THERE is a short sentence on page 449 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, containing a wealth of meaning: "Only virtue is a rebuke to vice." In a Bible concordance "virtue" is described as being "in opposition to vice," and as "the generical word that contains all moral and Christian virtues under it." It is possible to speak of the virtue of kindness, humility, patience; but when used alone the word may imply the inclusion of all those qualities derived from God, good, the only Mind. As quoted above, Mrs. Eddy has used it specifically as opposed to all evil —the supposititious outcome of the carnal mind.
Virtue in its highest sense, then, is the constant expression through man of the qualities of divine Mind. Self-importance or self-righteousness has no place in virtue, for virtue from its very nature must express only true selfhood. Mankind in general is striving for freedom from evil or vice, which in its varying forms of allurement claims to attract and to bind to the material senses; and it is only through realization of the power of good that freedom can come. A helpful illustration is that of a magnet, which exerts an attraction over a piece of iron or steel, and which holds it until the object is released by a stronger power. Such a magnet, however, has no power to attract a piece of gold, silver, or copper. Similarly, so long as human consciousness contains an element of evil, it is liable to be attracted by and drawn to evil; but through spiritual purification it can prove its immunity, and reach the point of purity to which the Master had attained when he said, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me."
The story of Daniel is of great value to the student of Christian Science, as it undoubtedly presents an exemplification of virtue which rebuked vice and formed a complete protection against the machinations of evil. The virtue which enabled Daniel to defy the claims of evil and to acknowledge allegiance to the one true God served as a shield which the hatred and malice of mortal mind had not the power to pierce. In reply to the question of King Darius, he answered, "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." This mighty assurance, which has been preserved through the centuries and is now illuminated by the fuller light which Christian Science has brought, is a constant inspiration and incentive to overcome evil in all its forms. Had Daniel allowed his innocency or virtue to be adulterated by hatred or resentment, he could not have risen to the spiritual consciousness of the all-power of God. and thus have overcome the malice of mortal mind with which he was confronted.
