Editorial February 2, 1918 Issue

Rejoicing in Protection Adequate

William P. McKenzie

Joy is the great antagonist of that mental malpractice by which the overserious may be threatened at times, with which the wicked may agree, and to which the fearful may yield. The glad heart always has splendid resisting power against its assaults. To be full of joy is to have a defense impregnable. At the rebuilding of Jerusalem this was brought out by Nehemiah, who besought the people not to mourn, "neither be ye sorry," he said; "for the joy of the Lord is your strength." At the institution of Christianity, its Founder said to his disciples, "Your joy no man taketh from you."

The basis of this joy is the assurance we have as to the being and character of God, and the settled peace and certainty as to His goodness. Christian Science develops in man the joy of this certainty, and our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 419), "Never fear the mental malpractitioner, the mental assassin, who, in attempting to rule mankind, tramples upon the divine Principle of metaphysics, for God is the only power."

The mental manipulator referred to may be anyone who for the time being is actuated by a determination to "rule or ruin" others, and his influence is measured by the favor or fear with which his efforts are regarded. He may gather into a band those who are like-minded, and make them cooperative in his evil plot or scheme, but over every such effort hangs the verdict of the law, "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished." If the evil worker cannot influence another into confederacy in evil by persuasion, he will try to produce acquiescence through fear; and emboldened by his belief that there is no God, he will claim to be an evil power able to produce suffering and death. It is clear enough, however, that darkness has no power over light, since even a little candle shineth far. So likewise even a momentary vision of the light of God brings illumination, and with it assurance that the works of darkness are not to be feared,—from which enlightenment and assurance comes a secret and sacred joy, an exultance in the omnipotence of good. It is the business of the Christian Scientist to increase and maintain this joy; then obedience becomes spontaneous to the admonition of our Leader (Science and Health, p. 442), "Christian Scientists, be a law to yourselves that mental malpractice cannot harm you either when asleep or when awake."

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