OUR PERIODICALS

REV. WILLIAM P. MC KENZIE

Two things are necessary for the spread of the truth, teaching and evidence. In Christian Science the teaching given by the "laborious publications" (Science and Health, p. 464) of its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy, is acknowledged to be complete and sufficient. Any attempted modification of this teaching has proven to be harmful. The evidence for this truth is like a flowing stream which adds to its current from tributaries on every side. The proofs of early days are still potent as exemplified in the lives of those who recognized "the first faint morning beams" (Ibid., Pref., p. vii.). The chapters on "Fruitage" in Science and Health, and "Testimonies" in "Miscellaneous Writings," contain the record of many redemptions through the agency of the discovered truth. The voices that rise in a thousand places at Wednesday meetings bear testimony to lives renewed and blessed in countless ways. In order that this ever-increasing current of evidence may be utilized for the world's good, we have our periodicals, which provide channels for its flow.

Why does a periodical have evidential value? Much is implied by its appearance. Before it can receive permission to be circulated as a periodical by the Post Office Department, it must have a list of actual paying subscribers. The issue of a pamphlet does not imply this, and involves only the expense of a single printing, but the periodical by its very name implies continued publication at stated periods. A force of workers is required for this, and heavy expense is involved, so there must be support given by many to the enterprise. If this support is given, it certifies that the periodical meets the needs of many, and expresses their views. So when, for instance at a lecture, a copy of the Sentinel is handed to a stranger, he is able to decide at once that a large body of people are united in the movement which it represents.

Furthermore, there is never a copy printed without direct evidence of the healing efficacy of Christian Science in the form of verified testimonials. In these records men and women from all parts of the world tell the story of their redemption from sorrow, illness, and despair. The careful reader cannot fail to discern in such beneficent changes the action of a cause producing effects ideally desirable. He may not be at once ready to acknowledge that God is this cause, for the reason that he may have been taught to believe that God is the originator of pain, disease, and calamity for man, and that the redeeming power to which the sick must book is resident in drugs or potions of various kinds. Nevertheless, an impression will be made, and perhaps a vague hope aroused, as if the man should question with himself, and say, "What if after all the true God were good and kind; not the jealous and vindictive punisher of sinners, but the friend of those who need goodness because they have not yet gained it, who need health because they are sick? Why not, if these people testify truly? This is what they say, that they have tasted and enjoyed the goodness of God. Their healing and redemption, they say, is a fact of experience. What if they are, after all, right in their explanation of it? I wish it were true, and that I knew this truth." Then if, as always, "the wish is father to the thought," it may not be long before the man has given himself the chance to know the truth by beginning the study of the text-book, and finding there the solution of his problems.

It is not enough to say that the testimonies in regard to healing constitute the evidence as to the work of Christian Science which our periodicals give. The editors set forth an ideal for living which but for Christian Science would have been to them unknown. Contributors who reveal the glimpses into harmony which they have gained, who interpret life in joyous ways and reveal endless reasons for gratitude, are really testifying to the uplifting and regenerating power of this truth. Workers on the Publication Committees, from whose writings to various newspapers quotations are made, by their logic reveal the effects of the teaching which Christian Science gives. It is their work to pursue falsehood and misrepresentation, and to destroy the lie by the flash-light of the fact. Through their efforts the newspapers into which misstatements regarding our work may find easy access, are becoming few and far between. Thinking of the vast results accomplished by a few workers, we again see evidence of Truth's action.

Considering as a whole all that is implied in the weekly message of the Sentinel, and in the appearance for a quarter of a century of the Journal month by month, noting the number of practitioners advertised, and the churches and societies announcing regular meetings, we may begin to realize the value to the human race of the wide circulation of these periodicals. The psalmist observed, "There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?" Indeed, that is the universal cry of the human heart. The Christian Science movement is an effective means, not only for showing good to man, but also for explaining its operation as Principle available for all.

When, therefore, the Publishing Society uses its endeavors to increase the circulation of the periodicals, and invites the cooperation of all Christian Scientists, this is by no means a cheap appeal for denominational increase. Christian Science is Christianity revived and once more connected with demonstration. It brings a knowledge of the saving influence, the healing power, the regenerating action of the Christ-truth. It answers to the need of all men, and in our periodicals appear every sort of a record and proof of this. To circulate this evidence is humane and Christian work, because thereby those who are seeking good may be brought under the influence of the teaching given by the one who discovered Christian Science. What better blessing could we desire for the friends we love? What larger beneficence can we offer to humanity than access to the truth that heals?

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NORMALITY IN CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

September 26, 1908

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