Editorial December 10, 1932 Issue

Wisdom Indispensable

Duncan Sinclair

How often in the course of his work does the Christian Scientist see the need for wisdom! Constantly is he called upon to exercise it. And wisdom of the highest type too; for is he not regarded by those among his fellow men who know what Christian Science is, as standing for all that is best in human character, human conduct, and human relationships? Is he not a follower of the Master; and does not this imply that he is endeavoring to think and act as did the Master? Must not, then, the wisdom he is called upon to exercise be that of which James writes in his epistle: "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits"?

The Christian Scientist is well aware of the need of wisdom in the practice of healing the sick. He knows that error—some false belief—is binding the patient. His effort, therefore, is to uncover the error through his understanding of Truth and Love in order that he and the sick one may see its nothingness, so bringing about the healing. But the Christian Science practitioner does not give treatment to people indiscriminately. Wisely does he pray that those only shall come to him to receive his aid whom the truth draws, since it is idle to cast the pearls of spiritual understanding before the unprepared or insincere thought. And wisely also does he pray for discernment to read the thought of those who approach him, to know the extent of its honesty.

As in helping the sick so is it in aiding the sinner—wisdom is indispensable. The sinful condition has to be uncovered and its unreality seen, and the real spiritual selfhood brought into manifestation. This means character building. And during the process the advice of the Christian Scientist may be of great value. The afflicted one is perhaps not finding it easy: the struggle to break away from the old sinful practices and foolish associations may appear to be difficult. What cannot wisdom do in steadying the thought and the effort at this stage of deliverance? And how valuable the aid the practitioner can give by pointing out suitable passages for study from the Bible and from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" or Mrs. Eddy's other writings!

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