Editorial November 26, 1910 Issue

THE WORD FULFILLED

Archibald McLellan

Quite recently our attention was called to an editorial paragraph in a newspaper, in which the great numerical growth of the Christian Science church was accounted for by the fact that this church offers more to its adherents than do other churches; that it even promises health and happiness to them on this plane of existence. The thought which seemed to be uppermost with this writer was that these assurances of a present-day salvation,—of physical as well as spiritual healing,—are attractive to the people; but he failed to say anything about the fulfilment of these promises which is taking place every day, ignoring the obvious fact that such assurances as Christian Science offers would soon lose their attraction to those who are in pain, sorrow, and distress, if they were incapable of fulfilment, and that there must be something more than mere promises if Christian Science or any other religion is to grow.

The truth about the matter is that the promises which this writer mentions are to be found in the Scriptures, and especially in the record of the words and works of Christ Jesus, with which every Bible student is familiar. In the book of Jeremiah we read these comforting words: "I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord." The 91st Psalm is one grand pean of assured protection from evil; and again we read: "Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." The Master said to those who are burdened: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."

Christian Science teaches that the fulfilment of these promises is a present-day possibility, and it was through Mrs. Eddy's faith that Christ's promises are, even as he is, "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever," that she was led to the discovery of this healing truth. The growth of the movement is due to the healing work that is being done by Christian Science, and this is proved by the testimony of the thousands who speak at the Wednesday evening meetings in the churches, as well as that of the other thousands whose written statements are published in the Sentinel, the Journal, and Der Herold der Christian Science. The true reason, therefore, for the great growth of the Christian Science church is that one or more of these promises are fulfilled at the outset of the career of every one who adopts this faith. As an example of this fulfilment, let us quote from the statement of one who expresses her gratitude on page 256 of this issue. She writes: "About five years ago I was healed of a chronic complaint for which I had tried many physicians. In two weeks' treatment in Christian Science I was entirely healed, and since that time have relied wholly upon Truth to meet every difficulty which has arisen, physically or otherwise."