In the whole course of living, what is true is all that ever really counts. Actual intelligence is conscious only of good. True intelligence knows that true man is well, whole, strong, and active in every right way. This spiritual reality of man unfolds forever, in spite of mortal opinions. Each student of Christian Science is entitled to find quiet assurance through understanding this fact of being. In proportion as he understands it, he demonstrates that it is the fact of his own experience. To be satisfied himself that what infinite intelligence knows of his living is the actuality, is to go forward with entire peace and unfailing vigor of Mind manifest.
One cannot merely say or think that immortal man is perfect, and yet make little or no effort to prove this perfection in his own living. How much a man is living in conformity with Principle, he himself probably knows better than any one else. Every bit of real reliance on Principle is living in accordance with Principle. So each one must simply be honest with himself in depending on divine intelligence in every circumstance. He must take account of his own seeming shortcomings only in order that he may replace any such sense of limitation with the fulfillment of the divine Mind's every requirement.
If to others he does not seem honest and sincere in his turning to Principle, the adverse critics of his conduct have the privilege of following the advice of Christ Jesus, to "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone." If they are unwilling to do so they should observe Mrs. Eddy's counsel in "No and Yes" (p.8): "We should endeavor to be long-suffering, faithful, and charitable with all. To this small effort let us add one more privilege—namely, silence whenever it can substitute censure." Gossip and slander about a man or woman voiced to others, rather than brought directly to the attention of the one concerned, are cowardly. They are certainly no more in harmony with tin requirements of divine Principle than are the faults which they recount.
