Article July 27, 1918 Issue

"Casting away his garment"

JOSEPHINE O. DUNN

"The hour has struck when proof and demonstration, instead of opinion and dogma, are summoned to the support of Christianity, 'making wise the simple.'" So we read on page 342 of the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with key to the Scriptures." Are we, like blind Bartimaeus, as recorded in Mark's gospel, sitting by the wayside begging, waiting for the proof of the Christ-message to enlighten our darkened sense? Have we called out in our frantic efforts for deliverance, as did he, and been told by those about us that we should hold our peace; and have we cried the more? Then we, too, shall surely be heard. The very fact that Christian Science literature has been brought to our notice, and has caused us to investigate its teachings, is evidence that we have been calling, "Have mercy on me."

It is recorded that the blind man cast away his garment when he went to Jesus. Now have we cast away our garment, our cloak of self-righteousness, of personal opinion, which we have no doubt been cherishing for years as very necessary to our sense of comfort and protection? Have we put away our material sense of things, and are we ready to receive our healing in Truth's way? To prepare ourselves for this Christ-message we must cast away thoughts of self, and think as God would have us think. Mrs. Eddy says on page 192 of Science and Health, "The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable."

We might think that the blind man in his condition would have felt helpless about going to Jesus. He might have said: Why should I try? I could not find him or go to him alone. But was there not help at hand, when he was ready to go? No matter what our condition or circumstance may be, no matter how helpless or unworthy we may seem to be, if we rise up and look about us, divine Love is there, ever ready to help us. We have many blessings, if we but count them. We have the Christian Science literature in abundance and helpful, willing, and ready practitioners and friends. We have the Bible and the textbook, and the churches and reading rooms. Paul writes in his second epistle to Timothy that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." What, then, had been most needed? Faith, love, humility, meekness, a consciousness ever ready to know and receive the good when needed—and when is it not needed? By throwing away the cloak of self we shall be prepared to hear the voice of Truth when it says to us, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." We shall then have the proof and demonstration required for the support of Christianity.

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