Editorial April 24, 1920 Issue

Readiness to Write

Gustavus S. Paine

"Write the vision," Habakkuk was told by divine inspiration, "and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." The healing wholeness of Truth is always plain and simple to the sincere seeker. Though it may be stated in an endless variety of language, the story of what the divine Mind knows is forever the same. True intelligence shows itself as right action in the entire experience of the real man. This is the spiritual fact which Christian Science reveals in place of any seeming. The proof of it in all manner of ways is joyous living. Through long words or short words, phrases that one has to study with care or sentences that one accepts without question, this idea expressing Principle is all that can stand out as real. Each reader, therefore, is entitled to look for actual intelligence manifest, and for nothing else. Sincerely to seek the truth is to desire the complete understanding of what good is, regardless of any old prejudices. Together, then, the one who reads and the one who writes must rejoice that infinite Mind alone can make anything clear.

In these days, when a whole world is taking the pen in hand to write in one way or another, it is more important than ever to know the truth about expression. Expression of intelligence is really easy, whether it be in writing or in any other activity. If it were really hard to manifest Principle, then God, to that extent, would not be good. The very goodness of righteous living lies in the simplicity of genuinely conscious being that is altogether apart from any supposition of matter. When one knows that he is conscious as the effect of one infinite Mind which is the only cause, he is glad just to be alive. Hence his whole living unfolds as the expression of Mind untouched by the dream of materiality. By right reasoning, fearless acting, straightforward speaking, and clear writing, one relying on intelligence proves that the way of spiritual happiness is easier than any illusion of an opposite. Such a one knows what he knows, undisturbed by any seeming turmoils of mortality. All of his doing is the replacing of false beliefs with the truth. The vigorous humility which acknowledges Principle's unerring operation as the only actual doing is full success. As Mrs. Eddy declares in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 150), "Pliny gives the following description of the character of true greatness: 'Doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read; and rendering the world happier and better for having lived in it.' Strive thou for the joy and crown of such a pilgrimage—the service of such a mission."

Writing, therefore, to be a service to God and to mankind, must represent doing. It must manifest the same Principle that has been and is manifested in daily right living. Infinite Principle with its unlimited application is the one boundless subject. From the knowing of how divine intelligence produces right action, the presentation of this truth for the benefit of all unfolds spontaneously. Sincerity is the first requisite in giving expression to good. Indeed, without sincerity there is nothing that can properly be termed expression. In consecration to Principle alone will one find writing easy. Each one, however, is free to prove this consecration for himself, if he will, and as he does prove it, his calm but sure joy is encouragement to the many. Making his whole experience demonstration of divine wisdom, he is glad for every opportunity wisely to tell the story of God's goodness. On page 458 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy tells us that "Divinity is always ready." It is, in fact, free readiness, emanating from the divine Mind, that brings out the healing wholeness of Truth in the writing of an article or even of a friendly letter. The truly ready writer is the one who alertly knows that every word must heal.

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