Editorial November 9, 1907 Issue

THE SCRIPTURES ILLUMINED

Annie M. Knott

In expressing their gratitude for the physical healing which comes through Christian Science, most persons add a deep note of thanks for the Scriptures which also comes with the application of this truth to human need. It matters little whether the one healed has in the past been a student of the Bible or an agnostic, he begins almost at once to have a deep interest in the Scriptures and a new sense of their meaning, the interest depending much less upon theoretical considerations than formerly, and vastly more upon the limitless possibilities in the way of application of the truth discerned.

In listening recently to the reading of that wonderful parable known as The Prodigal Son, our revered Leader's words on page 317, "Miscellaneous Writings," were recalled. She says, "Scarcely a moiety, compared with the whole of the Scriptures and the Christian Science text-book, is yet assimilated spiritually by the most faithful seekers; yet this assimilation is indispensable to the progress of every Christian Scientist." On the occasion referred to three distinct lessons presented themselves, which were new at least to one listener. The first was this: When the prodigal was in the direst want "no man gave unto him," which was certainly a blessing to the one in need else he would not have turned his thoughts and his steps toward the Father's house. The next lesson made clear the fact that "in" the Father's house there is always not only bread enough, but also to spare. Even the prodigal admitted this. The third lesson came from the mental attitude of the awakened prodigal. He did not at once reach the possibilities of sonship,—he could only think and say, "Make me as one of thy hired servants;" but he remembered that even they had "enough and to spare," while he, away from the home of divine Love, was perishing with hunger.

There are many who, to their loss, linger in this same mental condition of self -imposed servitude,—who work for hire, for outward results, for physical healing mayhap,—when all the while Love waits to welcome the Son, to bestow the best robe (the spiritual sense of the body), the ring (token of union with divine Love), and shoes for the weary feet which have strayed so far from the paths of peace. At best, the result of service for reward is temporary. Jesus said, "The servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever." In the same strain Paul says, " Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." In speaking of the healing work which he was doing, Christ Jesus said to the cavilers of his day, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.... For the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things that himself doeth : and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."

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