THE FULFILLING OF PROPHECY

The sweet chimes of thought are ushering in the Christ. Streams of light gleam from the four corners of the earth, all centring in the very zenith of Christian Science. The dome of Heaven resounds with the chorus of angelic voices, chanting throughout immeasurable space the divine salutation of joy, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men;" while borne on the zephyrs of Love comes the prophetic message: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

What a word is this! Catching a gleam of this wonderful light, which now heralds the promised millennial day, the world is awakening slowly. It turns from its bed of ease, error, and wonders if it really is time to arise, wash in the Siloam of Truth, and put on its wedding-garment.

Dreaming over the supposed pleasures of mortal sense, little does the world know of the loving-kindness of the Father in giving this blessed Christ-child, the true idea of God, as present in Christian Science. It loses the blessing it might obtain by a conscientious investigation of this glorious Light, which is the Truth, the Life, and the Way, by stopping to argue and wrangle over its own erring sense of the Teacher whom God has chosen and endowed with the excellency of His grace, "not in the wisdom of this world, but in demonstration of Spirit and of power."

One there is who stands today as the faithful and true watchman on the watchtower of Zion, voicing the inspiration of the Word in the language of the New Tongue, which gives the true call, "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him with lamps trimmed and burning, filled with the consecrating oil of Divine Love, which, in its clear shining, will be as a light set on a stand." She sends out myriads of rays through the darkness, to guide the weary and tempest-tossed into the peaceful haven of Truth.

Some are hearing that "voice as of many waters," which penetrates the dark recesses of the heart, wakening the slumbering energies of thought; and, with rejoicing, they are hastening to make the needful preparations for going forth, while others are turning away with the response: "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."

All along the line the busy and earnest workers, already in the vineyard, gleaning the precious clusters, seem energized with an inspiration which is "zealous toward God." Never, in the history of our Cause, did the outlook for the work seem so favorable. The universal thought seems changing, and becoming more receptive of Truth. Truly the pure thought of "peace and goodwill towards men," expressed in Christian Science, is going forth on its pinions of mercy and light, fulfilling its mission of purifying and regenerating the great heart of humanity. How true the word of prophecy: "So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (ISAIAH lv. 11.) Surely, this prophecy is being verified in the marked progress wherewith Christian Science is sweeping the length and breadth of our land.

Oh that men would listen and be wise, and turn from the turmoil of this dream of life, with all its strife and cares, long enough to catch the true tone of that mighty word of Truth which is sounding in Science and Health. All the din and discord of this world can not suffice to drown its voice. High above the wild breakers of envy and hate ring the clarion notes: "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. . . . If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink."

Who among men have attained the ultimatum of their hopes? All around us are the evidences of this insatiable desire of the busy, restless world, grasping after the bubbles of vanity and pleasure, which are quickly shattered by its own fleeting breath, freighted with the odor of selfishness and sensualism. This famine of the heart comes "not from a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." (AMOS viii. 11.)

In Christian Science God has given us the spiritual interpretation of the words and works of Jesus the Christ, and has "set before us an open door," bidding us enter and partake of the Bread of Heaven and Water of Life, the satisfying portion of Divine Love; for "the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters."

Dear reader, what is the reception thou hast given to this blessed idea of Truth, as manifested in Christian Science, which is knocking at the door of thy thought? Hast thou opened unto this stranger, who, as a wayfaring man, stands patiently waiting? Hast thou given a cheering word, and bidden him enter and sit with thee at meat? Ah, little dost thou dream that he who is pleading to sup with thee is Lord of lords and King of kings.

Thou bidst him enter, and lo! "the glory of the Lord doth fill thine house." Now he begins to disclose to thee his true character. See him as he girdeth himself and breaketh for thee the Bread of Life, giving thee to drink of living waters, and to partake of that tree "whose leaves are for the healing of the nations." He leadeth thee out into the open field of green pastures, where many of his flock are feeding "beside the still waters." He restoreth unto thee thy birthright, even "dominion over all the earth," and giveth thee an abundant entrance into the "land flowing with milk and honey,"—namely, the realization of the supremacy and omnipotence of Divine Love. This is "thine exceeding reward" for entertaining one who cometh to thee as an angel unawares, when the darkening shadows of this earth-dream are "drawing material history to its close."

Surely, it is a rich inheritance which has been given thee for thine eternal possession. "Happy art thou, oh Israel! Who is like unto thee,—saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help and the sword of thy excellency!" "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." As saith the poet: