Article April 9, 1921 Issue

"Judge not"

VIVIAN M. KUENZLI

"THEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." This fearless declaration of Paul's is a "Stand and deliver" to mortal mind, which is always seeking opportunity delicately to insert a suggestion of self-righteousness, where a grosser temptation might never find entrance. Surely there is greatest need to watch and pray that we be not led into temptation but delivered from evil, remembering in all gratitude that temptation cannot, without our consent, affect us.

One phase of fear which besets many beginners in the study of Christian Science is first manifested in a desire to "treat" every person and condition, in season and out, later to be evidenced in the effort to refrain from thinking at all, lest it infringe on man's right of self-government. This apathetic condition is corrected by earnest study and practice of the teachings of our Master and their elucidation by Mrs. Eddy, for it is merely a matter of getting wisdom, "and with all thy getting, get understanding." There is no limitation in this getting, other than we ourselves allow, although it is not enough passively to desire improvement. An active striving for good, against every suggestion of evil is essential, even to the overcoming of self.

In this striving, one early learns that the truth regarding every condition and concerning every situation must be realized. This is far from "treating" another, but is a vigorous mental effort to save ourselves the inevitable pain resulting from belief in a lie. We are given instances throughout Mrs. Eddy's writings in which healings took place without a conscious effort, as touching the hem of Jesus' garment produced marvelous results. We know that there was no healing in merely touching the garment itself, but it is very evident that the wearer of that garment must have been so clear in thought regarding the allness of God and the perfection of His spiritual creation, as opposed in belief to that which we must call the counterfeit, that some degree of healing inevitably took place wherever a receptive state of thought was found.

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