Editorial July 15, 1933 Issue

A Very Precious Gift

Duncan Sinclair

Well does the Christian Scientist know the priceless nature of the gift which Mrs. Eddy has given him in Article VIII, Section 1, of the Church Manual—"A Rule for Motives and Acts." In her inspired writings there are numerous precious articles, paragraphs, and sentences, among which may be mentioned "the scientific statement of being" and the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, pp. 468; 16, 17); the "Daily Prayer" and "Alertness to Duty" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sects. 4 and 6); but probably none of them surpass in beauty of expression or in practicality this invaluable Rule. It is indelibly graven on the memory of the Christian Scientist. It appeals to him constantly as he seeks divine guidance in the affairs of life. It is like a great bulwark to him against the errors of personal sense.

The second sentence of "A Rule for Motives and Acts" reads, "In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness." Here we have the very essence of Christianity. God is Love. Man is the image of God—Love. Therefore, man is governed by divine Love. That is what Christian Science teaches. And whoever understands this teaching sets himself the task, finds himself impelled, indeed, to express love in all his human relationships. If he should find himself called upon to rebuke sin in another, he does so lovingly, the spirit of charity and forgiveness tempering all his thoughts, words, and actions. It is certain that one whose thought is governed by the law of God, the law of Love, will never be unkind in his dealings with his fellow men, even when of necessity he may have to point out their moral faults.

The opening sentence of this Rule is an admonition to all members of The Mother Church, an admonition which they should diligently heed: "Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church." One readily sees the reason for it. It is that animosity when entertained is bound to lead one astray in one's dealings with others, and that personal attachment, based on personal sense and not on spiritual understanding, will never provide a sure foundation for pure motives and righteous acts. The way to correct "animosity" and "mere personal attachment" is to understand man's unity with Love, and to demonstrate or prove that relationship by being loving towards our fellow men in all our thoughts and actions.

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