Editorial April 21, 1906 Issue

The Light Dispelling Darkness

ANNIE M. KNOTT

THE scientific tendencies of the present time have led men to look for human unfoldment by orderly and sometimes slow processes; and this in contradistinction to the belief that instantaneous changes in human conditions were possible. Christian Science comes to teach that right is an eternal fact, that wrong has no claim even to temporary existence, and that the work of the Christian Scientist is to prove this for himself and others by demonstration. Christian Science never indorses the belief that evil is undeveloped good which will improve with the lapse of time; on the contrary, it teaches that evil has neither place nor power in the universe, and that the belief in its reality cannot be too quickly given up. It is, however, important to remember that no one can see the truth for another; he can only see it for himself, and apply what he understands to the conditions with which he has to deal; and as he does so, those who see the changes thus wrought will be led to inquire as to their cause, and will, sooner or later, seek the truth for themselves.

The capacity of mortals to discern the light of Truth is so small that they are apt to measure the light by their own ability to see it, and thus to limit their own possibilities or those of others. After many experiences with the Master, the disciples evidently came to understand that spiritual light must not be measured by mortal sense. John says, "The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not;" while Peter speaks of the "light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." He also says that "one day is with the Lord as a thousand years," so that progress, after the rising of the star within our consciousness, is increased a thousandfold.

It is our privilege to prove by our deeds what progress we are making, but never to make it a standard for others, any more than we would consent to be held back in our advance by the blindness of others to the truth. Spiritual illumination is ever the mightiest factor in the world, despite mortal blindness, and the Master said to his followers. "Ye are the light of the world." How aptly does this characterize the teaching and work of our revered Leader, whose inspired thought flashed like a light across the centuries to the time of Christ Jesus, and perceived how divine Science has forever spanned the seeming chasm between that day and the present; that Truth is no less potent in this hour of human need than when sickness, sin, and death vanished before its revealed light at the Master's word. One to whom this light has come, writes of a vain struggle with sin and disease, and then says, "Since I began the study of Christian Science, three years ago, dyspepsia has disappeared, the desire for liquor and tobacco is gone: I abhor evil thoughts, and am turning from the pleasures of sense to the joys of Soul." Perhaps the most important point in this testimony is the statement that the practitioners wrought this wonder by reflecting so much love. The writer says. "They did not condemn me because I was sinful, but told me I could be free. They turned my thought continually away from the imperfect belief about man to the perfect man of God's creation." Was not this in obedience to the command, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"? ANNIE M. KNOTT.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

"Why seek ye the living among the dead?"