Article November 15, 1930 Issue

"The silent lesson"

CHARLES V. WINN

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE is a religion of works. It is based on the understanding of the allness and oneness of God, of good. This fact of good's allness is basic and fundamental to demonstration. Being altogether scientific, Christian Science admits of nothing that is tentative, conjectural, or visionary; its every statement is capable of proof. If this were not so, its scientific basis could be denied. Christian Science reveals God, eternal Truth; and that which presents the truth must be capable of proof. Anything that is scientific is provable. The word "science" means knowledge, and we cannot actually know anything suppositional or hypothetical. We may believe many things, but can know only divine truth.

Naturally, we expect those who declare scientific facts to give proofs of their verity. They must bear witness to the veracity of their declarations, or else we should have no basis from which to judge of their truthfulness. What should we have thought of the discoverer of wireless telegraphy if not a single message had ever been transmitted? What should we have thought of the inventor of the steam engine if nothing had ever been propelled thereby? Such is the power behind a scientific fact that one proof of its correctness is adequate to dispel the doubt and disbelief of the ages. It is well known that some of the greatest blessings that have come to the world have been received with scorn and ridicule; and yet nothing can withstand the unfoldment of a right idea, so invincible is Truth.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 126) Mrs. Eddy writes, "No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good example." Here is a statement of truth that we can well ponder and heed, for if strictly adhered to it will bring much good to ourselves and others. Religion has for so long been regarded as largely a matter of emotion and sentiment that it comes as a distinct shock to the so-called human mind to learn that works and example alone weigh in the balance of true Christian endeavor. And yet, what was the standard of our Master, Jesus the Christ? When he was questioned as to the authenticity of his mission, he invariably referred to his example and his works. Even in the supreme crisis of his career, he "answered nothing;" and yet his holy example is still the inspiration of Christendom. The noisy clamor of the rabble has long since been forgotten; but his silent, steadfast example of clinging to the eternal fact of Love's allness still guides us in our earnest endeavors to follow in the way of the Christ.

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