Nineteen centuries ago Jesus came to earth, in evident fulfilment of the prophecies of a Saviour, given to the Jewish race. He proved himself to be "he that should come," by works of mighty power; nevertheless, when he imparted to the Jews a basic truth of his teaching, they cried out, uncomprehending, "He hath a devil." Later it was alleged of Paul, whose whole-hearted study and application of the teachings of Jesus had carried him well into the understanding of these teachings, that he uttered "things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, . . . unto their own destruction." And when centuries had passed and the multiplication of sects and dogmas seemed to have buried forever the Christ-message of the healing power of Truth and Love, there came one who rediscovered and proved beyond question the vital force of Christianity, and who unselfishly voiced her discovery for the benefit of all. As the heroes of an older day met the charge of unorthodoxy and ungodliness, so Mrs. Eddy met the criticism that the doctrines she presented were incomprehensible and a menace to church and state.
The declarations of Truth have ever been met with doubtings and quibblings, and the demonstrations of divine Love and power have been belittled and disregarded, while to the sages the world at large has ever meted out criticism and persecution. What explains this slowness to understand and accept the Scripture message of a present and perfect salvation? Are the records of the prophets and the apostles vague and bewildering in statement concerning the will of God toward His people? Was the life of our Master mysterious and difficult of comprehension? Does Christian Science, voicing his teachings, speak in riddles?
In seeking to answer these questions we may begin with the statement of the recognized fact that in pursuit of knowledge along any line there is an established avenue of approach to the subject and an established rule as to the method of study by which one may make most rapid progress. Christian Science is no exception with respect to these points, and concerning them we have the definite instructions of our Master. He established the avenue of approach when he took a little child and set him in the midst of his disciples, saying, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." At a later day he gave us the basic rule for growth in spiritual understanding and power in the simple statement, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
