Article February 23, 1924 Issue

"Honest and consistent"

FLORENCE L. MORGAN

On page 458 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes: "The Christianly scientific man reflects the divine law, thus becoming a law unto himself. He does violence to no man. Neither is he a false accuser. The Christian Scientist wisely shapes his course, and is honest and consistent in following the leadings of divine Mind." As we ponder this simple yet profound passage, our thought becomes inspired by the strength and freedom depicted therein. A great desire for further spiritual understanding is born within us, which, breathed in an earnest, humble prayer to God, illumines with glad hope the pathway of the sincere beginner in Christian Science. This process of active spiritual desire for growth in grace gains strength and momentum as the student finds himself willing and able to yield up his personal beliefs, and strives to be "honest and consistent in following the leadings of divine Mind," thus letting Principle govern his thought and action. Every effort in this direction adds continually to his peace and joy, for he is learning to love as Jesus loved, and proving that "he is faithful that promised."

The pathway of Truth is straight and narrow, that is, scientific and exact; and each one has to tread it alone with God. Remembering this, shall we not thankfully lay aside our personal sense of right, knowing that Principle, divine Mind, is the only sure guide, and that Mind governs all its own ideas? Before the truth about God and man was perceived, human relationship seemed to consist chiefly of variable and often purposeless love and hate, admiration and condemnation, approval and disapproval, shifting shadows of mortal thought which based their existence on qualities equally elusive, namely, the habits, beliefs, tastes, opinions, and supposed character of those with whom we came in contact. Christian Science, in one great beam of light and love, destroys these mortal illusions. Through its teachings we perceive that man, as the image of divine Love, must be ever lovable. We learn also, though sometimes with greater difficulty and after many lessons, that the smallest indulgence in uncharitableness of thought or word breaks the ninth commandment.

Broadness and charity, honesty and truth,—that which prohibits false witness-bearing in our dealings with one another,—and care to keep watch and ward over that wily little enemy, an unguarded tongue, will help us to see man as God sees him, and to regard any appearance of error in our brother as an illusion of material sense, a powerless manifestation of the so-called carnal mind, and no part of man. Thus, instead of arraying ourselves on the side of the error by emphasizing it, we shall rise to the call of Truth and Love to stand by our brother's side, united against the common foe of mankind. It is not difficult to see that in voicing error we are, in belief, adding to it. In giving rein to criticism, however thoughtless and unpremeditated, are we not liable to add the errors of condemnation and self-righteousness? When tempted to judge another, we would do well resolutely to turn our gaze inward and examine our own thought, turning the searchlight of Truth on our own lives,—our motives, aims, and desires. Our dear Leader writes in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 283), "Any exception to the old wholesome rule, 'Mind your own business,' is rare."

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