Article January 2, 1904 ISSUE

"Come unto Me."

WILLIS F. GROSS.

Sweeter words never fell from human lips than those of the Master, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." These were the words of one who knew whereof he spake; one who knew in whom he had believed; one who was able to show forth God's love and power to save. We read that he "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." He was called "a man of sorrows;" he carried burdens heavier than the world had ever known, yet he was lifted up and strengthened. He knew how to overcome temptation; how to fight the good fight of faith. His rebuke of error was effectual; the subtle suggestions of the evil one were silenced, and the angels of God came and ministered unto him. He knew "the divine remedy for every ill" (Science and Health, p. 326). He knew where to find rest, comfort, and consolation. It mattered not how heavy was the burden, how great the temptation, or how severe the trial of his faith, he was resigned to his Father's will. Although he was, to mortal sense, the man of sorrows, yet he was conscious of a deeper joy, a sweeter peace, a holier calm than was ever experienced by those who esteemed him "stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."

Because he had received so bountifully of the blessings of God and realized so clearly the true harmony of life, he spake of himself as "the Son of man which is in heaven." He knew that divine Love would bless others as he had been blessed, and with a heart filled with compassion for his fellow-men, he said, Come, and you shall find rest.

Jesus did not speak of his human selfhood when he said, "Come unto me;" he spake of the Christ, "the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh, to destroy incarnate error" (Science and Health, p. 583). "Jesus mapped out the path for others. He unveiled the Christ, the spiritual idea of divine Love" (Science and Health, p. 38). He made it possible for all men to hear the voice of Truth and answer with rejoicing.

The great Teacher told his disciples that after his departure the Father would give them another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, which should abide with them forever. When sorrow had filled their hearts and it seemed that their loss would be greater than they could bear, he said unto them, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." He told them that the Comforter would bring to their remembrance the things he had said unto them, and also teach them all things, even the things he desired to say unto them but could not because they were not able to receive them. At all times they would hear Truth calling, "Come unto me .... and I will give you rest." "Lo, I am with you alway."

"God is no respector of persons." He is not more to one than to all. Christ is ever saying, "Come unto me." —how general is the invitation! "all ye that labor and are heavy laden." The invitation is "Come," and the reward for coming is rest—labor ended, the struggle over, and the victory won.

Why is there not a more ready response to the call of Truth? Is it not because there are few who believe that the invitation is personal? Many read the words, but their ears are dull of hearing and they do not hear Christ calling them personally. They carry heavy burdens and they long for rest, but they know not where to find it. They continue the uneven struggle with sin, disease, and death. They stumble and fall, and oftentimes give up to hopeless despair, all because they do not hear the voice of the Comforter, or hearing, they know not how to "come."

It is hard for man to realize that he is even now a child of God and that all good is for him. It seems that a great gulf, almost, if not quite, impassable, separates him from the Source of all good. He reads the Bible as though the promises contained therein were intended for others but not for him. He is held by the conviction that God is a respecter of persons; that He did more for man in bygone centuries than He will do to-day; and that in the present He does more for some than for others. He believes himself to be among the less favored one and it is useless to expect God to help him. He cannot grasp the fact that every word of God is for him to hear and heed.

There are few persons who have not at some time felt that it was not their privilege to avail themselves of the precious promises recorded in Holy Writ. Many persons are to-day filled with doubt and distrust. If they are not without faith they nevertheless find it impossible to believe that God will verify His word to them as He does to others. They may know how to trust God at some times and in some ways, but not at all times and in all ways. They do not know from experience that God is a present help in every time of need.

Christian Science has brought joy and gladness to the sick and sinful. It has enabled them to hear the voice of Truth calling them and they have found health and salvation. They are gaining the liberty of the sons of God, and they rejoice to know that with God's help they can overcome the myriad forms of sin that have held them in bondage. The Comforter has come into their lives. He is teaching them all things, making plain the deep things of God. They are learning how to turn a deaf ear to the suggestions of error that they may hear the word of God as spoken to them. And when they hear for themselves they know that divine Love is calling all men, even though some may know it not.

Christian Science says to every invalid, "God is able to heal all your infirmities." It says to the sinner, "Divine Love can save you from all your sins." To the discouraged and heavy laden it says, "There is hope and rest." It speaks to all men the words they long to hear, and when they hear, the sick are healed, the sinner forsakes his sinful ways, heavy burdens are laid down, and there is a new heaven and a new earth to all those who accept the invitation, "Come unto me."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit