WHAT a vast amount of woe the world would be saved were it to abide by Paul's admonition: "They measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. . . . But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord"! Similarly, Mrs. Eddy counsels her followers on pages 308 and 309 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "I earnestly advise all Christian Scientists to remove from their observation or study the personal sense of any one, and not to dwell in thought upon their own or others' corporeality, either as good or evil;" and she goes on to say, "He advances most in divine Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual substance and intelligence."
High as this standard of thinking and living may appear, every one must admit that it is practical. Conspicuous among the evils resulting from the failure to live up to it, is seeming inequality among individuals, races, and nations. Unquestionably, a large proportion of mankind's restlessness, discontent, unhappiness, strife, and warfare is due to the apparent inequality resulting from "measuring themselves by themselves." What a different world this would be were each person busy contemplating the perfect model "shewed to thee in the mount," and seeking to fashion his own life after its perfection! Where could jealousy, dissatisfaction, unrest, find a place in the consciousness of one who had caught a vision of the true status of the real, spiritual man, the perfect child of the perfect Father? There is no inequality among the children of God: there is only equal sonship. Paul indicates this in his letter to the Romans, when he says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
This is far from saying that equality exists among the sons of men. The greatest possible inequality of worth, talents, wealth, freedom, health, happiness, and opportunity is evident on every hand. In materiality there can be no equality, no abiding equity. To this disordered state Christian Science brings harmony, peace, and justice, not by ignoring inequality, but by healing it and thereby establishing right equality. It sets before each individual the task of demonstrating his high estate as the perfect child of God. In proportion as this is done, inequality vanishes. Such a task leaves no time for gossip, criticism, jealousy, and discouragement. Since in this race each runner wins a prize, the achievements of one should gladden and encourage the others.
