Editorial September 14, 1918 Issue

The Fool's Decision

Annie M. Knott

In Psalms we read: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." A good many would exclude themselves from the classification here implied, on the ground that they would never say such a thing as this, but the text refers more particularly to those who in their hearts deny the power and presence of God. To the student of Christian Science it points to two classes of thinkers,—those who harden themselves in wickedness and oppression, congratulating themselves that there is no God to interfere with their evil purposes, and those who profess to be religious and acknowledge God in their words, while denying His power to establish justice and judgment in the earth and to deliver themselves or others from sickness or suffering. The one who maintains that money, for instance, is a greater power than right, even if he keeps his belief mainly to himself, is, according to the psalmist's statement, a fool, because he denies the supremacy of God, divine Principle, as operative in human affairs.

In the second chapter of Ecclesiastes we find the following statement shining as a high light through the darkness of mortal belief, the belief which accepts sense evidence of every sort and fails to see the hand of God in all things. It reads, "I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness." It is well to know that the wisdom which rests upon the allness, the infinitude, of God, good, is that which enables one in time of stress to wait patiently, yet with full assurance, upon the final outcome, where right and wrong appear to be in the balance, and also in the case where one has turned away from materiality and in the Christ way seeks salvation from suffering. In her inspired article entitled "Pond and Purpose," Mrs. Eddy explains to her readers the baptism of the Holy Ghost and says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 204), "This mental condition settles into strength, freedom, deep-toned faith in God; and a marked loss of faith in evil, in human wisdom, human policy, ways, and means." In presenting further the great change wrought in human consciousness through this baptism, she adds, "It brings with it wonderful foresight, wisdom, and power; it unselfs the mortal purpose, gives steadiness to resolve, and success to endeavor." This article as a whole is wonderful in presenting the real issues involved in the working out of any human problem, and as its teaching is followed it becomes clear that it is only the fool who would deny the power of divine Truth to destroy all error and to reveal the eternal harmony which is never disturbed by mortal belief.

In the twenty-fourth chapter of Luke we have a marvelous lesson as we read of the walk to Emmaus. Here we have presented the experience of some undoubtedly sincere followers of Christ Jesus who were beginning to question whether after all God was near at hand to maintain the majesty of His spiritual law and to support His most faithful representatives. As Cleopas told of the doubts which seemed to prevail among the disciples, doubts which sprang from material evidence, the Master rebuked this questioning thought when he said, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Happily we are told that the Master was able to bring them such enlightenment that "their eyes were opened," and that the Scriptures also were opened to them, so that the supremacy of good was no longer a matter for uncertainty or denial.

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