HOWEVER substantial the visible foundations of a structure may seem, unless they are laid upon the solid rock there is no absolute assurance of stability; hence the wise builder spares neither patience nor expense in his effort to gain this end. He continues to excavate the superimposed earth and debris until he reaches a ledge which has the planet behind it and which will not fail him when the fortieth story is added.
No less true is it that the structure of an abiding faith or philosophy cannot -be reared save upon eternal truths, the things that forever remain because they are of God. This raises a question which is of vital interest, and concerning which Christian Science has very much to say, namely. Is truth relative, a form of value which is to be determined by subjective need and serviceability, and that has solely to do with "practical consequences," or is it an unchanging entity, a stable ultimate of supreme worth to all men and in all times? The answer to this question has immediately to do with another, namely. Are we to think of an idea, a statement, as useful because it is true, or as true because it is useful? Are we to think of knowledge, of right understanding, as of definite and eternal value, as that which is to be sought and prized apart from any sense of immediate profit, or are we to think of truth's possession as always a means and never an end in itself?
In considering this matter one cannot ignore the fact that to the superficial Bible reader, as well as to him who bases his philosophy on the phenomena of human experience, there is much in apparent support of the contention that all truth is relative; that an idea or point of view which contributes to the pleasure and welfare of an individual, in his time and place is the truth for him and should command his obedience, though for those who come after him, or for others in his own time, perchance, it may contain no value and merit no loyalty. The concept of service and sacrifice which Micah presents as acceptable unto God differs very materially from the concept of some of the earlier prophets. The requirements of divine law given by Christ Jesus are in striking contrast to those of the law delivered by Moses, and an order of Christian conduct and procedure seems quite legitimate today which in many important respects is far removed from that of the early church.
