ANCIENT writers named fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance as the cardinal virtues. Modern writers added to this list the virtues which Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians regarded as preeminent, "faith, hope, charity, these three." Modern translators also have found that the word "charity" in this list should have been rendered love. There are, however, other excellent virtues besides these three or these seven; so this writing is to propose one of the others for general recognition — namely, normality.
As a candidate for this honor, normality has the advantage of being closely related to principle, and even to Principle. Thus, a normal person is one who acts in accordance with an authoritative rule or standard; conversely, an abnormal person is one whose conduct lapses therefrom. Hence, a normal Christian Scientist is one whose conduct is in keeping with divine Principle; he is one whose thought-life evinces the union of fidelity and wisdom. Perhaps the value of normality can be proved to the best advantage by citing instances of its absence or presence. The instances chosen relate to progress, because our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has said (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 233) that "progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfil."
One of the hindrances to progress in Christian Science is becoming an extremist or specialist as to some particular aspect of error. The specialist on one form of evil is apt to find it wherever he looks. To him, it accounts for every untoward event and is the one danger in every situation. This tendency can be pursued until it is absurd; and it may become pathetic or even tragic. Unfortunately also, the victim of this abnormality is likely to communicate his devotion to it, and thus beget other victims of it.
