Editorials

It is not possible to estimate at this time the great results for good which must follow the study of the Scriptures by Christian Scientists. Never before has the Bible been read as at the present time; and what is more, its moral and spiritual teachings are being applied to the problems of each hour both individually and collectively.

Though nineteen hundred years have passed since the wondrous boy of Nazareth trudged about its narrow streets hand in hand with his maiden mother, the remembrance of him still awakens in all mankind the noblest impulses, while in every land and clime the approach of his natal day is heralded with great joy, and with a sense of kindliness and good will toward all that speaks for the irresistible charm and winsomeness of the reflection of Truth and Love which made the Master's life so incomparably exalted and unique. "The carpenter's son" who lived so humbly and humanly in the long ago, is today without question the most vital and influential force of the civilized world.

Christian Scientists, in order to be free from sin, must not only cast evil out of themselves, but also cast out the fear of evil, which would make them believe that they can be harmed by the thoughts and desires of others. This should not be a difficult task, in view of their acceptance of the fundamental statements, "God is All-in-all" and "God is good" on page 113 of Science and Health, also "Evil is not power" on page 192, but experience shows that not all who wish to be Christian Scientists have awakened to this necessity, notwithstanding the great stress which Mrs.

It  has taken mankind a long time to find out what conditions are best adapted to advance the race, but it is now very generally admitted that ideas are of greater importance than men, and that right ideas must govern rations and individuals alike if we are to have progress and prosperity. It was the recognition of the idea of freedom which led the Hebrews out of Egypt under the direction of Moses, and it was the same idea which led to the founding of this great nation.

THE return of "the end of the harvest" awakens thought to the multiplied occasions for thanksgiving and joy, and to every son and daughter of the Puritans it cannot fail also to bring a lively remembrance of the heroic spirit of those brave pioneers who faced every hardship and hazard that they might rejoice in "freedom to worship God. " After the unnumbered trials of the first winter, the long treasured seed was sown in the little acres upon the Plymouth hillsides, and being blessed with the sunshine and rain these brought forth such a bounteous yield that the hearts of all were lifted up, their courage reestablished.

THOUGHTFUL students of the teachings of Christ Jesus and of the theology which still maintains its official standing in most Christian churches, can but be impressed with the contrast between them in the matter of the place and power which is conceded to materiality. In his portrayal of God as infinite Spirit, and of substance as that which is spiritual and undiscernible to material sense, Jesus' concept of being is diametrically opposed by the great body of theological teaching, which enthrones a creator of matter and its laws, a being who is responsible for the world and its history as reported by physical sense.

We  have been told that Solomon was the wisest of men, and among all his sayings there is nothing of such deep import as these words, spoken at the dedication of the temple which was called by his name: "Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keep covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart. " Again and again has the light of divine Truth dispelled the darkness of mortal sense for those who have eyes to see, and this illumination has always come through the spirituality of some one who, in this respect, has been far above his fellows.

CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS sometimes feel it a hardship that their friends, and possibly the public in general, are holding them to what a lawyer would call strict accountability; in other words, that their every word and act is being weighed and measured by the standard of that perfection which Christ Jesus enjoined and exemplified in his words and works. There is, however, no reason why this seeming requirement should disturb them, for no higher tribute could be paid to the teachings of Christian Science than is implied in the demand that those who have accepted these teachings as their guide to eternal life shall be perfect, even as their Father in heaven is perfect.

A suppositional gust of evil in this evil world is the dark hour that precedes the dawn. This gust blows away the baubles of belief, for there is in reality no evil, no disease, no death; and the Christian Scientist who believes that he dies, gains a rich blessing of disbelief in death, and a higher realization of heaven.

THE call of Christian Science is a call to deep and continuous thoughtfulness, to the fulfilment of the word of the Lord which was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, saying, "Come now. and let us reason together;" and by Ezekiel when he declared, "They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.