Article July 13, 1940 Issue

"The etiquette of Christian Science"

IRENE RENEW

ON page 283 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mary Baker Eddy has said, "I insist on the etiquette of Christian Science, as well as its morals and Christiantiy." Students of Science find Mrs. Eddy's words deeply impressive and helpful, for is it not customary to think of etiquette as rules defining only the proprieties in social and official affairs?

It is natural for someone to ask: "In what way do rules of etiquette blend harmoniously with spiritual truth? Will they help one to distinguish worthiness from superficiality? Will obedience to them unfold the graces of Spirit, God, which the real man reflects?" Those who seek further enlightenment in the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy will find many precepts which, if heeded, cultivate true grace, wisdom, and poise.

Christianly scientific rules bless one and all, for they proceed from Love and Truth. Jesus said, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Some forgo the blessings which are sure to follow loving obedience to this rule, for they believe mistakenly that forgiveness indicates weakness and subjects them to greater imposition, injustice, or avarice. Genuine goodness is of God, and He protects its expression, wherever found. True forgiveness is the loving acknowledgment that man is never less than perfect, for he is God's image, or idea. Personal affront, deceit, boorishness are utterly foreign to divine Love's reflection. These disturbing beliefs have no reality, power, or intelligence. Truth commits them to nothingness, whence they came. It is cause for gratitude that the presence of honesty invariably defeats every distorted sense of right, including the belief that one can benefit himself by burdening others. There is no affectation or self-righteous reasoning in Truth. True gratitude never stoops to servility, but finds its best expression in loving service.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Beauty
July 13, 1940
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit