Editorials

A Happy New Year! With what cheer those familiar words are filled. They tell of new hopes, new possibilities, new energies, new opportunities, new joys.

The International Quarterly , in calling attention to the changes which have taken place in denominational theology, says,— "With every year it becomes more and more certain that by the year 2000 no ecclesiastical organization now existing in America will retain its present form. This statement was made as early as the year 1870 by the distinguished president of Brown University.

The following cablegram, conveying an expression of the love of the English students, was recently received by our Leader. London, November 28, 1904.

WITH the coming of Christmas we are led to think upon the significance of the God-idea in other and far different associations than those of the present time. Long centuries ago, hope sped forward into the future to the time when the Messiah should reign, but Immanuel —God with us— was unknown.

A SENSE of freedom of choice is the invariable accompaniment of the asserted knowledge of good and evil, and it would seem therefore to come under the Scriptural condemnation of that knowledge. Regardless, however, of the questionable, company this "freedom of the will" is wont to keep, theology has declared that it is a desirable thing; that it is a gift from God; that it pertains to the spiritual man, and that it supplies this man with an essential basis for the attainment of character.

" AND the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. which shall be to all people.

Beloved Christian Scientists :—Keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full.

Beloved Students :—The holidays are coming and I trow you are awaiting on behalf of your Leader the loving liberty of their license. May I relieve you of selecting and name your gifts to her, in advance? Send her only what God gives to His Church.

The political events of the present month should enlist a profound interest on the part of all who love the freedom-born institutions of America, and Christian Scientists are certainly included in that class. It sometimes occurs, however, that the beginner in Christian Science thinks he should no longer concern himself with what he has been accustomed to consider human authority and government.

The gradations of spiritual attainment among professed Christians may be accurately determined by noting the things for which they express a sense of gratitude. For some, thanksgiving means simply the taking of an inventory of their material comforts and advantages, the rehearsal of their exemption from the ills of the less fortunate.