TO the onlooker, Christian Science appears no better in any community than the Christian Scientists themselves appear. He who knows little or nothing of the teaching of Christian Science is very likely to judge it by the conduct of its adherents. This may not be just or reasonable, inasmuch as Christian Scientists are only fallible human beings who have perceived a perfect spiritual Principle and are striving to demonstrate it; and moreover, nothing is more easily misunderstood by the uninstructed observer than is the application of Christian Science to human affairs. The general attitude, however, holds against Christian Science the indiscretions or the inconsistencies of its followers; and he who really loves the truth he professes, heeds for this reason St. Paul's injunction to Timothy: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
He who permits himself to be considered a Christian Scientist has large responsibilities. He identifies himself with the movement, and whatever he presents to the world is more than likely to be regarded as the effect of Christian Science. He who studies and proves Christian Science, knows well that his own mistakes, or those of his brethren, come not from Christian Science but from the lack of it, and he lives in the reasonable hope that more understanding will decrease his inconsistencies. The observer, however, is not inclined to make such allowance; and here the adherent of Christian Science meets one of his greatest opportunities to serve the cause. He can order his conduct so wisely, so lovingly, and so well, that no reproach can follow him; and when this is done, no reproach can touch that which he represents.
And why not this earnestness to protect the beloved teaching that has put much sin and sickness from his own life? If he wants the truth to reach and comfort others, he must let its beauty shine in him; must show forth its purity, its genuineness, its whole attractiveness. Of this responsibility King David wrote, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." And for no better reason, surely, can the Christian walk in righteousness than to protect and glorify God's name. Many of us, indeed, will sacrifice much of selfishness and of personal indulgence to keep clear from criticism the name of even a dear companion or friend, and right affection will always inspire a noble surrender of self to hold in good repute the name of loved ones. So to the extent that God is dear to us we guard His name, and through right living hold it high; and since Christian Science means all good to us, we can do no less than order our lives to do it credit.
