NATIONAL prosperity and individual progress are usually contemporary, and this explains in some degree the adjustment and regulation of the various factors and elements which go to make up modern civilization.
Christ Jesus taught, by precept and example, that the law of God is applicable to the satisfactory solution of every problem in human experience, thus insuring permanent progress along moral, physical, and spiritual lines, not only for the individual, but for the whole world. God's law of adjustment, in constant active operation, as applied in human affairs, expresses three distinct functions, namely, correction, prevention, and protection—the essential correction of false beliefs, misconceptions, and misunderstanding, through the substitution of exact truth; the subsequent prevention of a repetition of erroneous experiences; and the consequent protection of inherent and sacred rights and privileges. To assist in meeting such definite requirements of human progress, Mrs. Eddy established the Christian Science Committee on Publication as an integral part of her organization, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. The corrective, preventive, and protective effects of divine law, as expressed through this activity, which includes the work of the local Committees on Publication, exert a mighty influence for good throughout the entire round of human experience. They constitute a vital factor in the demonstration and preservation of universal well-being, and help to promote peace and good will among men and nations.
The fact that provision has been made by our Leader for the perpetual functioning of the Committees on Publication clearly indicates that Mrs. Eddy considered this activity to be essential to the successful operation of the Christian Science organization in its world-wide mission of redemption and healing. Consequently, neither design nor neglect can hinder the activity from functioning as intended, any more than impotent error can prevent the individual from successfully applying the truth to solve his particular problems. Thus a consideration of some of the aspects involved should be of interest to all.
Mrs. Eddy has definitely stipulated that impositions and injustices shall be corrected "in a Christian manner" (Church Manual, Art. XXXIII, Sect. 2) . Should the Christ-like spirit be lacking, the purpose of the correction would be proportionately deflected and an opportunity for healing correspondingly defeated. It requires constant effort to assimilate and express Truth and Love, constant endeavor to express compassion, kindly consideration, fairness, patience, humility, and love. The incentive should be love; the desire, to enlighten and bless. There should never be anything vindictive, revengeful; never an attempt to injure, but always to help and to heal. There should never be any sitting "in the seat of the scornful." One should always be mindful to do as he would be done by. This demands a faithful acceptance and a fearless presentation of the truth, together with a constant reflection and expression of love. Truth and Love, when understood and expressed, are at once so practical and compassionate as to penetrate even the darkest of human beliefs; and where the glorious sunlight of Truth and Love is made manifest, darkness is annihilated.
A willingness to accord due consideration to the rights and privileges of others, and to concede to others the same degree of tolerance and broadmindedness that we ourselves demand and expect, is essential. The good motives of others, even if sometimes they may seem to be misdirected, demand respect; and there must be long-suffering patience with their fears, doubts, and differing opinions. Only thus can love, tolerance, and respect be expected in return. Only thus can we hope to promote proper friendly relations. Only thus can we approximate the example of Christ Jesus. The practicality of this attitude of thought is at once apparent when we remember that one whose thought is touched by genuine Christian charity rarely becomes, or remains, an unkind critic. Error cannot resist the advances of genuine love. Apparent unkindness, misrepresentation, unjust criticism, intolerance, and so forth, provide incidental opportunities to love more. Reciprocated hatred or unkindness never heals, but Love is the universal panacea: Love never fails.
When men reveal in their attitude and actions toward one another such true brotherly love that no demand for compassionate kindness or patient consideration is thought to be too exacting, then, and then only, do they establish their right to be considered true followers of Christ Jesus. This attitude, consistently maintained, is easily recognized as the reflection and expression of that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." The Christ, when lifted up in our consciousness, will draw all men unto Truth, and good will and peace will become universal.
The Apostle Paul set forth the fundamental requirement of successful service, and gave encouraging assurance of success, when he wrote, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." Carnal weapons or material methods utterly fail to correct or prevent erroneous belief, or to provide a satisfactory answer to the world-wide cry for healing and peace. On the other hand, the practical results achieved by the Committees on Publication and other activities of Christian Science, together with all individual righteous endeavor, are proving conclusively that spiritual means are indeed mighty through Love to break down the strongholds of ignorance and false belief, and to promote good will, health, and harmony.
Results already attained inspire to greater achievements, and remind us that a full measure of support and active cooperation is due every righteous endeavor. Desirable results along any line of activity cannot be attained by inaction and indifference. The call to work and watch reiterates a divine command, and constantly raises the question, Are we honestly assuming our obligation to God, and do we fully realize our privilege to be continually about our Father's business? Are we proving, and helping others to prove, the all-sufficiency of the law of Love? If not, we are accomplishing but little; but if so, then with Love all things are possible. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy has written (p. 199), "The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible." Here, then, is the key to practical assistance and to individual progress, providing a means whereby all, by devotion to right thought, may assist in making the achievement of much good a present possibility.
Individual and collective achievements will be in proportion to the honest endeavor to put into practice the truth we know. Consequently, every good thought is of inestimable value in supporting and furthering the work of the Committees on Publication and the other activities of Christian Science, which, in conjunction with all righteous endeavor, are aiding in the establishment of a realization of God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Every individual is directly interested in this work, because every correction, every protest against unjust restriction, every constructive effort, every right educational endeavor, aids in preserving to the individual the sacred right to worship and serve God according to the dictates of conscience. In other words, the activity of the Christian Science Committee on Publication, including the local Committees all over the world, tends to support the individual's right and privilege to depend on God for everything pertaining to his welfare, spiritually and physically.
A gradually increasing realization of individual freedom to live as a son of God insures an ultimate practical understanding of the universal brotherhood of man, and the establishment of peace and good will. The Committees on Publication are helping in no small way to bring about this glorious realization, and in so doing deserves whole-hearted support.
