Editorial November 1, 1947 Issue

THE SCIENTIFIC STANDARD

L. Ivimy Gwalter

One's standard is his model for action and determines the quality of his performance. We should give heed to what we are accepting as our standard and learn what the true standard of being is.

The dictionary gives two significant meanings of "standard" which when analyzed are found to coincide: "1. A figure adopted as an emblem by a people;... loosely, a banner. 2. That which is set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality."

The tenth chapter of Numbers recounts that in their wanderings through the wilderness the children of Israel rested until the cloud was lifted from off the tabernacle of God. When the cloud lifted, they gathered themselves under four standards to resume their journey: three tribes under the standard of Judah, three under the standard of Reuben, three under the standard of Ephraim (the heir of Joseph), and three under the standard of Dan. With the exception of Ephraim the metaphysical significance of each of these names may be found in the Glossary in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. A thoughtful analysis may lead the student to the self-searching questions: Which standard am I following? What are my motives, aims, pursuits? On page 247 of the textbook, lines 12 and 13, Mrs. Eddy defines the standards of mortals, a reference which finds corroboration on page 68, lines 2-4. With a depth of meaning she writes on page 553, "Mortal thought must obtain a better basis, get nearer the truth of being, or health will never be universal, and harmony will never become the standard of man."

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