Editorial January 3, 1942 ISSUE

Progress

George Shaw Cook

The advancement of mankind toward better conditions has often been delayed by unwillingness to adopt that which would mean progress along right lines. The tendency of the human mind to resist improvement is illustrated by the fact that about one hundred years ago a public school board in the state of Ohio declined the use of a school building for a meeting called to discuss the building of a railroad across the state, on the ground that it was absurd to consider the possibility of a train moving at the rate of fifteen miles per hour! Today trains are traversing the state at a rate of speed four or five times that regarded by the school trustees in question as absurd.

At one time it was believed that a heavier than air machine could not remain aloft for a sufficient time to make navigation of the air practical. Now, airplanes remain at high altitudes for long periods and proceed at rates of speed which previously would have been considered incredible. This has been made possible because human ingenuity and invention have broken down resistance to progress. On page 195 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy says, "Observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal."

It is possible that the proposal to publish the Christian Science Sentinel in the form in which it appears in this issue may meet resistance in the thought of some who have felt the old form was good enough, and should be retained. It is gratifying, however, to note that many Christian Scientists in the Field have expressed themselves as being pleased with the contemplated change. They feel that the change is in the line of progress, and so it would appear to be.

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy, was progressive. From the time of her discovery to the completion of her lifework she was ready to take such steps as she felt would most effectually extend the movement which she founded. In the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 14 ) she included the following provision with respect to the Christian Science periodicals: "It shall be the duty of the Directors to see that these periodicals are ably edited and kept abreast of the times." This requirement may reasonably be construed to apply not only to the metaphysical aspect of the periodicals, but also to their outward appearance.

Progress, it may be said, relates in the main to human experience; whereas, infinite progression relates to that which is absolute and divine. Progression is the forever unfoldment of that which already is. Progress has to do with the belief that men are under the compulsion to advance toward a state of perfection. But Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," and this command might even be interpreted to mean, Ye are therefore perfect, because your Father is perfect.

The understanding of man's present and eternal perfection, as the exact image and likeness of divine Mind, becomes in human experience a law of progress which compels mankind to advance in spite of the resistance of the human, mortal mind to such advancement. Doubtless it was with this fact in thought that our beloved Leader wrote on page 233 of Science and Health: "Every day makes its demands upon us for higher proofs rather than professions of Christian power. These proofs consist solely in the destruction of sin, sickness, and death by the power of Spirit, as Jesus destroyed them. This is an element of progress, and progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfil."

As Christian Scientists we should be willing to progress, and, knowing that progress is the law, in our present experience, we should approach each day's task with the firm conviction that it is possible to perform it with greater facility and with more assurance of success than would be possible if we allowed doubt, uncertainty, or contentment with past achievements to interfere with or obstruct this progress which we rightly desire.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.... For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

George Shaw Cook
Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
"Immortality's goal"
January 3, 1942
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit