Editorial July 21, 1906 Issue

The Living Bread

Annie M. Knott

We can estimate the relative value which the great Teacher placed upon the spiritual and material, when we consider his words, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life;" to which he added, "He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." The evangelist says, concerning this teaching, "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." This doctrine was too transcendental for them, as it is to-day to many who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus; and yet nothing less than the bread of which he spoke can satisfy the hunger of the human sense, which longs for what divine Truth and Love alone can supply.

Many of the testimonies published in the Christian Science periodicals tell touching stories of a hungry and weary quest for Truth before sickness impelled these seekers to come to Christian Science for help. In many cases the doubts and fears of material belief for a time shut out the light, so that the divine supply for every need was not only unseen, but denied. Not infrequently those who unquestioningly make use of every material means in their efforts to find health and happiness, hesitate when the healing power of Truth is brought to their attention by some Christian Scientist, and in this they are strangely inconsistent. Well might the Master say to such. "Ye also have seen me, and believe not." In spite of this attitude, however, the fact remains that no sincere student of the Scriptures can remain satisfied with the mere acceptance of the promises, without seeking their fulfilment in the healing of sickness as well as sin.

It was hunger for the "bread of life"—for spiritual reality—which impeiled our revered Leader to seek until she found it in fullest measure, and through her research and continued toil, thousands have been brought to the table spread in the wilderness of mortal belief, and fed with the bread which "giveth life unto the world." With the acceptance of Christian Science comes a lessening sense of the value all material things,—"the bread which perisheth,"—and the spiritual begins to take, as it should, the first place in thought. Christian Scientists soon learn that their first daily effort must be to find the living bread and partake of it, else they would be unprepared for the duties of the day. They learn, in a most practical way, that through this bread—the truth of being—they have all the strength needed for each day—both mental and physical—also clearness of vision for each task and joy in its doing.

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