Many theatergoers in England and America have seen that well-known play, "The Importance of Being Earnest." Although written more than fifty years ago, it still finds a place in the repertories of discriminating stage folk. May we here alter this title slightly and discuss a question of vital import to every student of Christian Science? It is this: The Importance of Being Honest. In the chapter "Teaching Christian Science" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 446) our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes: "Good must dominate in the thoughts of the healer, or his demonstration is protracted, dangerous, and impossible in Science. A wrong motive involves defeat. In the Science of Mind-healing, it is imperative to be honest, for victory rests on the side of immutable right."
That this statement is a self-evident truism is beyond debate. When one realizes that God, eternal Truth, is the divine Principle of Christian Science and when it is to Principle, Truth, that one turns for healing, one sees that a successful demonstration cannot be hoped for if healer and patient are not striving for absolute honesty.
Suppose a Christian Scientist is endeavoring to heal an individual of a bodily discord and in the course of the treatment discovers that the patient has not a reputation in the community for probity and good citizenship. When this is brought up for discussion, suppose the patient retorts: "Don't concern yourself with my morals. Let us get on with the physical healing." Is it likely that the power of Truth will be manifested here?
