Editorial September 17, 1927 Issue

Reliance on Principle

Duncan Sinclair

The Christian Scientist is keenly appreciative of the fact that Christian Science supplies him with all that he needs for the working out of his salvation. For has not this Science revealed to him that on which creation, including man, depends for its sustenance, its government, yes, its very existence—divine Principle? Never as now has God been thus known; never as now has God's law been thus understood; not until this age has the cause of all reality been defined as unchangeable Principle.

God is divine Principle. Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 283): "Principle is absolute. It admits of no error, but rests upon understanding." Hence, whatever the condition in which the student of Christian Science may find himself, he has always his understanding of Principle to fall back upon, that understanding which Christian Science has illumined, and which declares God to be infinite as Life, Truth, Love, good. No affliction should obscure this truth; no suggestion of evil can alter it; no mesmeric belief of fear destroy it. The truth of the unalterable nature of God as divine Principle remains like a great rock in a weary land, a shelter for all who understandingly abide under its protecting shadow. To such Paul's words to the Philippians are plain and intelligible: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

It is well to remember that salvation is individual—that everyone must work out his own salvation. This does not mean, however, that we may not ask for and receive help from others in the process. Indeed, it is the duty of all whose spiritual understanding is enlightened to aid out of their greater knowledge those who may be struggling for clearer light on spiritual things. That is what actually takes place during Christian Science treatment. The one in need of help makes approach to the practitioner, asking for the latter's aid; and the practitioner brings his understanding of Principle to bear on the case, spiritually enlightening the one whom he is helping, and proportionably destroying the errors of material sense which claim to hold him bound. Unquestionably, Christian Science treatment is a great help in the working out of the salvation of the individual.

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