Article July 3, 1948 Issue

BE SURE YOUR MOTIVE IS RIGHT

[Of Special Interest to Young People]

ROGER H. WILLIAMS

What is the incentive in the daily study of earnest Christian Scientists? What inspires their metaphysical work? What are the motives for prayer in Christian Science?

Webster defines "motive" as "that within the individual, rather than without, which incites him to action." While one's motive may often be affected by some outside influence, even a condition or circumstance foreign to one's own consciousness, we find in the last analysis that motive is formulated by the individual. Then our motives must be watched closely in order that actions resulting therefrom may bring forth the fruits of righteousness.

That Mary Baker Eddy realized the importance of pure motives is evidenced by the scores of places where she uses this word throughout her writings. In a passage in the Christian Science textbook dear to every student for its practicality and promise she says (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 454), "Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action." Elsewhere in the same chapter Mrs. Eddy declares that right motives are rewarded, while wrong motives are foredoomed to failure.

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