Editorial April 5, 1924 Issue

Honesty

Duncan Sinclair

In her writings Mrs. Eddy makes it clear how greatly an honest heart is to be esteemed. Transparently honest as she always was herself, she knew the value of honesty, and set forth in terms the most explicit her estimate of it. And what an asset of character honesty is, with its mental transparency, its freedom from duplicity, its childlikeness! It has the approval of the Most High, this quality; and having that, it presents possibilities for spiritual progress beyond estimate. Contrasting it with double-mindedness, our Leader says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 8), "We never need to despair of an honest heart; but there is little hope for those who come only spasmodically face to face with their wickedness and then seek to hide it."

These words present a big issue. Christian Science does not in any way shirk it. Christian Science states in language which the veriest child can understand the value to be accredited to honesty, and the hopelessness of dishonesty. It was James who said that "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways;" and surely double-mindedness is only another name for dishonesty. If, then, dishonesty means instability and hopelessness, may it not be that this negative quality is the reason for the lack of progress which is sometimes met with among those who have taken up the study of Christian Science for healing? It is certainly wise to consider the question; for it is one of great moment.

In thinking of where one is standing with regard to honesty, it is helpful to reflect on what Mrs. Eddy says about it in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 121). There she writes: "Few blemishes can be found in a true character, for it is always a diamond of the first water; but external gentility and good humor may be used to disguise internal vulgarity and villainy. No deformity exists in honesty, and no vulgarity in kindness. Christian Science, however, adds to these graces, and reflects the divine likeness." There is no escaping Mrs. Eddy's keen analytical vision. Her profound knowledge of divine Principle enabled her to see through the superficial glosses of character and to expose the veneer which usurped the place of those true qualities, honesty and kindness, which are to human friendship and human association as sunshine and shower to the flower.

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