Spread the glad tidings, is a great command of our Master. Tidings of what? The good news that a way is provided for mortals to escape from sin, sickness and death. What other tidings could more rejoice the hearts of sick, sinful, and dying men?
After instructing his disciples in the way of Life, Jesus sent them forth into the world, saying: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature; and as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (the reign of harmony is here now); heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." How did they obey these commands? In a half-hearted way, fearful of how their words would be received; or did they at once obey absolutely and unreservedly? The latter; and they went out and spread the good news, and told the "glad tidings to every creature." When they entered a place how were they to know who in it was worthy? Did they go in by twos, and sit down in some quiet corner and quietly talk together about this glorious Gospel, and wait for those to come to them who desired to hear the good news? Instead of this they were so filled with the reality and importance of this grand message they were sent to proclaim, that they talked boldly to any who would listen to their words. They went wherever they found people congregated and spoke the words of Truth to the people. When they were miraculously released from prison the command was, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." And they went regardless of the jeers and threats of their enemies.
It is understood that the early disciples, as soon as they were fitted for the work, went out by twos and preached this gospel to every creature. Among those who listened they inquired who were worthy. In other words, they made an aggressive fight upon the hosts of evil. Every one who believed the Truth became at once an active teacher of the Truth. Else how could they so soon be denounced as "these who have turned the world upside down." If they found those who would not receive them nor hear their words" when they "departed out of that house or city" they were to shake the dust off their feet." They left them to take the consequences of their own error.
Are Christian Scientists followers of that same Jesus; and if so, are they not as much bound to obey him as were the early disciples Is there any less opposition to Truth today than then Are not the scribes and Pharisees of to-day as loud and fierce in their denunciation of the Jesus (healing) thought as they of old? Do they not shout as loudly and fiercety, "crucify, crucify, his blood be upon us and our children," as did they of the first century Should we not be ready to defend the Truth calmly and fearlessly and to give an answer to every man who asketh a reason for the hope that is in them with meekness
No doubt many of the early disciples were weak, and their efforts to spread the Gospel were feeble and perhaps sometimes unwise. Even Paul was called a "babbler" by the philosophers of Athens. Still "his spirit was stirred within him, and he disputed in the market daily with them that met with him." Should not Christian Scientists learn a lesson from these people Jesus sent forth, who so soon "turned the world upside down"? I had rather be called a babbler, a crank, or even a fool for Christ's sake, than to sit silently by in the apparent ease of false conditions. I must give a reason for the hope that is within me. I must demonstrate this Truth in meekness, but firmly and unflinchingly. Weak, timid, vacillating disciples did not turn the world upside down, and never will. It was the bold and fearless disciples who understood Truth, whose hearts had been renewed by this new revelation of divine Love, who did the work. They did it in meekness, not seeking their own selfish aims and ambitions; but filled with faith and Love and joy they sought to bring all around them into this Kingdom of Heaven, this reign of Harmony that Jesus declared was "within" us.
Many intelligent, well-educated Christian Scientists, who have in their own persons received the benefit of this Gospel of Truth, meet together to read and talk and study Science and Health. They seem to think this is all that is required of them. Many of them are rich in material things and exert much influence in the social circle in which they move. They have been rescued from the claims of disease and death so far, and admit Christian Science had done this for them. But they do not seem to feel any obligation to go out and proclaim the Truth to others. If perchance they do tell the story to some poor invalid, it is in such a half-hearted way that it does not reach them. They no doubt think they have done their duty; but have they? Have they preached the Gospel in the true sense? Why do they shrink from duty and fear to have the world know that they are Christian Scientists Are they not like Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night, so that none should know that he had seen Jesus Is it not true that there are thousands of timid Scientists who are afraid to face their disbelieving friends and associates; afraid to declare the Truth lest they should lose caste in society? They reason: "Why cannot we be Scientists and keep still, and not excite opposition and ridicule why; cannot we be healed in Science and still not offend the doctors and preachers, and other opposers of Truth; why cannot we receive these benefits and still avoid all strife and obloquy?"
They feel no obligation to go out and preach this Truth to others, and publish their departure from old beliefs and ways. Such Scientists, I fear, are like that ancient church which John the Revelator describes as "neither hot nor cold," and only fit to be "spewed out of the mouth." Are they not dead weights in Science; "broken cisterns that hold no water"? Like Paul, my "spirit is stirred within me" as I see this idolatry"; this bowing down to material conditions. How many are ready to be offered up, to go to the stake, to give up all for the Truth's sake? If the world is to be "turned upside down" by this old way made new, is it to be done by timid, faint-hearted, vacillating disciples who strive to carry Truth on one shoulder and error on the other; who wish to serve both God and mammon? Are such Scientists expecting to receive the benefits and still hesitate to declare the whole Truth? I do not wonder so many say," I was healed by Science, but my old claims will return." If they are unfaithful disciples can they expect the blessings? Will they not eventually return to their wallowing in the mire? There is but one way. It is the way of Truth, "strait and narrow." Every by-way leads to error, sin, sickness and death. "Choose ye this day whom you will serve. If God be God follow him. If Baal, then follow him."
