Article October 8, 1921 Issue

"Is there no balm in Gilead?"

SAMUEL GREENWOOD

Three great spiritual movements, alike in origin and purpose, have arisen in the course of human development. The first appeared in the morning twilight of history, and when Jacob, in his mental struggle at Peniel, gained a glimpse of the real nature of Deity, this movement was given the name of Israel. His descendants were known as Israelites, or collectively as the nation of Israel, through which the true idea of God was to find its avenue of expression. After a period of approximately fifteen centuries, in which occurred those marvelous instances of divine protection and deliverance which inspire the student of the Scriptures with wonder and awe, the major port of this nation was taken captive into Assyria and disappeared from history. Notwithstanding the many unmistakable proofs of God's verity and oneness which enriched her records, Israel turned to the gods of paganism, and was no longer able to stand before her enemies.

The second of these movements came into existence with the first advent of the Messiah, and was likewise accompanied by many signs and wonders in confirmation of its divine authority. After his personal departure, differences of view began to creep in among his followers, and increased in intensity until Christendom became divided into opposing factions which refused to be reconciled. Jesus had plainly taught that a divided house could not stand, and the correctness of his unheeded admonition was literally verified. The church fell into the hands of the world, its healing power diminished and disappeared, and it passed completely under the control of the papacy. Then followed the period known as the Dark Ages, when for centuries the so-called carnal mind held undisputed sway over the conscience of Christendom. Like her predecessor, the Christian church had entered into a state of spiritual exile.

The third of these epochal movements began with the discovery of Christian Science by Mrs. Eddy in 1866. The rebellion against ecclesiastical domination which arose in the fifteenth century, and which won the fight for freedom of conscience and an open Bible, undoubtedly prepared the way for the return of primitive Christianity under the name of Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy lived to see this movement well established, and fully organized and equipped for its great work, but dependent upon the fidelity of Christian Scientists to the Principle she taught. Human nature, however, is found to be very much the same in all ages. The admonition of Jesus still remains a truism, and the question naturally occurs: If the mistakes of past ages are to be repeated, will not the resultant experience be repeated also?

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