Editorial November 3, 1923 Issue

"Trust in Truth"

Ella W. Hoag

When Mrs. Eddy once said to the "dear members" of her church (Miscellany, p. 171), "Trust in Truth, and have no other trusts," she uttered words whose profundity is very great. And yet, as with all that is truly profound, their simplicity is equally apparent; for when properly considered and understood, even the depths of Truth itself may be found clear and simple. Every one also admits that perfect trust always implies deepest confidence, utmost reliance, the absence of all doubt and fear.

All men are trusting something. Their trust is placed in whatever they believe can bring them advantage, be it what they are pleased to call intellectual, financial, physical, or spiritual good. The scholar places trust in books and teachers; the merchant relies on business ventures and the possession of money; the so-called materialist looks to matter alone for physical well-being; from the ordinary human standpoint, even those who think they desire spirituality are apt to trust in a personal Saviour to deliver them from their shortcomings and sins. It is not difficult to see that in such mistaken reliance there is little if any real security, and the manifold disappointments of mankind bear sorrowful testimony to the untrustworthy nature of all such trusts.

Centuries ago the Psalmist sang, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help;" while many a time he proclaimed the joy and security of all those who put their trust in God. When Christian Science uses the word "Truth" as a synonym for God, it immediately brings to view the rock on which all good is based. The Christian Scientist understands full well that his entire trust, as his Leader has declared, must be placed in Truth, God. "Trust in Truth, and have no other trusts." Here is the straight and narrow way of Science defined perfectly. And what could command such faith and security, such hope and assurance as Truth? The moment the word is spoken one feels a sense of utter stability and reliability, for Truth is indeed absolutely dependable. It is the foundation which can never wear away, which is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Truth alone can always be proved true. Since it never varies, and is infinite, it can never fail to prove the unreality of any supposititious opposite.

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