Editorial May 17, 1924 Issue

"Wise unto salvation"

Albert F. Gilmore

In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul solemnly admonishes his friend to rise into such a wise state of thought and prudence of action as will lead him to salvation and lasting happiness. He explicitly warns him against the machinations of "evil men and seducers," both those who are intentional deceivers and those who innocently mislead another, because of being misled themselves; and he calls Timothy's attention to the Biblical teachings on this subject, declaring, "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." In these words, the apostle rests upon the gospels of Christ Jesus mankind's security from deception, and from all that would deceive men and defeat their highest purposes.

Mrs. Eddy repeatedly instructs her students to exercise wisdom and prudence in all their ways. "Be ye therefore wise as serpents," is her frequent admonition, not because of fear of evil, but, inasmuch as, understanding the nature of evil, its character and claims, she recognizes the need for circumventing it at every point through exposing its nothingness, the better that the glory of God's infinite goodness may become manifest in human lives.

Depth of conviction of man's honesty, based upon a partially demonstrated knowledge, renders some Christian Scientists notably credulous in their relation with those who name the name of the living Christ, as revealed by our revered Leader. Consequently, in many instances Christian Scientists become peculiarly open to the approach of those who, knowing this quality of trustfulness, use it as a means of furthering some selfish end; and the Christian Science churches sometimes become fertile fields for the operations of those, for example, having questionable projects to promote, stocks of doubtful value for sale, and for those seeking to enlist aid in the advancement of some proposition perhaps wholly undeveloped, and altogether chimerical. Under this mesmerism of credulity, common even among Christian Scientists, investments are made which a person exercising ordinary business wisdom would hardly think of making; and this transpires largely because of an unenlightened confidence in some one approaching in the name of Christian Science, and, perhaps, introduced by a fellow-worker equally misied by the outward appearance.

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