THERE are few whose experience has brought them in touch with life as mortals know it, who have not found out for themselves that preaching and practice ofttimes do not companion together. One may profess with the lips obedience to the greatest of the commandments, and yet fail utterly when it comes to actual performance, though quite sincere in his desire to do what is right. Duty in the abstract, in other words, makes its moral appeal to every right-thinking man, while duty in the concrete means to the man of action that right doing which counts neither the cost nor the consequences so that its purpose is achieved. Happily there is a possible combination.
Unity of words and works, profession and practice, so far as Christianity is concerned, was established by the great Teacher when he sent forth his disciples "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," and there is no record of any abrogation of this commission or a division of its purpose. The Master could inculcate great truths because he demonstrated them in his daily living; there was no inconsistency between the standard, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," that he set for his followers, and his own exemplification. He could speak "as one having authority" because he advanced proofs that were not to be disputed, though malice and envy would fain attribute the works of healing which he wrought to other than the power of God. So, too, did his disciples rebuke and admonish effectually. The instances which are cited in the New Testament of the labors of John and Peter, Paul and Silas, Philip and many another, among the people, are striking proofs of what can be accomplished when preaching and practice go hand in hand.
There can be no doubt that the unparalleled advance of Christian Science today is due to a restoration of the old-time unity of faithand works, the present-day demonstration of the Master's declaration, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." Mrs. Eddy, speaking of the Christian Scientist, says, "He must prove, through living as well as healing and teaching, that Christ's way is the only one by which mortals are radically saved from sin and sickness" (Science and Health, p. 458). Christian Science in epitome is a constant and persistent living of the golden rule, and bespeaks an inherent ability to heal the sick; in other words, it affords tangible proof that one is following in the Christ-way. One does not find it a rose-strewn pathway, this plane of self-denial and strict obedience; there must be a constant overcoming of self, the casting out of all that is unlike good, if one would meet the high requirements of this Science and share in its blessings.
