When the Monitor runs an ad

This newspaper has consistently maintained high standards for the advertising it accepts. Such a policy sometimes leads its readers to assume that we approve of every word in every line of advertising copy. This is not a correct assumption. The Christian Science Monitor accepts some advertising from national advertisers which is prepared for inclusion in many publications. In deciding to accept such ads, we are governed by the overall purpose and tone of the ad, particularly (as the statement under our masthead says) whether ''the message as a whole is helpful or constructive, and is presented in an honest manner.''

We not only support the message against drunk driving appearing in an advertisement in today's issue, but have ourselves been a national leader in this campaign.

We commend the corporate advertiser for the stand it has publicly taken against drunk driving.