Editorial October 8, 1910 Issue

THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT

Annie M. Knott

All through the Old Testament we find promises of the coming to mankind of better days, when sin and sorrow shall cease and when peace shall everywhere prevail. It is to be noted that all this blessing is inseparably connected with the coming to human consciousness of the spiritual sense of being, for righteousness and spirituality are really one as the effect and its cause. It is undeniable that health, happiness, and prosperity when rightly understood are the direct outcome of spiritual understanding, and this is the message of Christian Science to a needy world. The one who understands God as Spirit and man as spiritual, maintains his own rights without ever invading the rights of others. Mrs. Eddy says that "those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection" (Science and Health, p. 97).

In the 32nd chapter of Isaiah we find a remarkable picture of human consciousness and its externalized manifestations, showing a marked contrast between the asserted rule of mortal mind and the reign of Spirit. We read that "the vile person will speak villany" and "utter error against the Lord." Under this regime of evil belief, thorns and briers spring up everywhere, the vintage fails, the harvest does not come. Then, like a clarion call, we hear the voice of Truth, bidding those that are careless and at ease in the midst of such conditions to "rise up;" yes, even to be troubled because of the wide prevalence of evil, and there is no hint of any real betterment "until the spirit be poured upon us from on high." Then there is a great change—the wilderness becomes "a fruitful field," while judgment and righteousness prevail and are accompanied by "quietness and assurance for ever."

All this but typifies the experience of each individual who accepts the truth, which comes to us as "a covert from the tempest; ... the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." If any should ask when the Spirit will be poured out from on high, it may be answered that it will come when we are ready to receive the outpouring. All the prophets have foretold the reign of Spirit with its boundless blessings, and in Acts we read of a fulfilment of these prophecies, when Peter said that a great outpouring had come, following the glorious healing ministry of Christ Jesus, and reminded his hearers that the promise read, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh;" then, like the Psalmist, each one who is baptized of Spirit may see the Christ always before his face, and knowing that Truth is on his right hand, he will never be moved.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
AMONG THE CHURCHES
October 8, 1910
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit