Editorial December 13, 1947 Issue

REFUSE THE EVIL AND CHOOSE THE GOOD

L. Ivimy Gwalter

In the book of Isaiah, following the prophecy that a virgin shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel, occurs this interesting verse (Isa. 7:15): "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good."

Even the most casual reading of the Gospels convinces the reader that the outstanding characteristic of Jesus' career was his immediate acknowledgment of the all-presence and power of good and his instant rejection of evil. Never did he accept the testimony of material sense as true, no matter how real, aggressive, or terrifying it might appear; never did he yield to its mesmerism. To the wavering disciples he said (Mark 4:40): "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"

The student of Christian Science early learns the importance of denying error and affirming truth; but what is it that gives potency to the denial and affirmation? Prayer accomplishes relatively little unless it is founded on solid conviction and clear realization. It was the Master's spirituality that endowed him with supernal power.

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