THERE are few subjects of so large import to mankind as that which treats of the bringing of evil into subjection; and few if any are considered more universally or from more varied standpoints. All righteous men recognize that evil must be dealt with and subjugated if any degree of harmony is to be gained and maintained, and there are innumerable theories as to the way this may best be done. Many of these theories are largely speculative, and the seeming presence of evil in the world today evidences the fallible nature of most of them.
Although this subduing of evil is the same problem which has confronted every one since the beginning of time, Christian Scientists have the complete equipment for solving it. To them there is no sense of speculation when they approach it, since they are quite aware that in Christian Science there is revealed the perfect method for uncovering—exposing— all the claims of evil and of mastering them completely. They accept the fact that the way of bringing evil into subjection is defined perfectly in their textbooks, and that Jesus has already demonstrated this way perfectly. Indeed, they understand that the entire teaching of Christian Science is based on Jesus' words and works. Their only necessity is therefore to go and do likewise.
The Christian Scientist also understands that to follow in the footsteps of Jesus demands a continual preparation of the heart as well as a childlike obedience to every rule laid down in the Christian Science textbooks; he knows that a life consecrated wholly to the one purpose of glorifying God by demonstrating the unreality and therefore the powerlessness of evil is the necessary preliminary to successful endeavor in this line of progress. These points grasped, he must press patiently forward, proving in ever increasing measure his own God-given ability to bring evil into subjection in his own thinking and living, in all of his varied experiences. This implies the need of gaining a consciousness of power which Jesus always manifested perfectly.
