It is a never failing inspiration to read the different accounts of the public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, for thereby one becomes gratefully and reverently conscious of the power of good which he continually manifested. Wherever he might be, under whatever conditions, it was evident that a strong yet quiet influence made itself felt instinctively. Even so a flower, naturally and without effort, gives out the fragrance which is an inherent part of itself. Evil conditions were destroyed through Jesus' steadfast recognition of omnipresent good. His tender, compassionate personification of Love rendered hate powerless. By his confident, unwavering expressions of Truth, the nothingness of error was convincingly proved. Even death was vanquished through his clear understanding of the continuity of life.
The Master, knowing God and His creation to be the only realities, could not, because of that very knowledge, consistently manifest anything but godlike attributes, it was not with him a question of mere theory or belief. The allness of God was the basic truth upon which he stood and from which he worked, knowing himself as but an expression of the great creative Principle working through him "to will and to do of his good pleasure." He did nothing of himself, because he knew no selfhood apart from God, good. The infinite Father-Mother was constantly guiding and governing him; and recognizing no other power, he proved his sonship through loyal obedience and without any sense of obstructive personal effort. So the divine influence manifested through Christ Jesus permeated all things to the constant triumph of good.
No one can read the life of Jesus without experiencing an earnest longing to reflect likewise such love and joy and strength that, without direct endeavor, shall uplift, help, and strengthen those with whom he may come in contact. It is only by much striving and through steady self-surrender that the consciousness of ever present good becomes habitual. Mrs. Eddy, in the Preface to Science and Health (p. xi), refers to "the sign of Immanuel, or 'God with us,'—a divine influence ever present in human consciousness," and to a Christian Scientist who had eagerly prayed and striven to be so blessed, there came an experience which seemed a fulfillment of that desire. Called to a poor section of a large city and gladly endeavoring to minister to the needs of one who sought help, she was confronted, upon entering the house to which she had been directed, by a distressing condition of dirt and disorder. The girl who opened the door bade her go to the "fourth floor, front," which, over dusty, long unswept stairs, she did. There, too, was untidiness so emphasized that it was difficult to fix her attention upon anything else. Presently, as if to steady her thought, came the question: What is there here that is of God? Instantly the answer followed, Love is here. Then, through knowing that since Love was there, certainly God was present to heal and bless and transform, the atmosphere cleared. So Love reigned, and everything else was quite forgotten,—with the result that erroneous beliefs which made for suffering were speedily destroyed.
