We are often asked this question. Can we answer it? The author of Science and Health was the first to unite Science with Christianity. Science, as one has said, is Mind manifested. It is not material, neither is it of human origin.
"All is Mind; there is no matter." In view of this great fact, what is our duty as Christian Scientists? We must improve every opportunity to let our light so shine that those who do not understand may see the difference between true Scientists and others.
Shall we wait for "a more convenient season," in which to speak the word Truth—that Truth which makes us free?
What is it that speaks, sense or Soul? It has been said that Soul is audient, and understands when God speaks, as did the apostle of old, when he replied: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" But the ear of sense can not understand. When Jesus was in trouble of mind (John xii. 28-30) God spake to him. Jesus understood, but those with him did not. They heard something, they knew not what. Some said an angel had spoken; others, that it thundered.
How true it is that human language is inadequate to express our best thoughts. We can not fully convey to another what God has made known unto us; we exclaim, with one of old: "This knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high; I can not attain unto it." Good thoughts are angel visitants. Can what appears evil be thought? God knows not evil thoughts. It is said, we talk better than we do. Shall we therefore cease talking, or shall we continue until we can better perform?
We are commanded to "pray without ceasing." When we repeat the Lord's Prayer, do we understand what we say? Shall we cease to say Our Father, because we do not fully apprehend the purport of the words? Did we understand this prayer, our thoughts would bless humanity, for they would heal the sick and the sinful.
Jesus said: "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life; and they are they which testify of me." In our study of this Book-of-books, with the key given us by Rev. M. B. G. Eddy, we shall most surely find the language of Spirit, Soul.
Jesus commanded his disciples to go into all the world, preach the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out devils (error). What does the religion of our day require? Simply belief on the Lord Jesus Christ. Is belief all? The Devils "also believe and tremble." There is more needed than mere belief. We must do the work. Jesus said: "The works that I do shall ye do also; and greater works shall ye do, because I go to the Father." Why follow only a part of his command, namely, Believe on the Christ. Works will be a proof of discipleship. The ancient Christians were healers. Why has this part of Christianity been lost sight of?
God created man upright, but he has sought other ways. There is no way so good as His. No other can satisfy the desires of Love. No other way leads "to the rock that is higher than I." It was the practice of the apostolic Christians to heal the sick. Our Master's first Article of Faith was Healing. He proved his faith by his works. We walk in the footsteps of Truth and Love, when we follow the example of our Master.
Christian Scientists have a church whose preachers can heal the sick. Its members also can heal the sick. Their purpose on earth is to live the Truth, practise the Truth, proving it by demonstrations. Without these works our preaching would be in vain, and we and our religion would become as sounding brass.
On Earth, send forth your brightest buds and blossoms,
Clothe hill and valley in the robe of Spring,
And let the trees, from leafy branches wafting.
The message of this happy morning bring,
Our Lord is risen!
