Editorial March 15, 1952 Issue

THE PRIMAL QUALITY

Helen Wood Bauman

Intelligence is given a unique place in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." where Mary Baker Eddy defines it in part by saying (p. 469), "It is the primal and eternal quality of infinite Mind, of the triune Principle,—Life, Truth, and Love,—named God." To be primal is to be of the first importance. Then the quality most prized and necessary to one's wellbeing is intelligence. Christian Science reveals its full demonstrability to those ready to understand that man is not a mortal struggling to break down the limits imposed by the so-called carnal mind, but the immortal reflection of the one intelligence, divine Mind.

Intelligence not only characterizes man; it is his very essence. He cannot be less than fully intelligent as Mind's expression. Knowing this, one is able to improve his present capabilities and to look forward expectantly to the demonstration of perfect comprehension at every point. This requires consecration and willingness to desert the common premise that intelligence is the result of heredity, brain structure, or education.

Education of the right kind helps in the demonstration of intelligence, but is not fundamental to it, for education often fails to bring out genuine intelligence. Academic and professional knowledge can never take the place of wisdom, justice, love, and truthfulness, without which there is no evidence of real intelligence. The world sometimes sees the true intelligence which is native to man forcing its way through what are generally considered obstacles to enlightenment, as was the case with Abraham Lincoln, who developed tremendous capabilities when his moral sense was roused.

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