TRUE VALUES

GERTRUDE RING.

It is a common experience that we are often induced to yield to the solicitation of sense in some form, after having resisted the same temptation in another guise. The scholar who would scorn vanity in dress, or glory in that he is sumptuously fed or luxuriously housed, may be indulging the pride in high attainments along scientific lines; never suspecting the imposition that arrogance is making, but considering his standpoint of superiority to be elevated to a mental realm which differentiates it from the common brand.

Says the Wise Man, "I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven; . . . . I have seen all the works that done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit," and it would seem that many an earnest follower of material science must agree with this decision, so rapidly does new discovery undermine conclusions arrived at by the persevering study of years. In this conflicting medley of overthrown convictions one may well inquire what is stable and unchanging, in other words truly valuable.

Mrs. Eddy, the author of Science and Health, in the first edition of this book made unqualified statements respecting matter which the physical scientist has since "discovered" by laborious experiment to be true. Then what what a bubble must worldly learning be in comparison to the clear crystal of Mind, wherein the true substance and causation of every image and reflection dwells! One who is especially well informed on all current topics expressed regret that Christian Scientists should place so little value upon detailed knowledge of scientific progress, since, in her judgment, they thus excluded themselves from conversation on these profound subjects. The Christian Scientist addressed, knowing that this lady justly acknowledged that Christian Science had been of incalculable aid at a time when all else had failed, asked whether she would again prefer the declarations of Truth as taught in Christian Science, in similar stress of circumstances, or the most erudite discourse concerning the latest "wonderful discovery." The critic admitted that in real value to the human race, the former was as incomparable as the diamond would be to a glittering bit of prismatic glass.

Material knowledge assuredly serves a present purpose. but the most profound scholarship regarding any material thing or condition must be confined to this plane of consciousness, and if we believe that anything survives death we must concede that the individuality which emerges from this experience is worthy of more serious consideration than the changing phenomena of present existence. Just as Jesus came in mortal semblance, that those dwelling in this plane might understand the Christ thought, does divine Mind touch us through our human mentality to "uplift faith to understand eternal Life" (Science and Health, p. 497), and this proves the faculty which apprehends truth to be the most precious possession we have.

How do we spend our money? For the greatest value obtainable! Yet our money is subject not only to sudden and unexpected loss during life, but we must completely dissociate all connection between it and value beyond this plane of existence. Hence if we possess actual abiding value, it is obviously not in gold or its equivalent; and if through right thinking we can be elevated to eternal improvement, assuredly it is the most valuable thing we either possess or barter, and it behooves us to secure with it what will forever enrich us in the expenditure. For the same reason it is inexpedient to mar the tablet of our consciousness with aught that error would record, since long after the paltry material object for which we have been lured to exchange our treasure has been resolved again to cosmic dust will our advance toward perfection be accelerated or retarded by our estimation of what constitutes value.

Says Solomon, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding;" therefore, "cease from thine own wisdom." May we not conclude that this kingly man, who was sought from afar for his wisdom, knew of what he was speaking. Job also states, "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding," while Paul declares that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." When, therefore, Christian Scientists are criticised for restricting their reading by the elimination of recognized error, they can but thank God that a Leader has been given them who is able to prepare them for more than this journey through the wilderness, and who has presented to them an opportunity to acquire a knowledge of eternal values.

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THE RIGHT SENSE OF HEALTH

November 9, 1907

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