Editorial April 28, 1928 Issue

Divine Correction

Ella W. Hoag

There is, perhaps, no more comprehensive or liberating statement in the writings of Mrs. Eddy than the one to be found on page 6 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." There she writes, "Divine Love corrects and governs man." Were this universally accepted and reliance on it universally demonstrated, the world would be freed not only from its sins but from all the false responsibility which men so frequently feel in regard to each other's words and actions. A large proportion of the disagreements and disaffections among men results from a failure to see that God is responsible for the correction as well as goverment of everyone.

All are aware that there is much correction necessary in the world, and as a rule mortals are quite willing to do what they consider their part in bringing about perfection in others. Sometimes it would seem as though they considered themselves not only self-constituted judges of their neighbors, but also self-constituted administrators of what they deem the proper punishment to bring about needed correction. It always seems so easy to define another's faults! And the one who looks for evil in his neighbor is quick to imagine that he can mete out just retribution to that neighbor. Multitudes, therefore, appear to be in the mental attitude of trying to correct their neighbors.

All this has resulted not only in a false sense of correction, but also in a mistaken sense of government. Although the Bible has plainly proclaimed God as the universal source of true correction and government, few have understood how to trust Him to exercise these important prerogatives. As a consequence, irritation and unhappiness have prevailed, bringing forth their accompanying discord, where divine wisdom should have been left free to produce its unerring results of better and holier living.

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