Peaceful , coexistence among nations and peoples is greatly desired. Valid reasons can be presented for the acceptance of it in human activities: in trade, for instance, in the arts and sciences, in material developments, and so on. But the supposed coexistence; of good and evil challenges high ideals and to accept it can lead only to the deterioration of peaceful relations and ultimate disaster.

There is merit in one's maintaining flexible attitudes toward other races, nationalities, civilizations, or even political and religious beliefs. But only fruitlessness and failure can come from wavering attitudes toward high standards of honesty, morality, and integrity.

Peaceful coexistence among nations, as well as among individuals, is a desirable goal in our modern world, but we should not be unaware of a growing tendency to extend the idea into fields of human relationships which involve compromise of personal virtue and probity. The argument seems to be that if coexistence is good in some aspects, it should be good in all. Such argument leads to the philosophical belief, for instance, that correct personal conduct, or morality, is adjustable to the current custom of a people or group.

The acceptance of such beliefs endangers the stability of society as well as the character and welfare of the individual. Thus it is clear that the problems pertaining to coexistence are many-sided and are fraught with hazards as well as benefits. Certainly alertness, discernment, and right thinking are required if one is to keep in the safe channel and avoid the rocks and shoals.

The best guide for choosing a safe course and holding to it is found in the Bible, especially in the Ten Commandments, in the Psalms, in Proverbs, and in the New Testament. The advice and admonition therein expose and refute the specious philosophy that we might well lower our personal standards to follow the crowd in doing what others seem to think is expedient and acceptable. The Bible teaches that it is impossible to reconcile wrong with right, and we are warned against being deluded by such shallow reasoning.

In the third chapter of I John we read (verse 7), "Let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." And Paul wrote in his second Epistle to the Corinthians (6:14, 17): "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? . . . Wherefore come out from among them, . . . saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing."

Christian Science has much to say in its teachings on this general subject. It points out that mixing some evil with good constitutes adulteration and eventual decadence of individual standards. The natural result of such an admixture and perversion is impairment of outlook and achievement.

In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes: "From first to last the supposed coexistence of Mind and matter and the mingling of good and evil have resulted from the philosophy of the serpent. Jesus' demonstrations sift the chaff from the wheat, and unfold the unity and the reality of good, the unreality, the nothingness, of evil" (p. 269). She also writes (ibid., p. 539): "It is false to say that Truth and error commingle in creation. In parable and argument, this falsity is exposed by our Master as self-evidently wrong. Disputing these points with the Pharisees and arguing for the Science of creation, Jesus said: 'Do men gather grapes of thorns?' Paul asked: 'What communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?'"

In his Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus touched on both the general question of coexistence and individual behavior. In regard to human relationships, he taught the doctrine of universal love and compassion toward all mankind. Yet concerning personal conduct, he cautioned his hearers to build upon a rock and not upon the sand; he also said not to try to serve two masters, or to have two different standards.

Jesus made it clear that an evil mind, like an evil tree, can bring forth only evil fruit, and that righteous thought, like a good tree, can bring forth only good fruit. As for the benefits and comforts and acceptability which mankind desire and strive for, he gave the true recipe in a few simple words (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Human relationships among individuals and nations are constantly changing to suit new developments and circumstances. The idea of coexistence is a worthy objective as a stimulant to peace and friendly interchange. But coexistence should be limited to its proper field and should not be permitted to compromise tested standards of ethics, morality, and integrity.

High standards of personal conduct are priceless and never give cause for later regret. They are respected and admired even by those who may for hidden reasons criticize and ridicule them at the moment. Holding fast to them in thought and deed brings rewards, even though temporarily unseen. Science and Health emphasizes this point in these words (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."