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"WHAT IS TRUTH?"

From the September 1916 issue of The Christian Science Journal


WHEN Pilate asked the lowly Nazarene "What is truth?" he received no reply. This great question still echoes down the ages. The best answer to it is the demonstration of truth in health and harmony, and Christian Scientists accept this conclusion because they are daily proving it. One of the beauties of the Science of Christianity is that in its loving appeal to humanity it asks its adherents to prove every step of the way. It is as though Mrs. Eddy had said to every seeker after a practical religion, Accept this teaching, not because I know it is true and have been able to demonstrate it, but because you yourself can prove it. She lovingly turns us away from what she herself has accomplished to the spiritual realization which we may gain.

Was not this what Jesus did when he sent out his disciples? His instructions were to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to cleanse the lepers, and to cast out demons. The disciples were not to lean upon the personality of the great Teacher, but they were to prove for themselves the power of the truth he had taught them; and so "they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

Did not Christ Jesus prove that Pilate's question could be answered only by practical works, when, in replying to John's query, "Art thou he that should come?" he referred to his own works rather than his words. Jesus had been baptized by John, and he had heard the "voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;" yet John doubted, and while he was in prison sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask this question. John's messengers were then and there made to witness the healing power of the truth, for not until the Master had demonstrated the truth did he reply to John's question, according to Luke's gospel, where we read: "Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised."

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