Editorial July 3, 1926 Issue

Rights—Human and Divine

Albert F. Gilmore

The history of the human race deals largely with mankind's struggle to establish and retain something of the rights with which, it is held, God has endowed man. No more compelling statement of this fact has been made than that which appears in the Declaration of Independence of the American Colonies. That historic document asserts that man is endowed by his Maker with certain inalienable rights, among which are "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This statement probably marks the highest concept of individual rights ever set forth in a political document. What is its significance? As commonly interpreted, it means that men by divine right are entitled to live, to enjoy the highest degree of freedom compatible with public welfare, and, in the fulfillment of their enjoyment. None can gainsay the justice and wisdom of the vision of those who held so high a concept of mankind's rights and privileges. Viewed in the light of Christian Science, however, it takes on even a new and higher meaning.

Christian Scientists rejoice greatly in the understanding which has come to them through Mrs. Eddy's revelation of the spiritual meaning of individual rights and the deep significance which attaches thereto, understanding based wholly upon Spirit and its expression. To gain the true understanding of man's rights, it becomes necessary to look to God, the creator of the spiritual universe, and to know that man as the child of God is endowed with divine rights which far transcend those commonly termed civil and political. These divinely bestowed rights, properly understood and exercised, establish man's freedom from every restricting claim or belief and, as the offspring of the infinite Father-Mother God, eternally existing in the enjoyment of his God-given privileges.

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