Editorials

WHEN Jesus sent forth his disciples on their memorable mission "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," he warned them that they were going forth "as sheep in the midst of wolves," which certainly was not an alluring prospect, and that they must therefore bear themselves with the wisdom of the serpent and the gentleness of the dove. This counsel showed that the great Teacher was not in the least deceived as to what their reception was likely to be, nor as to the general lack of faith which would be shown by many to whom they would bear the life-giving message of the gospel.

In several of the epistles to the early churches we find evidence of a disposition on the part of some to reject that which today is called organization, on the mistaken assumption that complete spiritualization of consciousness had already been attained, and that human governments should not be recognized or obeyed. In the epistle to Titus, however, we find this admonition: "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.

Commenting upon the life of Cromwell and the universal enthusiasm with which Charles II was welcomed back to resume his rule over England, Mr. Balfour is reported to have said recently that "if the Great Commoner failed, and with all his genius it is manifest that he did fail, it is not because he was indifferent to the traditions of his country.

TO the question so often risked, "Why has the Christian Science movement grown so wonderfully?" the first and most natural answer is that it is because the sick are healed and the sinning are reformed through its ministry, as in the early days of Christianity. While this is valid, and satisfactory as far as it goes, it cannot be claimed that it is the only reason.

THE great prominence given in most educational institutions to the study of the sciences, and the willingness of cultivated thought as a whole to accept their decrees as final, may be said to distinguish the age in which we live. No less marked, however, than this great authority conceded to science, is the very general habit of relating it to earthly problems alone, the deeper questions of faith and fate being regarded as quite removed from the realm of scientific investigation.

JOB'S mournful and rather uncertain query, "If a man die, shall he live again?" has been insistently echoed all through the ages, and will be until the riddle of mortal experience is solved in Truth's way. That it was much discussed in Paul's day is evident, and that wonderful fifteenth chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians greatly illumines the subject of immortality.

AS Christian Scientists at the close of the church year note the progress of the movement set forth in the report of the clerk read at the annual meeting of The Mother Church on Monday, June 3, they have every reason to "thank God, and take courage;" to "put on the whole armor of God" and go forth, "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," valiantly to battle with the forces of evil until even "the last enemy" shall be destroyed. Christian Science is essentially a doctrine of works, since it bases its hope of deliverance from all evil, unto its final overcoming, upon the fulfilment of the Master's promise that they who believe on him shall have the power to do the works he did, those marvelous works of healing for which the multitude thronged him that they might find release from their infirmities.

MRS. EDDY tells us that after her own healing by spiritual means alone, she began to search for the Principle of this healing and held to the Bible as her only text-book.

CHRISTIAN travelers in countries where men still bow down to idols of wood and stone, are sure to experience a mingled sense of humiliation and pity in the presence of such a strikingly manifest subjection of intelligence to nonintelligence, of mind to matter, and they have returned to their native shores with a keener realization of what Christianity has accomplished in doing away with the grosser forms of religious superstition. That the mental attitude behind any type of idolatry is peculiarly degrading and destructive of the moral sense, and thus at war with all true self-interest, is indicated by the fact that the Scripture writers lay so much emphasis upon their condemnation of it.

IN these days of social, economic, and political unrest, the advocates of each particular doctrine, which for the time being holds the stage of public interest, making its bid for popular acceptance and ratification, are inclined to believe that the peace and prosperity of the world, or at least of their own country, depends entirely upon the adoption of the doctrine or measure which has secured their allegiance and support. Without disparagement of any one of these proposed panaceas for so-called public evils, it may be helpful to call attention for the moment to the doctrine of the greatest reformer and philanthropist, the wisest social and political economist the world has ever known, and epitomized in one brief exhortation to his followers: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.