Editorial May 11, 1918 Issue

Stilling Financial War

William D. McCrackan

A cunning and unscrupulous enemy psychology does not content itself with breaking down merely the physical power of its opponent, but endeavors to place a destructive hand also upon his mental, moral, and financial resources. What is desired by such an enemy is a complete disintegration of all powers of resistance on the part of its victim. The news of the day has in a measure laid bare to those who can read between the lines the mental methods employed to bring about the wished for debacle. The spiritually minded who pierce the subterfuges which are employed need not be reminded of the attempt to drain nations of their riches by playing upon their idiosyncrasies, but the general public needs to be forewarned in order that the evil purpose may be forestalled.

The problem is one of Christian metaphysics. The average human being is easily lured by the temptation to try to get something for nothing or next to nothing. In the business world this is often called making legitimate profits, or just getting bargains. Nevertheless, this method is illogical and impracticable because it would eventually impoverish the losing party and destroy his purchasing power. The only legitimate trade motto must be, Something for something. This involves an exchange of values, and must be mutually beneficial in order to be businesslike.

Metaphysically considered, the greed and fear of the individual is based upon a belief of limitation. Human beings suppose that the supply of good things is limited, that their money-making abilities grow less with advancing years, and that they must hasten to accumulate for a helpless old age. Christian Science teaches the very reverse. It shows that in reality God's supply is as infinite as He is Himself infinite, and that men growing in grace, wisdom, and experience should gain in vigor, freshness, and strength. By correcting the prevalent misconceptions about the nature of God and man, Christian Science is taking the strain of fear off from the business world and preparing the financial ability of nations which are obedient to God to cope with the insidious suggestions of the evil planner.

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