How many who have read these words of the Master have taken in the full import of the unselfishness portrayed in them, and how many of us who profess to love and revere his name, and who try, as well as we know how, to follow in his footsteps, have even the faintest-conception of this mighty "joy" with which this man of men, in order to share with his loved human brethren, endured the keenest anguish, the ill-treatment, the ingratitude of those for whom he suffered, without a murmur or complaint? What is this wonderful "joy" which made the blessed Master oblivious to all but it? and how is this "joy" to be fulfilled in ourselves? and what are the "things" which he spoke in the world?
We must remember that before Jesus came to this world's consciousness in the human form, the age was a terrible one. Sin ran riot, and the natural consequence of sin—sickness—was rife in the land. The universal cry was one for mercy. Mercy from a God whom most men believed (at that time) to be a God of wrath and vengeance! The hour was right for the coming of a perfect man. Demand creates supply always. The people cried aloud to God for a Messiah, a Saviour, one who would free them from the bondage they were in. The bondage to sin, sickness, and death! Yet, very few accepted him, because they did not understand the things which he spoke to the world, nor the "joy" which was to be fulfilled in themselves, and with which he was filled.
To-day that "joy" has again come to earth in the form of Christian Science. The understanding of Christ, Truth, demonstrated, is the Key which has opened the flood-gates of this "joy," and let its full radiance and meaning shine on those who are ready and willing for it, even as it shone on him. In Christian Science we can follow the Master step by step, and clearly see how natural were the things he said and did in his (our) Father's name, and how we also can do the same in proportion as we believe and understand the "things" which he spoke unto the world, for his words were not merely empty sound, reaching the sense of ear, but living, loving "Things." Whatever he spake was immediately! He spoke Life, and the damsel lived! He spoke Truth, and the lie succumbed; men became whole! He spoke Love, and harmony, peace, reigned! The "Things" which he said then, were the substance of the Word,—Life, Truth, Love, God!
