correct, then see how the basic law of mathematics can be applied to the next step, and learn the rule by which to supply it; then by patient work the problem will be solved.

Now Christian Science teaches that all the problems in human experience can be solved in the same way; for that only can be the correct manifestation of being which is in accord with and expresses the perfect Principle of existence and its rules or laws. Strict adherence to the divine Principle or Mind and its harmonious expression is the foundation of all truly metaphysical practice. To take such a position is to deny and disregard all seeming confusion which may arise as the result of doubt or fear, to repudiate all erroneous methods or systems, and to recognize as valueless and powerless whatever contradicts or fails to comply with the correct statement and demonstration of perfect Principle.

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