Perhaps never before in the history of mankind has there been such a universal longing for comfort and security. Presenting itself sometimes as a deep hungering, but also in less easily recognizable though equally afflictive forms, this longing is one of the principal driving forces behind the social behavior of our times.
During the brief period of a few years the developments in nuclear research appear to have swept away many of the standards by which men have hitherto measured security. Yearning for reassurance and release from anxiety, some men in their need turn for comfort to ever-changing forms of matter, and others, with higher concepts, search religions, the natural sciences, or philosophy; but each in his own way strives to satisfy his longing for comfort.
It would appear that Christ Jesus' vivid prophecy recorded in Luke, where he speaks of "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth" (21:26),has now been fulfilled. But he who thus prophesied, spoke also words of heavenly reassurance. "I will pray the Father," he said, "and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. ... I will not leave you comfortless" (John 14:16, 18). Christian Scientists know that he kept his word. The Father has indeed given to the world the promised Comforter in the discovery of Christian Science by Mary Baker Eddy.
