Article December 11, 1902 Issue

"The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand."

S. F. S.

Hoopeston (Ill.) Herald

WERE these words of John the Baptist true? If they were true when they foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace to redeem mankind, they must be as true to-day as they were then, for the Master left this word with his disciples: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Are there any weary ones to-day who are sighing for heaven? Let them listen to these words, and know that "The kingdom of heaven" is indeed near at hand, and that it is the only real kingdom there is, for God is the King of all the earth. All other rulership is a usurpation of power, and this is the cause of their trouble. Yielding obedience to any but the King of this kingdom is to-day bringing confusion and bewilderment to take the place of the peace and joy which belong to God's children. Heaven is harmony, and in the kingdom of heaven there can be no discordant thought or deed. Are we living in this kingdom now—to-day? It is at hand, and there is no excuse for us. If we are neglecting to turn to the light, we must not complain of the darkness. God is Good, and He pronounced His creation to be "very good." He has provided only good for His children. He has sent teachers to guide, and to proclaim, "The kingdom is at hand." Jesus even told what the signs were, so that all might know if they were his true disciples. He said, "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." This word of the Master has been proved to be true. Are we his disciples? Are we proving our allegiance to the only King of the "kingdom of heaven," which is "at hand"? Are we doing the works, and showing forth these signs which "follow them that believe"? Christian Science is teaching us how to understand God's Word so as to bring forth the signs of which Jesus spoke. We can prove this to-day, and so can know that we are in God's kingdom. We can know and enjoy the peace which marks this kingdom of harmony. God is no respecter of persons. He has not changed. His Word has always been truth. All through the ages there have been those who sought and found God a very present help in time of trouble. To-day, through the revelations of Christian Science, multitudes are coming to know Him, and are learning to apply the teachings of its text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in such a way as to be freed from the fears and disorders which they had thought were incurable. God does not withhold this understanding from any. It is free to all who will seek, and we cannot, without culpable negligence, refuse to hear the word which calls, as of old, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

S. F. S.
In Hoopeston (Ill.) Herald.

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