Editorials

WHERE shall we look for substance that is safe—safe from what are called the ravages of time, safe from theft, from decay and diminution? The answer to this question is indicated in Christ Jesus' familiar command: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. " Christian Science teaches us the true meaning of these words and their supreme practicality.

THIS is the traditional season for New Year resolutions; this is the time, say many mortals, for turning over a new leaf, for the abandonment of some enslaving habit, and for the resolve to walk in paths of righteousness. But, alas, what will-o'-the-wisps our high resolutions often become! And why is this? Hamlet in the famous soliloquy hints the answer: Thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.

On page 14 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" Mary Baker Eddy, speaking of the results which would accrue from the "love currency" that was contributed to the building of The Mother Church, says they will be seen to be "not a madness and nothing, but a sanity and something from the individual, stupendous, Godlike agency of man. " A dictionary definition of "agency" is "action; instrumentality," and "agent" is defined as "a moving force.

Christ Jesus , that world-enlightening character whose life and teachings continue to exert an increasingly mighty influence on the thoughts of men, said of himself, "I am the Son of God" ( Matt. 27:43 ).

" Happy Christmas!" Soon this cheery greeting will again ring out through all the Christian world, bringing its perennial message of hope and courage to men of good will. Yet how often does one hear some such plaint as this: "How I dread the oncoming holidays! Christmas holds no joy for me any more.

THE simple fact that throughout human history men have increasingly desired, often fought and died for, and progressively gained freedom from political, religious, economic, and social oppression shows that to enlightened thought freedom is regarded as being as basic to man as is life. Freedom inheres in Mind, God, man's only real Life.

TRUTH is. The exact truth about God and man, cause and effect, exists.

WHAT a helpful possession is the ability rightly to appraise and appreciate the worth and work of one's fellows! In his famous tribute to the virtues of chaste, industrious womanhood, King Lemuel, in the book of Proverbs ( 31:31 ) says, "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. " Can Christian Scientists be accused of deifying their Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, when they thank God for the purity and selflessness of her life, and express gratitude for the blessings her work has brought to mankind? In fact, do they truly understand the message of Christian Science until they recognize the fact that its Discoverer and Founder walked and talked with God, and voice their thankfulness therefor? Christ Jesus did not seek personal homage from his disciples, but he did stress their acceptance of his words and work as evidence that he was a teacher divinely authorized and endowed.

Who can define the mission of our periodicals so clearly and definitely as she under whose inspired wisdom they were founded—Mary Baker Eddy—our beloved Leader, the humble and intrepid follower of our Master, Christ Jesus? On page 353 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," Mrs. Eddy says: "I have given the name to all the Christian Science periodicals.

When an electric light bulb is screwed into its socket and receives the electric current, it instantly radiates light in all directions. When the individual, through understanding prayer, realizes something of the living oneness of man with the All-God, his Truth-enlightened thought reaches far and wide, improving human consciousness.