Editorial October 27, 1945 Issue

No Virtue in "If"

Margaret Morrison

As it is generally used, "if" is a word of postponement. It usually indicates a state of thought that is waiting on circumstance, depending on matter rather than on Principle. Now Principle cannot be postponed, nor can its operation. The omnipotence of God maintains its instancy and constancy. Principle is ever available; it is unalterable and imperative, and brooks no postponement. Principle never waits on "if." It knows no excuse, no evasion, no proviso. Principle is Love, including within itself all harmony, all activity, all bliss. In an understanding and acceptance of Principle, and in obedience to its scientific, divine rules, are to be found the erasure of every "if," the remedy for every human ill, the fruition of every right desire. On page 249 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy says, "Let us accept Science, relinquish all theories based on sense-testimony, give up imperfect models and illusive ideals; and so let us have one God, one Mind, and that one perfect, producing His own models of excellence." This leads to the fulfillment of the demand, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Shakespeare in one of his best-known and loved plays gives to one of his characters a long speech extolling the efficacy of "if," and ends that speech with the words, "much virtue in 'if.'" On examination those so-called virtues prove to be, for the most part, excuses. Mortal mind loves an excuse and is always seeking one to justify its own weaknesses and vagaries, its postponement of action. Often these excuses are made from the mist of ignorance, and must be dealt with patiently and lovingly; but whether ignorantly or willfully made, there is no virtue in "if," and Principle is always at hand to lead us out of the wilderness of "if" into the promised land of reality, out of postponement into acceptance. One can always turn from the conditional "if" of matter into the positive "It is so" of Spirit. Then he will no longer find himself living idly, discouraged and discontented, waiting on a change of circumstances.

"If I had enough money;" "if I were healed;" "if my family would behave;" "if I had a job," and so forth. One of the "ifs" most frequently heard is, "If I had more time." Let us be sure this "if" does not keep us from much-needed, consecrated study of our textbooks, the Bible and Science and Health. When we meet this robber, "if," with the understanding of its deceptive nature and wholehearted desire to know God, we will find that, even in the midst of the busiest days, Love will supply the opportunity for necessary quietude and refreshing study.

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