Editorial February 27, 1909 Issue

THE TRUE TEST

ARCHIBALD MCLELLAN

No one will question that there is abundant evidence of the numerical growth of the Christian Science denomination, as attested by the steady increase in the number of branch churches organized, and also in the larger congregations which assemble in these churches at the Sunday and Wednesday services. Something more, however, than this material evidence is required in proof that Christian Scientists are making the best use of their opportunities.

A question which naturally presents itself, when one views such a congregation as that of The Mother Church or some of the larger branch churches, is this: How many of these people are actively demonstrating the divine Principle of Christian healing, and how many, aside from those who have come here to learn how this healing, saving truth performs its wondrous mission, are simply onlookers who believe in Christian Science yet make no attempt to help either themselves or others through the practical application of its teachings? This is a pertinent and practical question, for the real growth of Christian Science lies not in the mere accession of members of the church, but in the development and growth of that class of individuals characterized by Mrs. Eddy as right thinkers. Of such she says: "The right thinker works;... No hand that feels not his help, no heart his comfort" (Message to The Mother Church, June, 1900, pp. 20, 21).

To be a follower of the teachings set forth in our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," means something more than to be numbered as one of a congregation of Christian Scientists. To be a true Christian Scientist is not to have found a "royal road" to heaven, for there is no "royal road,' but it is to be a doer of those beneficent works which Jesus said his followers should do. It is to have rightly started on the path our Master trod, the path which, if we are but faithful and obedient to his commands, will lead us "into all truth."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

"HAVING AUTHORITY."