Article August 7, 1909 Issue

"HE KNEW THEIR THOUGHTS"

EFFIE ANDREWS

IN the fourth chapter of John is given this testimony of the Samaritan woman respecting Christ Jesus: "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did : is not this the Christ?" There are numerous references in the Gospels which go to show that the Master knew (read scientifically) the thoughts of those about him, and Mrs. Eddy says, "In like manner he discerned disease and healed the sick," and she adds, "You will reach the perfect Science of healing when you are able to read the human mind after this manner and discern the error you would destroy" (Science and Health, p. 85).

To follow the Master's command, as did the twelve when he sent them "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," is the earnest desire of every true Christian Scientist, and they have found this to be not simply a matter of desire, but of individual growth, through spiritual consciousness and understanding, the perfect fulfilment of which would lead into the realm where Spirit dwells. In the parable of "the sower" the ground is taken into account as well as the seed. Jesus showed this discernment in Nazareth, where he did but few wonderful works because of their unbelief. Several instances are recorded where the Master was followed by great multitudes, and "he healed them all," but this does not necessarily mean that he healed every sick or disabled person he saw. John records that "a great multitude of impotent folk" were lying in the porches at the pool of Bethesda, but Jesus addressed himself to one man only—one whom he "knew" had long been helpless. Why was this?

The rich young man "went away grieved"—unhealed of his love of materiality—but it was not because Jesus did not know the truth. In the case of this young man we are told that "Jesus beholding him loved him," but our Master read mortal mind and saw that in this instance the ground was not ready for the seed. I often think, too, of the ten lepers who were healed, and how only one of them returned to give thanks; but to him Jesus said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." What shall we say of the other nine—those who did not return to give glory to God? Were they ready to be made whole?

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