ALTHOUGH wonderful healing work is continually being done in the Christian Science movement, we know that as practitioners of Christian Science,—and every true Christian Scientist is in some degree a practitioner, for the two terms cannot be dissociated,—we have as yet only touched the hem of the Christly garment of healing. The earnest student has a longing to attain to that sense of mastery over fleshly ills and other discordant conditions which characterized the ministry of Christ Jesus; but it is quite likely that in many instances the thought inheres all too strongly that because that great and good man appeared on earth in fulfillment of ancient prophecy, and in a manner which marvelously equipped him for his healing and redemptive work, it is too much to expect that his less divinely endowed followers should be able to demonstrate Truth's healing and saving power as effectually as did he.
In these days, when Christian Science has brought to light God's real nature and man's true spiritual endowment as God's perfect expression, Christian Scientists should be especially careful to keep from being deceived by any false arguments or suggestions which would limit their capabilities in the line of spiritual demonstration. That Jesus fully expected those who understood his teachings to heal just as quickly and effectually as he did, the writers of the New Testament make plain. The beloved disciple, John, accredits him with the statement that even greater works than he had done shall be accomplished by those who believe on him, "because," to quote the Scripture, "I go unto my Father." We assuredly may infer from the marvelous discourse to his disciples in which this statement occurs that the Master perceived he soon must leave his earthly sphere of activity, but that he rejoiced in the knowledge that he would continue in the Father's illimitable work, demonstrating Truth in increasingly higher measure as Truth unceasingly unfolded to him. And we, his followers, have the privilege and glorious opportunity, through the Comforter, Divine Science, to attain to as much understanding of spiritual law as is necessary for us to demonstrate that law as he did.
Although Jesus wept over mankind's unwillingness to receive all he longed to impart, he undoubtedly foresaw the time when the world would be far better prepared to accept Spirit's precious offerings, when it would even seek its tender beneficence and glorify him whom it attempted to destroy. We know, too, that there was much he greatly desired to reveal to his students before his departure, but withheld because of their limited concept of God. "I have yet many things to say unto you," he declared, "but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. ... He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." "The Spirit of truth" or "Comforter," known to-day as Christian Science, has come in the fullness Jesus foresaw to glorify Christ, Truth, to reveal immeasurably the Christ-power, and to demonstrate it to the millions who are now eager to receive its blessings.
