AN immeasurable service has been rendered to humanity by Christian Science in lifting the veil of remoteness and mystery from immortality, teaching us that it is a present reality, from which no one is excluded who is willing to strive for it. There is nothing more important to us than the understanding of this fact. Jesus came that we might have life and "have it more abundantly." His teaching was, in the last analysis, one continuous declaration of immortality, as well as a denunciation of belief in mortality, and at every point he gave proof of the ever presence of God, of eternal Life. This was his answer to all arguments and attacks of mortal mind, his justification; and his every act was a demonstration of the ever presence of Life as God, the basis of man's immortality. His advent on earth was a proof of this, and his resurrection the crown of his mission.
Jesus' entire life was a continual protest against the illusions of mortal mind which would refute the fact of immortality, whereas mortal mind's foundation and superstructure alike point to an ending, to the limitation of all good; but the faithful followers of Christ Jesus, keeping in mind his perfect example, emulating him as far as in them lies, will never limit themselves in any right endeavor. The great debt we owe the Master comes from the fact that he proved for us man's present unity with God, which is an earnest of our immortality. The fact that Christian Science has revealed to us this true idea of immortality which Jesus exemplified; that it has made plain to us the ever presence of eternal life; that it has shown us how to avail ourselves of this great truth, and given us the certainty that we are in eternity now, puts upon our shoulders a responsibility which we cannot evade; for it opens to us unlimited opportunities— and opportunity understood becomes responsibility.
Those who have partaken of the benefits of Christian Science, who have tasted of the joy and help and comfort which it brings into human experience, owe to it an enduring allegiance. A great obligation rests upon those who have gained a clearer idea of Life. They are the people spoken of in Isaiah as having walked in darkness, who "have seen a great light," and those that dwelt in the valley of the shadow of death upon whom the light has shined. For them, in the words of Mrs. Eddy (Miscellany, p. 191), "mortality's thick gloom is pierced." To them has the message been given; a great and imperative duty has been laid before them, which is a privilege as well; for in its pathway alone can be found health and happiness, with the added joy of being able to save hundreds of their fellow beings from human want and woe.
