Editorial April 22, 1905 Issue

"Effectual, fervent prayer"

Annie M. Knott

As shown in all human experience, there is an element of consciousness which, in time of stress, turns away from the things of sense to the spiritual and eternal; intermittently it may be, yet from necessity it refuses to be stilled until satisfied, if only for the hour. The awakening sense has grown weary of the husks and of the companionship of swine, and longs for a help not found in materiality. This is illustrated in one of Jesus' parables which is generally misunderstood,—that of the unjust judge. In this story the Master tells of a widow who sought redress for her wrongs from one who "feared not God, neither regarded man." While no consideration of justice or mercy moved this judge, he was at length influenced by her ceaseless importunity to grant her request. The parable is usually referred to as an authorization of perseverance in prayer until the unwillingness or unreadiness of the Almighty is overcome. Many commentators have recognized the obvious disrespect for God shown by this interpretation, and they have conceded that while it was permissible in Jesus to compare his Father to an unjust judge, it would be highly improper in any one else to do so.

The seeming inconsistency of the parable is removed, however, when we notice that Jesus did not compare the Divine character with that of the unjust judge; on the contrary, he contrasted them, and showed that God will "speedily" avenge,—right the wrongs of His people, when they go to Him instead of going to another. The parable makes it clear that the delay in obtaining justice was because the long-continued appeal had been made to a mortal, and yet, even here the reward of persistency is seen, for the selfish indifference of evil which would have thwarted the ends of justice was finally overcome. The pathos of the parable lies in the reference to those who "cry day and night unto him." Are there not many to-day who do this very thing, but who at the same time depend upon material means and trust in the supposed wisdom of mortal mind,—the unjust judge,—even when it passes sentence of death upon them? It is sad to meet the great Teacher's incisive question, "When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?" Who will answer? Luke says that this parable was addressed to "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." Are there not at the present time many who covet the blessings of Christian Science, but who are so encrusted with self-righteousness that there is found no entrance for that "faith" which apprehends the Father and which gives both confidence and humility in seeking His loving aid?

The case is recalled of a deeply religious lady who, after years of unrelieved suffering, sought help in Christian Science. A testimony of gratitude for moral and physical healing was given her to read, and after perusing it she said, with an air of offended dignity, that she hoped the Scientist did not class her with such wicked people as this one who had been healed. Was it not to such that the Master said, "The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before you"?

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