Editorial December 6, 1924 Issue

"Overcome evil with good"

Duncan Sinclair

There is only one way of overcoming evil scientifically, and that is through the understanding of good. "At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good," writes Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 571). "Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you."

Now it is not the usual way of mortals to overcome evil with good. It is still common practice among them to demand "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." In other words, the prevalent method is to meet evil with evil. But this method fosters hatred and revenge instead of destroying them; and too often these ultimate in criminality. And very frequently the criminal in turn is dealt with under the law in a similar manner, although the desire may be present to bring about reformation. Thus the unending circle of meeting evil with evil revolves.

It is beginning to dawn on mankind that evil will never be overcome or remedied by the practice of evil. This surely should be understood after nineteen hundred years of Christianity, when we remember that Christ Jesus inculcated upon his followers a method entirely the reverse when he said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil;" and again: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you,"—words which mean precisely the same in substance as those of Mrs. Eddy quoted above.

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