One of the subtle besetting sins of mortal mind, so called, is self-righteousness, complacent satisfaction with one's self and consequent dissatisfaction with or criticism of one's neighbor. That criticism is more frequently destructive than constructive is soon evident to even the beginner in Christian Science.
Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, has left along the path that winds upward and Spiritward many way-marks for the advancing Christian Scientist, not the least of which were his rebukes to self-righteousness, as in his conversation with Simon the Pharisee. The gentle, loving, compassionate Jesus made his way among the unbelievers that almost constantly surrounded him—many of them expressing ignorance, incredulity, ridicule, and hate—with a patient, long-suffering charity that never lost its healing influence. Smitten again and again by the hardness of heart, the bitter scorn and self-righteousness of the Pharisees, he repeatedly and unwaveringly pointed out to them the true way, the only way of salvation—that of compassion, forgiveness, love.
Simon, apparently, was not unlike his class; and he may have sought the Master for the purpose of basking in reflected glory, thus acquiring a new eminence in the eyes of his townsmen, just as many to-day seek the great and the wise, not to learn of them, but to exploit their greatness. While Simon apparently did not come seeking the truth, it was inevitable that he should hear it in full measure from the lips of the Master.
