THE responsibility of the spiritually awakened toward those who are still asleep to the demands of Truth, is forcefully presented in the third chapter of Ezekiel's prophecy. This prophet was called to go and warn those who were resisting the demands of God's law, and it seems that he felt the greatness of the task imposed to such an extent that he went "in bitterness;" but he adds, "The hand of the Lord was strong upon me." We further read that he waited seven days longer before he was prepared to hear the intent of the divine message, and when it came to him it was upon this wise: "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me." He was also told that when one who was divinely commissioned failed to give warning to those who were spiritually in danger, their blood would be required at his hand, whereas if he gave the warning he delivered himself and also the one to whom the message was sent, unless that one resisted the appeal of Truth.
This passage of Scripture may recall to us the experience of our Leader when she was working to establish the cause of Christian Science. She says: "I shall not forget the cost of investigating, for this age, the methods and power of error. While the ways, means, and potency of Truth had flowed into my consciousness as easily as dawns the morning light and shadows flee, the metaphysical mystery of error—its hidden paths, purpose, and fruits—at first defied me. I was saying all the time, 'Come not thou into the secret'—but at length took up the research according to God's command" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 222).
It is indeed strange that Christian people at large have failed to note the solemn warnings given throughout the Scriptures against everything which Christian Scientists would include under the term animal magnetism. In the Bible this error is variously designated as sorcery, soothsaying, divination, etc., but in every case it is spoken of with the utmost condemnation. Isaiah, who perhaps more than any other prophet presents the majesty and beauty of the Christ-idea, classifies soothsaying with idolatry and says plainly that the people of God cannot yield to these delusions. Again and again does he warn his people against this error, and tolls them that although their land may be full of silver and gold, with endless material treasures, and idols everywhere, neither the "astrologers" nor the "monthly prognosticators" can save them from the evils which shall come upon them.
