A brief survey of the world's history shows a continuing struggle on the part of men to gain liberty, justice, and human rights. These efforts have been rewarded by an encouraging measure of success which has served to stimulate further similar endeavors. Thus human slavery, which for ages was comparatively common, may be said to have been entirely abolished in civilized countries, while other forms of injustice have been obliterated or greatly lessened. The proverbial keen sense of justice possessed by children indicates that this quality of God, divine Principle, is inherent with mankind. Christian Science shows that, because justice is an expression of divine law, it cannot be smothered nor successfully resisted.
Pertinent to this subject are these words from an address by Mary Baker Eddy, which was read before The World's Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893: "To the sore question 'What are the working men's rights?' Science answers, justice and mercy, wherein the financial, civil, social, moral and religious aspect of all questions reflect the face of the Father. And this question will not rest till both employer and employe are actuated by the spirit of this saying of the meek and mighty Son of God: 'Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them'" (The World's Parliament of Religions, Vol. II, p. 1423). What a marvelously illuminating and directive declaration!
It is plain that this statement of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, like those in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and her other writings, was inspired by her spiritual perception of Jesus' aim, instruction, and works. Because of his acquaintance with God, Christ Jesus knew more about divine attributes, such as justice, goodness, wisdom, and mercy, than did others. What he preached he practiced and proved; in his daily life he showed forth the Father by reflecting God's qualities, and this led him to say to Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." The Master's combination of mercy with justice showed that mercy is not weak, nor is justice harsh. His association of goodness and gentleness with wisdom and courage revealed the power of goodness and the simplicity of true wisdom; it showed the strength and firmness of gentleness and the humility of true courage.
