Editorial September 29, 1906 Issue

"BY THEIR FRUITS."

Archibald McLellan

Because of the emphasis which its teachings give to the healing of the sick, Christian Science has been regarded by some of its critics as merely a means of curing bodily ills, and to such its true spiritual animus is unknown. On the other, hand there is a class which assumes to see in it nothing but another denomination or sect, preaching the same gospel of a future-world salvation which has been preached for ages. Both of these concepts of Christian Science are wrong, for it should be understood that faith and works are united in this religion as they were in the time of Jesus and his immediate followers.

The healing of the sick is the necessary and logical outgrowth of the teachings of the Master when scientifically applied to the affairs of men, and this healing cannot be separated from the spiritual development of the individual. The two are so interwoven as to constitute the practical demonstration of Immanuel—God with us—in human experience. Mrs. Eddy has well said of the necessity for a unified Christianity, "Anciently the followers of Christ, or Truth, measured Christianity by its power over sickness, sin, and death; but modern religions generally omit all but one of these powers,—the power over sin. We must seek the undivided garment, the whole Christ, as our first proof of Christianity, for Christ, Truth, alone can furnish us with absolute evidence" (Science and Health, p. 142).

Those who are seriously considering the possibility of Christian Science being of benefit to them in their ills and sorrows, are calling upon its followers for proof of their faith by their works, and it is incumbent upon them to be actively engaged, as was their Master, upon their Father's business. The demand of the hour is for the healing of the sick and the regeneration of the sinful, and as this work is done by Christian Scientists they will hasten the day when the miseries and pains of mortal existence shall be no more. The grateful expressions which are made public through our periodicals and at our Wednesday evening meetings give evidence of this healing work and the great benefit it is conferring upon humanity, but there should be still greater progress. What is needed is a more careful and prayerful study of the Scriptures and of our text-book, and a more exact and painstaking application of their teachings to our daily affairs. Thus will we be ready to prove the truth of Christian Science and to fulfil our Master's command to "preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."

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