Editorial November 28, 1914 Issue

One and Indivisible

Archibald McLellan

To the multitudes that have been privileged to gain in some measure an understanding of the truth discovered by Mrs. Eddy, it seems almost incredible that many of those who otherwise are most devout Christians, do not realize that the healing work which was so great a part of the ministry of Christ Jesus and his immediate followers, was inseparably linked with Christianity. Hence comes their distrust of Christian Science, because its exponents presume, as they think, to practise the healing of the woes of mankind.

Notwithstanding the practical proofs of its healing power, the unnumbered thousands who have learned what Christian Science is and what it is doing for humanity and have openly testified that God is "a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble," now just as He was in the days of the psalmist, these would-be followers of the Master still fail to see the immediate connection between the preaching and the practice of the Master in this regard. They evidently believe that these mighty works which Jesus accomplished and the doing of which he imposed upon his followers for all time, may be done or left undone in this generation as the churches may elect. This, however, was not the way in which the Master regarded the healing work, else why should he have answered John's inquiry as to the validity of his claims to the Messiahship by bidding his messengers report to him what things they had seen and heard,—how he had ministered to the blind and the deaf, the lame and the halt, and even raised the dead, the while he preached to the poor and needy the gospel of repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God in the hearts of men.

Neither is such a view consistent with the commission which Jesus delivered not only to his immediate disciples, but to his followers in all ages who should believe on him through the word of these disciples which has come down to us in the New Testament. Nor is it consistent with his final declaration as to what should constitute the proof of discipleship, the signs which should follow them that believed. They were to repeat the works that he had done through the power of Truth,—cast out evil spirits from the afflicted, loose from their infirmities them that were bound, and give consolation and comfort to the suffering and sorrowing. His intent in this direction is unmistakable. Surely this is a practical religion which the Master taught, for in it is exemplified the great commandments on which he declared "hang all the law and the prophets." It likewise demonstrates that the healing of sickness and the casting out of sin are accomplished through one and the same power—omnipotent good!

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