Editorial October 5, 1907 Issue

THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH

Annie M. Knott

In the Bible the word strength and its derivatives are used between three and four hundred times, and in almost every instance the text points to God as the source thereof. Says the psalmist, "The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" while the prophet Isaiah declares that though "even the youths shall faint and be weary, ... they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Paul tersely sums up this entire line of thought when he says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

While thinking recently upon the deep practical import of these and kindred passages of Scripture, as studied in the light of Christian Science, the following criticism was found in an English newspaper: "There is much truth in the teachings of Mrs. Eddy, but she ignores the teaching of Christ," etc. From the standpoint of Christian Science there could not be "much truth" in any teaching which does this, or in any theories, medical or religious, which fail to recognize the Christ teaching,—the truth that sets free from sin and disease. Christian Scientists know that the teachings of the Master, and those of Mrs. Eddy, are demonstrable truth, and when thus understood they lead away from the belief in material means for the healing of the sick, the reformation of sinners, or the unfoldment of man's possibilities.

Contrary to the opinion of many, Christian Science takes account of the present needs of mankind and takes up the sufferer's case with due consideration for human weakness and disability, although it never holds these to be realities of existence, even temporarily. In most cases the material doctor takes the position that a patient's chances of recovery depend upon his endurance, his strength, for disease is admitted to be hard to reckon with,—a dark uncertainty. Unfortunately for the patient, the same sense of uncertainty too often prevails with respect to his strength, which is supposed to be dependent upon material conditions. Here Mrs. Eddy's teachings point both patient and practitioner to the divine source of strength, with full assurance of its infinitude. In most instances the sufferer has learned, before coming to Christian Science for help, that matter cannot give him vitality, though he had formerly supposed it to be the source of his health and strength. When this false dependence is seen to be false, then the enlightened thought says with Paul, "When I am weak, then am I strong;" nay, it goes farther, and says with him, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

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