Article July 11, 1903 Issue

The Establishment of Truth

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

Christian Scientists are not worried because the world at large has not as yet accepted their faith, since they know that it is only a question of time when all shall know the truth "from the least to the greatest;" that Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled, "And they shall not tell every man his neighbor, saying, Know the Lord, for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."

The apostle in this instance may have referred especially to those who had passed away from this life, but it applies with equal force to those who are asleep in error and not awake to a sufficient understanding of Truth. Paul foresaw the final and complete triumph of Truth and knew that, though some might at present be asleep, they would not always remain in that condition, but in some way would eventually be awakened. Hence, he said, in substance, to his brethren, I would have you alive to a hope in the final establishment of Truth. You are not in the condition of those who have no hope, therefore you have no occasion for sorrow on this behalf.

Spiritual lessons are acceptable to those only who, having had a sufficient experience with materiality, are ready to let go their grasp on matter and cling to Spirit. Christian Science being purely metaphysical—and spiritually so—must begin its mission where it is received and must spread from that point as the world becomes prepared for it. Every Christian Scientist finds enough work to keep him busy, and this is sufficient for the present. It is the belief of Christian Scientists that mankind are to be saved by spiritual growth and regeneration, not by merely believing certain doctrines. Hence Paul's declaration in respect to putting off the old man with his deeds, and putting on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. Mortals must be led from one stage to another as they are willing to progress and understand how. The best persons on earth must advance all distance from their present condition to perfection in order to reach what has been called heaven. Barbarians cannot make the journey from their present condition to heaven in a single bound. They must first advance to civilization, thence to spiritual culture, and still on to a perfect life.

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