Article December 8, 1956 Issue

"HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD"

LUTHER J. KINNARD

In Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians, he pointed out to them those things which could truly be called "good." This epistle is permeated with love for God and for Christ Jesus. While he gratefully praised the Thessalonians for their unceasing faith, their patience under persecution, and their turning away from idols, Paul also admonished them to continue in their brotherly love for each other and for all mankind. He requested them to keep themselves from evil, to mind their own business, to be sober and alert, to support the weak, and to pray without ceasing. Finally, near the end of his letter, he wrote (5:21), "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Students of Christian Science may well ponder this concise statement which contains no reference to compromise, tradition, suggestion, opinion, or speculation.

In her writings Mary Baker Eddy uses such words as "grasp," "cling," "hold," "continue," "maintain," in connection with our acceptance of the God-given revelation of Truth. She combines a precept with a promise (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 261): "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts."

The world abounds in beliefs and philosophies that are based primarily upon the evidence of the material senses, although ostensibly of an abstract mental nature. Like much present-day salesmanship, these beliefs and philosophies appeal to the widespread desire for comfort and convenience, but their promises are without proof. Mrs. Eddy warns us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 363), "We must avoid the shoals of a sensual religion or philosophy that misguides reason and affection, and hold fast to the Principle of Christian Science as the Word that is God, Spirit, and Truth."

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