What the world means by spirituality and its idea of ordinary morality are widely different; and yet they are very closely related and apparently inter-dependent. Therefore let us not flatter ourselves that we are growing spiritually' while our lives in any respect fall short of the human standard of morality. Now a strictly moral man is no mean unit of measure, and it is good for us to consider the demonstration he has made.
The moral man is honest, honest in the plain, practical way of paying his debts and of adequately remunerating the laborer in his employ, honest in all his dealings He is truthful, scorning deceit, despising equivocation, avoiding exaggeration. He is a temperate man in habit and speech
His home life is one of purity, offending in no particularly the wholesome conventionalites of society. Now this is what the world recognizes as an ordinary moral man, and surely it demands, and rightly demands, the same honesty, truthfulness, temperance, and purity from him who lays claim to a higher understanding, to the guidance of an awakened spiritual perception. In this awakening sense of higher living, not a single moral demand can be ignored, not a single moral duty omitted, not a courtesy neglected, not a kindness withheld, that marks a well-ordered life on the moral plane. Our text-book is explicit in its assurance of the dependence to be placed on an honest heart and its earnest urgence of a pure life. (Science and Health, p. 272). We cannot fail to perceive that Christian Science repeats in effect what Jesus meant by saying that he came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil. Not with the destruction of established codes and customs, the removal of which would result in chaotic social conditions, does this new truth come to us; it. comes through a change of basic impulse, a clearer understanding of man's relation to God. It blesses us with broader views, infinitely greater dominion, and greater freedom. But through the whole transition journey from the merely moral standard to the illumined spiritual consciousness, Christian Science teaches us to hold firmly to the usages and customs that promote the welfare of humanity at large, and that make for the peace and good order of society.
